Office water taps have come a long way from the standard kitchen tap, with modern systems delivering chilled, filtered, and even sparkling drinking water from a dedicated dispensing point. For businesses upgrading their staff kitchen, planning an office refurbishment or simply looking to improve their drinking water facilities, these systems offer a practical alternative to traditional water coolers.
Quick summary
Modern office water taps can provide chilled, ambient and sparkling drinking water from a compact, mains-fed system, with hot water available on selected models. They are particularly suited to staff kitchens, meeting areas and workplace refurbishments where businesses want convenient drinking water without installing a freestanding dispenser. Choosing the right system involves considering water capacity, available space, plumbing, filtration and servicing requirements.
What are office water taps?
Most workplaces already have access to drinking water, but that doesn’t necessarily mean their existing facilities meet everyone’s requirements.
A standard kitchen tap might provide perfectly suitable drinking water, but it won’t necessarily offer the temperature or variety employees prefer. Refrigerating bottled water takes up valuable fridge space, while traditional water coolers require their own dedicated location.
Modern office water taps offer another option.
These systems connect to the building’s mains water supply and provide filtered drinking water through a dedicated tap. Depending on the equipment selected, users can access chilled, ambient, sparkling or hot water without relying on separate bottles or several appliances.
Unlike a conventional water cooler, which generally sits on a worktop or stands independently, an integrated water tap system can be installed as part of the kitchen area.
The dispensing tap remains visible above the worktop, while some of the filtration, cooling and carbonation components are housed in the cupboard below.
This creates a relatively discreet installation that can work particularly well in modern office kitchens and breakout areas.
However, different systems have different requirements, so it’s worth understanding how they operate before deciding which one to install.
What types of water can modern office water taps provide?
One of the main reasons businesses consider upgrading their drinking water facilities is the choice available from modern dispensing systems.
Depending on the model and configuration, commercial drinking water taps can provide several different options.
Chilled water
Chilled drinking water is one of the most popular features of workplace dispensing systems.
Instead of filling bottles and leaving them in a refrigerator, employees can dispense cooled water directly into a glass, jug, or reusable bottle.
This can be particularly convenient in busy workplaces where several people regularly need cold drinking water.
A system’s dispensing rate depends on its cooling capacity, an important consideration when choosing equipment.
Ambient water
Not everyone wants their drinking water chilled.
Ambient water provides a room-temperature alternative, making it useful for people who prefer their water without additional cooling.
Having both chilled and ambient options available from the same tap gives employees a choice without requiring separate dispensers.
Sparkling water
Sparkling water taps for offices are an increasingly interesting alternative to providing bottled carbonated water.
These systems use carbonation technology to add carbon dioxide to the water, allowing employees to dispense sparkling water directly from the tap.
For workplaces where staff regularly purchase sparkling bottled water, this could reduce the need to store and replenish individual bottles.
However, businesses should consider the additional equipment and ongoing CO₂ supply required for carbonation.
Not every office water tap includes sparkling water as standard, so it’s important to check the available configurations.
Hot water
Some office drinking water systems can also provide hot water for preparing drinks.
This could be particularly useful in staff kitchens where employees regularly make tea or other hot beverages.
However, hot water capabilities and temperatures vary between products, so businesses should check whether a particular model is appropriate for their intended use.
The Borg & Overström T3+ range, for example, includes configurations with hot water alongside other drinking water options.
Why choose mains-fed water taps for your office?
Office water taps can provide several practical advantages, particularly for businesses looking to create a more streamlined refreshment area.
Convenient access throughout the working day
When drinking water is readily available, employees don’t need to search for bottled drinks, wait for water to cool in the refrigerator or travel to another area of the building.
Having a dedicated dispensing point in an accessible location makes refilling a glass or reusable bottle a straightforward part of the working day.
For larger workplaces, the right location can be just as important as the equipment itself.
A cleaner, more integrated kitchen layout
A freestanding water cooler is practical in many environments, but it isn’t always the preferred choice for a newly fitted office kitchen.
An integrated water tap can sit naturally within the worktop, leaving more visible space for other equipment.
With suitable cupboard space available, the cooling and filtration components can be installed out of sight.
