More Dangerous than Tap Water: Why Doctors Don't Recommend Drinking Water from the Office Cooler 0 7

Doctors often talk about the importance of drinking enough water. However, most of us spend a significant portion of our weekdays at work and drink from the office cooler.

Yet, doctors warn: while bottled water may seem like a safer option, it is actually better for your health if you start drinking plain tap water.

What Scientists Found

The authors of a study published in the journal AIMS Microbiology analyzed the results of long-term research on water contamination in coolers across different continents. It turned out that often the level of bacterial contamination in them is higher than in regular tap water.

Of course, specific indicators varied in different parts of the world. However, in 70-80% of coolers in American states and countries around the world, the level of contamination exceeds permissible standards.

For example, in some samples, scientists found Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.

Coliform bacteria were most frequently detected in the water, which in theory could indicate fecal contamination of the liquid.

The dirtiest part of the cooler was recognized as the spout. The most unpleasant thing is that this area most often directly contacts the cup or bottle.

Why Coolers Are So Dirty

If clean water is poured into the cooler bottles, where do all these dangerous microbes come from? The issue lies in the containers themselves. Bacterial communities attach to the plastic and are protected by a slimy coating. Moreover, they can proliferate very quickly, even if the cooler is thoroughly washed and disinfected.

However, in practice, coolers often remain unattended during holidays and weekends. No one drinks water from them, and as a result, the stagnant water becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

No substances are added to coolers that could slow down bacterial growth, writes the New York Post.