by Fern Shaw | Sep 15, 2025 | Water, water cooler
In 2025, it’s easy to forget that even in the UK, water security is a cause for concern. While globally, around 703 million people still live without access to safe drinking water, the UK isn’t immune to water stress – especially with rising demand and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. According to the Environment Agency, parts of England could run out of water within 20 years if no action is taken.
And it’s not just about drinking water. Sanitation, water infrastructure and waste are big issues too. The average person in the UK uses around 142 litres of water per day, much of it flushed straight down the loo. That’s a lot of clean, treated water quite literally going to waste.
Add in climate change – drier summers, flash floods, and aging reservoirs – and it’s clear that water security isn’t something we can ignore. Thames Water, for instance, has already had to impose hosepipe bans in some areas and regulators have warned that demand could outstrip supply by the mid-2030s.
Cars That Emit Water (And Nothing Else)
Hydrogen-powered vehicles, once seen as futuristic, are now being trialled across the UK. Companies like Toyota and Hyundai have hydrogen models on the road, with the UK government investing over £200 million in low-emission transport and fuelling infrastructure. These cars generate electricity using hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour. They’re still rare compared to electric vehicles, but they’re part of a wider clean transport push.
Desalination in the UK?
While desalination is still more common in arid regions, the UK does have one major plant—the Beckton desalination plant in East London, which can supply up to 150 million litres of drinking water per day during drought conditions. It’s a backup plan more than a daily necessity, but as climate pressures increase, the role of such technology is likely to grow.
When All You Really Need is a Water Cooler
Still, for most of us, there’s no need to filter seawater or retrofit your car with hydrogen cells just to stay hydrated. Keep things simple by replenishing your drinking water from your water cooler or water dispenser. No desalination or hydrogen tanks required – just good‑old refreshing water. If your office supply isn’t hitting the mark, contact AquAid for cool, convenient hydration you can rely on.
Sources
Environment Agency’s water supply warning: from an article at The Times
Hosepipe bans in the Thames Valley: from Thames Water, Homebuilding
£200 million for low‑emission transport and refuelling infrastructure: from transportldp.co.uk, GOV.UK
£500 million for hydrogen network infrastructure: reported by Government Business
Beckton desalination capacity and usage: from Wikipedia, Everything Explained Today
by Fern Shaw | Sep 3, 2025 | Water, water cooler, Water Coolers, water dispenser
Urology might not be the most talked-about health topic – but perhaps it should be. With half of us likely to face a urology condition in our lifetime, taking care of our urinary health is more important than ever.
Urology Awareness Month, held every September in the UK, helps bring attention to vital organs like the bladder, kidneys and prostate – and how we can keep them healthy with everyday habits.
And yes, one of the easiest ways to show them some love? Drink more water.
Staying hydrated helps these organs do their jobs – whether that’s filtering waste, controlling urine flow, or maintaining overall balance in the body. Dehydration can lead to all sorts of issues, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections and bladder discomfort.
The good news is you can keep an eye on your hydration with one simple clue: your urine colour. A pale, straw-like colour usually means you’re in the clear. Anything darker might mean your body’s asking for more H2O.
That’s where a water dispenser comes in handy. When fresh drinking water is easy to access – whether that’s at the office, workplace, job site, in waiting rooms, shops, fitness centres, schools or public spaces – we’re far more likely to drink enough throughout the day.
So, this month, don’t just raise awareness – raise a glass of water. Your urological system will thank you for it.
source: The Urology Foundation
by Fern Shaw | Aug 20, 2025 | Water, water cooler, Water Coolers
August is shaping up to be a rather refined month, having recently brought us two excellent reasons to raise a glass – National Prosecco Day and National Pinot Noir Day. Whether you’re a fan of sparkling celebrations or prefer a silky red, there’s no denying that wine lovers have had plenty to toast to. But before you get too carried away with the cork-popping and swirling, let’s take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero behind every great glass: water.
Yes, that humble H₂O from your water cooler plays a bigger role than you might think. Grapes, after all, need a good drink too – as do you. From vineyard to bottle, water is essential in the winemaking process, nurturing the vines and keeping those precious grapes plump and juicy. Without it, there’d be no Pinot, no Prosecco … and frankly, no fun.
Now, while we admire the idea of having a glass of fizz on tap, we strongly advise against repurposing your water cooler as a wine dispenser. It’s not that we haven’t thought about it – we have – but it turns out wine and water coolers just aren’t a great match (something about internal mechanics, hygiene and common sense).
What role does a water cooler play with wine?
What is a good idea, though, is keeping hydrated if you’re partaking in any wine-themed festivities. With the UK recently doing its best Mediterranean impression, alternating each glass of Prosecco or Pinot Noir with a glass of chilled water isn’t just sensible – it’s practically celebratory. Your head (and possibly those you work with) will thank you the next day.
