Uncleaned water coolers can become breeding grounds for illnesses.

Water dispensers are a common sight in many corporate offices, banks, hospital receptions, government parastatals, and homes, yet many users and offices fail to clean them, unaware of the potential health risks they pose.

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When not regularly cleaned and maintained, these dispensers can harbour micro-organisms such as bacteria, mould, algae, and fungi, which can cause diarrhoea, respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections, as well as worsen allergies.

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Public health physicians have explained that stagnant water, irregular cleaning, and contaminated surfaces in water dispensers can encourage the accumulation of biofilm, a slimy bacterial layer that develops inside plastic tubing, filters, and reservoirs, turning the appliances into potential sources of infection.

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Vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with weakened immunity, who drink water from contaminated dispensers, are at an increased risk of severe complications, according to the doctors.

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The physicians recommend that water dispensers undergo thorough cleaning and sanitation at least every three to six months, with drip trays cleaned daily and regular professional maintenance carried out to prevent microbial contamination.

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A recent post on X, formerly Twitter, by @MrOlibaba, questioned whether a water dispenser is a self-cleansing machine, sparking a discussion on the hygiene of water dispensers in offices.

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The post generated several comments, with individuals sharing their experiences on the usage or lack of use of water dispensers in their offices, highlighting the need for greater awareness about the importance of cleaning and maintaining these appliances.

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A study published in the National Library of Medicine, titled "Microbiological quality of drinking water from water dispensers" by Thomas Hile and Raeann Leal, et al, found that the consumption of water from bottled water and water dispenser machines is increasing globally, driven by preference for convenience, health, and taste.

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The study noted that this trend raises concerns about potential microbial contamination and the potential public health risks, identifying faecal coliform and P.aeruginosa as recurring contaminants in water dispensers.

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Public health physician Dr Rotimi Adesanya warned that poor maintenance of household and office water dispensers may expose Nigerians to harmful microorganisms and increase the risk of waterborne diseases.

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Adesanya noted that many users focus on replacing water bottles but often neglect routine cleaning of the dispensing systems, creating conditions for microbial growth inside the machines, and that microorganisms are unavoidable in water dispensers due to their construction and use.

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The physician explained that visible signs of contamination are often ignored by users who focus only on the convenience of dispensed water, and that the plastic components of dispensers can become a source of contamination over time, in addition to microbial buildup.

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Adesanya warned that contaminated drinking water exposes consumers to infections associated with unsafe water and puts vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immunity, at increased risk of diseases.

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The health expert also raised concerns about external contamination from poor handling practices and environmental exposure around dispensing points, noting that surfaces frequently touched during water collection can become additional sources of contamination if not routinely cleaned.

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Adesanya stressed that public health awareness remains the most realistic intervention available, calling for both users and suppliers of water dispensers to take periodic cleaning seriously as a non-negotiable practice, recommending that cleaning and disinfection be carried out every three months.

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Public health physician Dr Tuyi Mebawondu said that the workplace is an environment that requires properly maintained hydration sources, given the direct link between hydration and productivity, and that good hydration is essential for excellent cognitive function, good memories, decision making, and preventing mid-day fatigue.

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Mebawondu explained that workplace dispensers become contaminated due to stagnant water, frequently touched surfaces, and inconsistent maintenance schedules, and that the most common pathogens implicated include Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Legionella pneumophila, and various types of moulds and fungi.

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The physician detailed the specific illnesses linked to each pathogen, including diarrhoea, respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and lung infections, highlighting the importance of maintaining clean and functional water access points in office settings.

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Mebawondu noted that a water dispenser is preferred over bottled water in workplaces due to cost, operation, and environmental considerations, and that maintaining water dispensers is crucial to preventing the transfer of pathogens and the spread of diseases in the work environment.

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The public health expert outlined specific warning signs that should prompt immediate concern among users, including dirt on the tray or neck of the dispenser, visible or increasing biofilm, cloudy water or the presence of odour, and any noticeable change in the taste of the water.

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Mebawondu recommended a structured maintenance approach for organisations, beginning with a written protocol covering replacement, usage, cleaning, and routine expert checks, and advised users to sanitise regularly, clean internal reservoirs with food-safe sanitising solutions or diluted bleach every three to six months, and enforce no-touch policies.

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The physician suggested alternatives to traditional water dispensers, depending on the specific work environment, such as personalised reusable water bottles, designated water hubs managed by hygiene-conscious personnel, and direct plumbed water connections from taps to specific points within the office.