This can be particularly appealing for businesses undertaking an office refurbishment or creating a more contemporary staff refreshment area.
Less reliance on bottled drinking water
Mains-fed water taps provide drinking water directly from the building’s supply, reducing the need for individual bottled water deliveries.
For workplaces that regularly purchase bottled still or sparkling water, this could help reduce packaging waste and the storage space required for bottles.
The environmental benefit will depend on existing purchasing habits, equipment and usage, but reducing reliance on disposable bottles is a worthwhile consideration for many businesses.
More choice from one dispensing point
Rather than needing separate equipment for chilled and sparkling water, a suitable integrated system can provide several options in one location.
That can make workplace refreshment facilities easier to organise, particularly where space is limited.
The key is choosing a configuration that matches how employees actually use the facilities, rather than paying for features that are unlikely to be needed.
Choosing the right office water tap for your workplace
There isn’t one drinking water system that suits every office.
A small business with ten employees will have different requirements from a multi-floor workplace with several hundred people using shared facilities.
Before selecting equipment, there are several factors worth discussing with your supplier.
How many people will use the system?
Water dispensing capacity is an important consideration, particularly during busy periods.
In a small office, demand may be spread fairly evenly throughout the day. In a larger workplace, there could be substantial demand during lunch breaks, meetings or shift changes.
A system needs to provide sufficient water at the required temperature without excessive waiting times.
Consider how many people are on site, when the busiest periods occur and whether more than one dispensing point would be beneficial.
Where will the tap be installed?
Office water taps generally need access to the mains water supply, an appropriate electrical connection and enough room for the associated equipment.
The visible tap might take up very little space, but the installation could also require room underneath the worktop for cooling, filtration or carbonation components.
You should also consider the worktop material, cupboard dimensions, ventilation requirements and access for servicing.
If you’re planning an office refurbishment, it’s worth discussing the water system with your kitchen installer early in the project.
Is sparkling water worth including?
Sparkling water can be an attractive addition to a workplace kitchen, but it won’t be necessary for every business.
If employees already consume a significant amount of bottled sparkling water, an integrated carbonation system could be particularly useful.
However, sparkling water equipment generally requires a CO₂ supply that needs monitoring and replacing periodically.
Ask your supplier how the carbonation system operates, what ongoing requirements are involved and whether it makes sense for your expected usage.
What about filtration and water quality?
Many commercial drinking water taps use filtration systems designed to improve the taste and quality of the dispensed water.
Different filters target different substances, and the appropriate solution may depend on the local water supply and equipment requirements.
Filtration components also need replacing at recommended intervals.
For businesses comparing office drinking water systems, it’s worth asking what filtration is included, how frequently filters need changing and whether these arrangements form part of an ongoing service agreement.
Office water taps versus traditional water dispensers
Both integrated taps and traditional water dispensers have their place, but the most suitable option depends on the workplace.
| Consideration | Office water taps | Traditional water dispensers |
| Installation | Usually integrated into a worktop with components beneath | Countertop or floor-standing designs |
| Water options | Chilled, ambient, sparkling and sometimes hot | Varies by model, including chilled, ambient, hot or sparkling |
| Space | Requires suitable cupboard and worktop space | Requires counter or floor space |
| Appearance | Discreet and integrated | Visible, standalone equipment |
| Best suited to | Permanent kitchen installations and refurbishments | Breakrooms, shared spaces and varied workplace layouts |
It’s worth remembering that an integrated tap isn’t automatically the better choice.
For example, a busy warehouse might benefit more from a robust floor-standing dispenser positioned close to the operational area. Meanwhile, an office investing in a new kitchen could prefer the appearance and functionality of an integrated tap.
Westways also supplies office water coolers, including countertop and floor-standing systems, so businesses can compare different equipment types rather than focusing on one arrangement.
Exploring office water taps from Westways
Westways Vending supplies commercial workplace refreshment equipment across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and the wider South East, including drinking water solutions from established manufacturers.
For businesses interested in integrated office water taps, the Borg & Overström range offers options worth exploring.
The T2+ is designed for integrated drinking water dispensing, making it particularly relevant for office kitchens and breakout spaces where appearance and worktop organisation are important.
Depending on the configuration, businesses can explore chilled, ambient and sparkling water options.
