While it’s eco-friendly to drink from a reusable water bottle, you might be drinking more than you bargained for. A study of commercial water and soda machines found microbial contamination occurs as soon as mere days after disinfection. Researchers from Loma Linda University in California conducted a literature review of 70 studies worldwide, evaluating everything from nozzles to hoses to spigots.
“Evidence suggests that internal system lines and dispensing outlets should be disinfected every two to four weeks, and every week in higher-use dispensers,” the study states.
Commercial water coolers are great when maintained properly, which means filtering, disinfecting, and preventing contamination. Without proper maintenance, people drinking the water are at risk for bacterial infection from e.coli, which can make you very sick with nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
When sanitation and maintenance lag, it can “introduce or enable the regrowth of microorganisms, leading to contamination levels that may equal or exceed those found in the original tap water source,” the study states.
The CDC estimates that approximately 1.1 million people get sick each year from germs and other contaminants in drinking water, so it’s crucial to get the cleanest water possible.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Generally, yes, tap water is treated before coming through to your kitchen sink to remove harmful germs and some chemicals, the CDC says. If you’re accessing water from your refrigerator, it’s getting filtered again. If you’re unsure about what’s in your tap water at home, you can have it tested. You can buy kits to test your water, but they’re expensive and not as reliable as letting the experts handle it. The EPA recommends using a lab that has a drinking water laboratory certification.
Move Over, Plastic Water Bottle
The plastic water bottle emerged in the 1980s and quickly became popular with many a gym-goer, although these days, concerns about how microplastics may negatively impact our health have people moving on to stainless steel containers like the popular Stanley, Owala, and Hydro Flask. Popularity wanes after a while, leaving room for the next best water bottle.
If you’re concerned, ask your local gym owner how the water cooler gets sanitized. If it’s not every few weeks, you might be better off with tap water or just bringing your own water from home.
