Khaberni - A recent study warned that water coolers and dispensers widely used in offices and public places may create a fertile environment for bacteria to grow, despite the belief that they are safer than tap water.
Researchers from Loma Linda University in California conducted an analytical review of data from 70 studies conducted over the past two decades in five countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, and concluded that water dispensers often contain levels of bacteria that exceed those found in the tap water sources that supply them.
The researchers analyzed bacterial contamination in different types of water dispensers, whether those directly connected to the tap water network or those using large water bottles.
The results showed that the surfaces of these devices can be contaminated with biofilms, a slimy protective layer produced by microorganisms, allowing bacteria to survive and proliferate inside water tanks, pipes, and filling nozzles.
The study showed that bacterial contamination is not limited to water coolers alone, but also extends to soft drink vending machines, where bacterial growth was recorded just a few days after some devices were sterilized.
The bacteria detected included fecal coliforms, bacteria associated with human and animal waste, which may increase the risk of digestive system diseases such as nausea and vomiting, and, in rare cases, the infection can be fatal.
Dr. Ryan Sinclair, an environmental microbiology expert and contributor to the study, explained that the water filtration process in these devices leads to the removal of residual chlorine, creating a suitable environment for bacteria to grow, emphasizing the need to clean pipes and replace filters regularly.
Unlike tap water, which usually contains small amounts of chlorine that help to kill microbes, water coolers and dispensers might allow water to pass without disinfectants, providing an opportunity for bacteria to proliferate, particularly on the moist surfaces of nozzles and distribution outlets.
Experts warned that neglecting to clean the devices or replace the filters regularly could turn these filters into a fertile environment for bacteria to grow, instead of their intended protective role.
The researchers indicated that the goal of the study is to raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with water dispensers and coolers, and to advocate for regular maintenance and cleaning procedures.
Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas Heil, a water quality expert at Crafton Hills College in California, the research team recommended cleaning water distribution devices every two to four weeks, or weekly in case of heavy use.