Rather than relying on a separate floor-standing appliance, the system provides a dedicated tap arrangement with associated equipment installed beneath the counter.
This makes it worth considering for businesses that want modern drinking water facilities as part of a fitted kitchen.
The T3+ is another option for workplaces looking for an integrated drinking water system.
With configurations that can incorporate hot water alongside other drinking water selections, it may be particularly useful where businesses want to provide several options from a single dispensing point.
The right choice between the T2+ and T3+ depends on the specific water selections required, expected demand and available installation space.
It’s important to confirm current product configurations and installation specifications before ordering.
Westways can help businesses consider which type of drinking water system suits their requirements, whether that’s an integrated tap, a countertop water dispenser or a floor-standing cooler.
Find the right office water taps with Westways
Whether you’re planning a new staff kitchen, refurbishing an office or upgrading your existing drinking water facilities, choosing the right water system starts with understanding how your workplace will use it.
From chilled and sparkling office water taps to more traditional water dispensers, Westways can help you explore suitable workplace hydration solutions.
Our team can discuss your available space, expected demand, preferred water options and installation requirements to help identify appropriate equipment.
To find out more about office water taps and drinking water systems, get in touch with Westways Vending.
Telephone: 0800 195 3170
Email: info@westwaysvending.co.uk
Website: https://www.westwaysvending.co.uk/
Frequently asked questions about office water taps
What are office water taps?
Office water taps are dedicated drinking water systems designed for commercial workplaces. They usually connect directly to the mains water supply and can provide filtered drinking water in different configurations, including chilled, ambient and sparkling options. Some models also provide hot water. Integrated systems typically have a visible dispensing tap and additional equipment installed beneath the worktop.
Can you get sparkling water taps for offices?
Yes, sparkling water taps for offices are available from manufacturers including Borg & Overström. These systems use carbonation equipment and a CO₂ supply to provide sparkling drinking water directly from the tap. They can be a useful alternative to purchasing bottled sparkling water, particularly in workplaces where employees regularly choose carbonated drinks.
Do office water taps need to be connected to the mains?
Most integrated commercial drinking water taps require a connection to the building’s mains water supply. They also generally need electricity to operate cooling, heating or carbonation components. Installation requirements differ between models, so businesses should check plumbing access, electrical connections and available cupboard space before purchasing equipment.
What is the difference between an office water tap and a water cooler?
An office water tap is generally integrated into a kitchen worktop, with additional equipment installed beneath the counter. A water cooler is usually a countertop or floor-standing appliance. Both can provide filtered and chilled water, depending on the model. Integrated taps are often preferred for fitted kitchens, while standalone dispensers offer different installation and placement options.
Are office water taps suitable for large workplaces?
Yes, provided the system has sufficient dispensing capacity for the number of people using it. Larger workplaces may require higher-capacity equipment or multiple dispensing points to accommodate busy periods. Businesses should consider staff numbers, expected water consumption and peak usage before selecting a system.
Do chilled and sparkling water taps need regular servicing?
Yes. Chilled and sparkling drinking water systems require appropriate maintenance, including filter changes, cleaning and checks of relevant components. Sparkling water systems also need their CO₂ supply managed. Maintenance requirements depend on the manufacturer and equipment, so businesses should confirm the recommended schedule and available servicing arrangements when choosing a supplier.
Can office water taps provide hot water too?
Some office water taps can provide hot water alongside chilled, ambient or sparkling options. For example, selected configurations within the Borg & Overström T3+ range include hot water functionality. Businesses should check the available temperatures and specific model capabilities to make sure the system suits their intended use.
How much space is needed for an office drinking water tap?
The amount of space required depends on the model and its associated equipment. Although the tap itself may occupy relatively little worktop space, integrated systems commonly need additional cupboard space for filtration, cooling or carbonation components. Ventilation and maintenance access may also be necessary, making it important to review installation specifications before making alterations to the kitchen.
Can Westways install office water taps in Sussex, Surrey and Kent?
Westways Vending supplies workplace water solutions throughout Sussex, Surrey, Kent and surrounding areas of the South East. Businesses interested in office water taps can contact the team to discuss suitable equipment, installation requirements and available support arrangements. Call 0800 195 3170 to find out more.