So, whether you’re sipping something sparkling or savouring a smooth red, don’t forget to also replenish your water from your trusty water cooler. It might not be as glamorous as a vineyard in Veneto or Burgundy, but it’ll help you stay balanced, bright-eyed and ready for whatever tomorrow brings – even if that’s just another Monday.
by Fern Shaw | Jul 30, 2025 | Water, water cooler
For the last few (gloriously hot and sunny) weeks, the focus has been on how to stay hydrated when it’s hot. But before everyone gets carried away filling paddling pools, pressure-washing patios and watering every leaf in sight, a stern internal voice (think Sergeant Major, broad as Stockton, moustache bristlier than Bristol) barked: “Water conservation at all costs, people!”
So now we have our hydration sorted, the focus shifts from personal hydration (still important, mind) to looking after our green spaces without soaking the planet. Here are six simple, sensible ways to keep your green spaces thriving while still being kind to water supplies:
- Raise That Mower Blade – Cutting the lawn too short in hot weather is like sunbathing without sunscreen. Set the mower to a higher level – taller grass shades the roots and helps the soil retain moisture.
- Sprinkle with Purpose – Sprinklers are best for large patches of grass. For smaller areas or container plants, a watering can (or even a humble cup) is much more precise – and far less wasteful.
- Avoid the Heat of the Day – Midday watering does more harm than good. The heat can cause water to evaporate before it even hits the roots – or worse, scorch the leaves. Early morning or evening is best.
- Inspect Sprinklers Like a Pro – Leaky valves or clogged heads? That’s water literally down the drain. A quick once-over every few days can save litres – and your lawn will thank you.
- Skip the Windy Watering – Watering on a blustery day is a bit like trying to drink from a straw in a hurricane. Most of it misses the mark. Save it for a calmer moment.
- Choose a Smarter Fountain – Fountains that trickle, or cascade lose less to evaporation than those that spray into the air. And during hotter spells, it might be best to switch them off – unless, of course, they’re affordable water fountains or essential for visiting wildlife.
And a final word from around the Water Cooler
As tempting as it may be, please don’t take a jug from the office water cooler to douse your flower beds – unless it’s for your prized bonsai that lives in the shaded corner of the conference room. (We see you, Bartholomew Bonsai from Finance.)
Because whether it’s a heatwave or just another sunny spell, conserving water is always in style – and the Sergeant Major wouldn’t have it any other way.
by Fern Shaw | Jul 15, 2025 | Water, water cooler, water dispenser
When the temperature climbs, having easy access to drinking water becomes more than just a comfort – it’s essential. While most people know hydration is key to staying healthy in the heat, there are plenty of reasons it matters that aren’t always top of mind.
Hot weather naturally increases thirst, but it’s easy to underestimate how much fluid the body needs to stay comfortable and focused. Even mild dehydration can leave people feeling sluggish, less alert, or more irritable than usual. Regular water breaks help boost energy levels, support clearer thinking, and can even improve general mood. Wherever the location, having a water dispenser on site, whether at work, the office, store, shop, gym, sports centre lobby, or job site can make a genuine difference, encouraging people to drink regularly without thinking twice.
Children, older adults and those with health conditions are particularly vulnerable in high temperatures. They might not always recognise the signs of dehydration or be able to help themselves, so it’s important that others check in and offer water often. The same goes for pets, who can’t ask for a drink and wildlife, who may struggle to find water during dry spells. Even placing a shallow bowl of water outside can be a lifeline.
Helping each other stay cool and hydrated isn’t just thoughtful – it’s vital. Making water easily available and encouraging regular sips throughout the day is a small effort that can prevent serious problems. Whether it’s through personal care or simply having a water station nearby, keeping water within reach can keep everyone – from colleagues to pets – a bit safer in the heat.
by Fern Shaw | May 19, 2025 | Water, water cooler, Water Coolers
This World Bee Day is the perfect time to give a big thank you to the tiny pollinators who keep our world blooming and our plates full.
Bees might be small, but their impact is huge. Around one-third of the food we eat relies on pollinators like bees. They help plants reproduce by spreading pollen – a vital step in producing fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Apples, strawberries, tomatoes, courgettes … even coffee and chocolate owe a lot to bees.
Without bees doing their daily buzz-about, many of our favourite foods would become rarer, pricier, or disappear altogether. Farmers count on them to pollinate crops, and entire ecosystems rely on their work to stay balanced and healthy.
But bees can’t do it all alone. They need safe habitats, food sources, and something we often overlook – water. Like us, bees get thirsty! They need clean, shallow water where they can safely land and drink without the risk of drowning. A small dish with stones or floating corks makes an easy, bee-friendly watering spot in any garden.
So, this World Bee Day, let’s give back to the bees. Plant some wildflowers, skip the pesticides, and pop out a bee-safe water dish. Every little effort helps protect these brilliant buzzers and, in turn, the food we love.
Bee kind, bee thankful – and keep buzzing for change!
