WATER PROVISION


Industry bounces back with new technology


The UK water dispense industry proved to be very resilient in 2020 losing only three per cent of its customer base and the future looks positive if the flurry of new product launches is anything to go by.


A


ccording to the latest findings by Zenith Global, the total number of water


dispensers in December 2020 was estimated at 840,000, but the consultancy expects this to grow to 900,000 by 2024. Zenith’s figures indicate that the


number of bottled water dispenser units fell in 2020 as did the number of point of use mains water dispenser units, although the latter sector increased its share overtaking bottled dispensers for the first time. Integrated tap systems also


grew by four per cent, an indication that businesses are looking at new products that will bolster safety and hygiene in their premises.


What industry experts do expect is that all the activity on the


manufacturing front will likely contribute to a recovery for the sector. General manager of the Water-dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA)


Phillipa Atkinson-Clow said: “WHA manufacturer members have been quick to develop new products that give additional safety measures. “These include touch-free dispensers, models with foot pedals and retro-fit


foot pedals, contactless ‘hover’ buttons, sensor activated dispense and UVC- LED technology. There are even coolers that can be activated via an app, using smart bottles to manage water preferences and track hydration levels.” Gemma Tuxford, UK business development & account management at Zerica said: “The good news is that many businesses have used this


exceptional time to rethink, modify priorities and develop innovative solutions for the changed reality we find ourselves in. Whatever the solutions used it is essential that people feel safe. Hands-free dispensing, payments and also servicing is the obvious way to ensure people are comfortable with the way they are accessing water. No matter what future holds and what this means for the business


community, the workforce will still need to keep hydrated which is good news for the industry. This was also message conveyed by WHA chairman Jon Wicks to a WHA


webinar in April. He said: “We all know that 2020 was a tough year for the industry. However, hydration continues to be essential for workforce wellbeing. With WHA members offering high-quality sustainable hydration solutions, we are confident of a significant bounce back in 2021/2022.”


Water dispenser safety and the role of business


The WHA believes clients have their part to play to ensure that water dispensers remain as safe as possible. Businesses can… • consider having additional dispensers to allow for even safer social distancing and to encourage hydration; • review of the location of dispensers to ensure they are in the best place for our “new” world; • considered other offerings, such as hot water taps/boilers, to reduce the number of people gathering in kitchens awaiting the kettle to boil; • make social distancing clear with use of signs or floor markings by the dispensers. Barriers could be placed around the dispenser area to help with this; • Undertake simple regular cleaning of the water dispenser with fragrance- free food grade sanitiser as used on other office equipment.


The association has produced a customer factsheet to assist businesses


restart and maintain their water dispensers. These can be found www.twha.co.uk/hydration


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