Plastic pollution is an ever-increasing global issue and one of the world’s key environmental challenges. As we become more educated about the plastic pollution problem, corporations to individuals try harder to come up with a solution. Recycling has been the go-to answer. However, less than 30 percent of plastic bottles purchased in the U.S. are recycled each year, and only about 70 percent of the plastic material can be used in the recycling process. Not to mention, significant amounts of recyclable materials are ending up in landfills because of the economic costs associated with accepting and processing the waste. So, instead of recycling the plastic why not try to eliminate it altogether?
People purchase bottled water because it’s perceived as a safe, convenient and, when bottles are recycled, a sustainable source of water. It can be difficult to give those qualities up. But what if you don’t have to? With the tremendous advancements made in water filtration technology over the last decade, you can get clean, great-tasting water right from your tap into a reusable cup or bottle. Don’t believe us? Well, the Quench Water Experts are here to explain the different filtration options, and ultimately help you decide which is best for you and your workplace.
There are many different types of water filtration options to choose from and each type of water filter has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the circumstances. That’s why it’s important to know your options and review the pros and cons of each of them.
Our Quench Water Experts created this guide and comparison table to help you choose the best water filtration option for your workplace, by understanding how they work and what their capabilities are.
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Under Sink Water Filter | Installs below the sink and filters water via carbon filtration or reverse osmosis before it reaches the faucet | – Filters water at the point of use; eliminating plastic water bottles | – May need to make permanent adjustments to your cabinets – Takes up space under your sink – Could slow down water flow – Must get drinking water from faucet – Faucet may contaminate water after it’s been filtered – Unable to change temperature (other than faucet presets) |
| Countertop Water Filter | Screws onto faucet so you can filter water via carbon filtration or reverse osmosis without installing new plumbin | – Filters water at the point of use; eliminating plastic water bottles | – Takes up countertop space – Could slow down water flow – Must get drinking water from faucet – Faucet may contaminate water after it’s been filtered – Unable to change temperature (other than faucet presets) |
| Faucet Mounted Water Filter | Filters water as it passes through the faucet via carbon filtration or reverse osmosis | – Filters water at the point of use; eliminating plastic water bottles | – May be a bulky/unattractive unit attached to your faucet – Could slow down water flow – Must get drinking water from the faucet – Faucet may contaminate water after it’s been filtered – Unable to change temperature (other than faucet presets) |
| Water Filter Pitcher | Uses a carbon block built into a water pitcher to filter contaminants from water | – Filters water at the point of use; eliminating plastic water bottles – No installation required | – Only filters 8 cups to a gallon of water at a time – Takes several minutes to filter – Water pitcher takes up space in your refrigerator – No reverse osmosis option available – Pitcher may contaminate water after it’s been filtered – Filters need to be changed frequently (about every 2 months) – Unable to dispense hot water |
| Refrigerator Water Filter | Provides filtered water via carbon filtration through a water dispenser built into a refrigerator | – Filters water at the point of use; eliminating plastic water bottles – Included with some refrigerators | – Not available with every refrigerator – No reverse osmosis option available – Dispenser may contaminate water after its been filtered – Filters need to be changed frequently (about every 6 months) – Unable to dispense hot water |
| Wall Mounted Water Dispenser | Next evolution of the drinking fountain; it’s a water dispenser equipped with carbon filtration that is installed on a wall | – Filters water at the point of use; eliminating plastic water bottles – Doesn’t take up countertop or floor space | – Need to drill into wall to install – Disrupts aesthetic décor – Limited filtration options due to restricted space – Dispenser may contaminate water after its been filtered – Can be mistaken for a regular drinking water fountain |
| Point-of-Use Water Machines | Connects directly to a building’s existing water line and dispenses water that has been filtered then stored within the water cooler | – Filters water at the point of use; eliminating plastic water bottles – LED ultraviolet light and antimicrobial surface protection available – Chilled, hot, flavored, and sparkling water options – Mineral-infused and electrolyte-enhanced water options – Countertop and freestanding options for flexible fit – Filtered water is stored so it’s available for fast, on-demand dispensing – Can be placed anywhere within 200 ft of water line and power outlet | – It takes up countertop or floor space |
With point of use water filters- connects directly to a building’s existing water line, consumers now have a choice to drink clean, great-tasting water straight from a water cooler without the large plastic jugs or from a plastic water bottle. Once you’ve made the eco-friendly decision to switch from bottled water to a water filtration system, it can be challenging to decide which type of water filtration system is right for your workplace. Hopefully, this pros and cons list can help you make the decision easier.
At Quench, we believe that point of use water coolers is the best option for businesses that serve more than 10 people with their water cooler. When you rent a Quench bottleless filtered water cooler, not only do you get state-of-the-art water filtration and sanitzation technologies, you also get hassle-free, comprehensive customer service.
Want to learn more about Quench and our filtered water dispensers? Click here! Can’t wait to get started? Click on the green “Get a Quote” button and we will have one of our Quench Water Experts contact you. Or give us a call at: 844-303-2841!