For any UK business, providing clean and accessible drinking water for your employees is a legal requirement. Meeting specific compliance is essential for upholding legal obligations and promoting employee health and well-being. But while there isn’t a standalone set of laws called ‘Water Cooler Regulations UK’, we’ll look at some of the key guidelines and practical steps to meet workplace water dispenser requirements effectively.

Water cooler regulations in the UK

As we said, the UK doesn’t have a standalone set of water cooler regulations. Instead, business water provisions are controlled by broader health and safety legislation the government sets. These guidelines are in place to ensure that all employees have access to clean, safe drinking water during working hours. To achieve this, there are key legal frameworks in place, including:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Employers must ensure a safe and healthy working environment, including access to drinking water.
• Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992: Drinking water must be “wholesome”, readily accessible, and clearly marked for health and safety (Source).

While most workplaces will have a mains water supply to provide the drinking water required, there will be situations where the mains infrastructure isn’t available, such as in temporary workspaces or building sites. Installing a workplace water dispenser, such as a water cooler or a hot water dispenser, is a convenient, easy, and effective way to meet these requirements.

Alongside these legal regulations for mains water, the Water Dispenser and Hydration Association (WHA) has also released their own codes of practice for bottled water dispensers. As a member of the WHA, Thirsty Work abides by these to provide every customer with high-quality service.

Meeting workplace water dispenser requirements

Having clean, accessible drinking water onsite is a legal requirement for all UK workplaces. Meeting this requirement means you’re looking after employee health while boosting productivity and keeping your business compliant. Water dispensers, including bottled water coolers, mains-fed water coolers, and hot water dispensers, offer flexibility, ease of use, and convenience while meeting the standards set out in workplace health and safety regulations.

Wholesome and adequate supply

Employers are responsible for ensuring the water provided is of potable quality (i.e. safe to drink) with enough supply for all staff. Regular maintenance and servicing of all your water dispensers can ensure you meet compliance and avoid disruptions.

Accessibility

General industry practice dictates that employers should ensure an adequate number of water points so all employees can easily access drinking water, considering the size of the workforce and workplace layout.

Separate from washing facilities

Employers need to provide washing facilities suitable for any worker, including those with disabilities. Drinking water should be kept separate from these facilities, and bottled or mains-fed water dispensers in break rooms or office spaces are an effective way to meet compliance.

Meet your water cooler regulations with Thirsty Work

For your business to stay compliant with any UK water cooler regulations and guidelines, it's essential to maintain your water dispenser regularly, including routine cleaning, filter replacements, and service checks to prevent contamination and ensure consistent performance. When you use Thirsty Work as your water cooler supplier, we include these as part of your maintenance and service package.

To find out more about our water coolers and maintenance packages, call the team today on 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com for your free quote. You can even start your 10-day free trial so you can see how fast and efficient our service is.