There is nothing quite like a warm cup of tea on a cold or rainy day, or a large glass of water on a hot summer’s day. Then again, you can’t beat a quality cup of filtered water, regardless of the time of day or season.
Now, imagine having a designated station for fresh, filtered water whenever you or your guests want it. That’s possible with a hydration station. For some, that means creating a functional space, complete with an office water dispenser. This station offers employees a space that supports productivity by encouraging adequate hydration. Even mild dehydration can significantly impair cognitive performance, which is why an in-office hydration area benefits all.
For others, that means creating a space in their home gym, complete with a bottleless water cooler. This practical solution can help anyone easily transform gym hydration. By incorporating an innovative water station, active individuals can enjoy convenient, high-quality filtered water.
Hydration stations are now part of interior design plans, workplace experiences, and public wellness. If you’re looking to add a drinking water station to your space at work or home, here’s what to consider:
Where a Hydration Station Makes the Biggest Impact
For some homeowners, a hydration station can make a significant impact when it is designed to reflect their personal style. Visual appeal matters, as does functionality. Most people place this drinking station in the kitchen, as it is often the heart of the home. It also makes sense to place a drinking water station in any high-traffic area. These stations, whether in a mudroom, living room, or home office, can adjust with the seasons.
For businesses, access to quality drinking water has the greatest impact when placed in communal areas, high-physical-exertion areas, or locations with limited access to clean drinking water. Here are some examples based on various business models and their use cases:
- Gyms and sports facilities: A water station can provide essential hydration and enhance the space's overall appeal. By offering bottle fillers, these facilities can encourage better hydration habits, reduce plastic waste, and enhance the overall member experience.
- Corporate offices and co-working spaces: Adding a bottle-filling station can support employee wellness and productivity while encouraging employees to stay on-site to satisfy their thirst.
- Waiting areas: Whether at a community center, hospital, or transportation hub, offering water can improve comfort, increase well-being, and reduce single-use plastic.
- Short-term rentals: Depending on the layout, a hydration station may make the greatest impact near the entry, by a pool or fitness area, in a common area, or in the rental space’s kitchen. This addition adds convenience, encourages a perception of luxury, and improves guest ratings.
Sleek and Functional: What a Hydration Station Should Include
When you create a sleek, functional water station, it can transform the simple act of drinking water into an intentional, accessible, and aesthetic daily ritual.
For the best experience, when planning for a modern hydration station, consider the following for greater functionality:
- To eliminate the need for bulky bottles, invest in a bottle-free water cooler or dispenser. A plumbed-in unit, a bottom-load cooler, or a compact countertop cooler all provide a clean, minimalistic look. There are many options, including stainless steel coolers, that offer exceptional style and durability.
- High-quality filtration is important when you want to provide access to clean, healthy drinking water. Understanding what is in your tap water is the first step because it helps you choose the right water filtration system.
- Temperature options are a major bonus, providing immediate access to hot, cold, and room temperature water. Some dispensers also offer an ice-making setting. If you enjoy a variety of drinks, you may also want to consider a unit that provides RO-purified sparkling and still water (alongside preset temperatures).
The design and footprint of your water station will depend on its intention, location, etc. When designing your station, consider the unit’s finish and noise levels. If maintenance is a concern, explore these simple water cooler maintenance tips.
Style Meets Utility Setup Tips
Sleek, functional hydration stations tend to blend into their environments while encouraging healthy drinking habits. Here are some tips to ensure optimal use and ongoing success when setting up your drinking water station.
- Placement matters for maximum use. For the installation process, you may want to place the station near plumbing and power. However, there are options for any area, whether it be a hallway, conference room, or office kitchen.
- The space you’re working with is crucial. For small spaces, the compact Brio Q20 Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Dispenser requires no plumbing or hookups. If you want the unit to provide sparkling water, the Brio Q60 4-Stage Reverse Osmosis Sparkling Countertop Water Dispenser is your best bet.
- Signage can help users find the water station. It can also provide instructions if needed.
- If you include cups and reusable bottles, design storage to prevent clutter. You can also stack cups on a stylish tray to add aesthetic appeal.
- A cleaning routine matters, so consider how often the area needs to be cleaned and restocked. If you are supplying paper cups, a recycling area will also be necessary when aiming to reduce waste.
Whether you’re looking for the best office water dispenser or a bottleless water cooler for your studio, there are many options available.
Brio Can Help Elevate Your Drinking Water Station
Regardless of your space, budget, or hydration goals, Brio has a large, diverse collection of water coolers, dispensers, and filtration systems. Explore all of the hydration solutions available to you and contact the Brio team with any questions.
