A study conducted by scientists from Loma Linda University revealed that water coolers and vending machines for drinking water may contain more bacteria than regular tap water. A review of 70 scientific papers published in the journal AIMS Microbiology formed the basis for this conclusion.
It was found that microbes can start to actively multiply in the nozzles and tubes of water dispensers just a few days after disinfection. This is due to the absence of residual chlorine in vending systems, which helps to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in tap water.
The authors of the study note that with irregular maintenance and untimely filter replacement, coolers create favorable conditions for the formation of bacterial biofilms. As a result, the level of contamination of water in such devices can reach or even exceed the level of contamination of the original tap water.
According to the scientists' findings, to maintain the safety of water in coolers, regular and thorough maintenance is necessary, including disinfection from once a week to once a month, depending on the intensity of use. Without proper care, a familiar source of "clean" water can become a hidden threat to health.
