Biofilm
Any surface that comes into contact with water eventually develops a biofilm. Without proper maintenance, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria (Legionella, Pseudomonas).
Health and Safety: Full Traceability
Our Water
A water cooler comes into direct contact with what your employees drink every day. Hygiene is a key concern. Aquavital applies food industry standards to its water coolers: HACCP procedures, NSF certification, scheduled sanitization, and documented traceability.
Traceability and Bacteriological Tests
Why Hygiene Is a Real Issue
Risks
-
-
Cross-contamination
The spout is touched dozens of times a day. Without antibacterial materials and regular cleaning, it is a potential source of transmission.
-
Stagnant water
Water may become stagnant in fountains that are rarely used (on weekends and holidays). Pay special attention to this when school resumes after a break.
-
Increased Risks
In the healthcare, education, and hospitality sectors, the requirements are stricter (enhanced HACCP, inspections, public access facilities).
An approach derived from the agri-food industry
HACCP
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is the standard methodology for identifying, assessing, and controlling food safety hazards. When applied to our water dispensers, it covers:
✓ Identification of hazards: biological, chemical, physical
✓ Analysis of critical control points: connection, filtration, cooling, distribution
✓ Establishment of critical thresholds: maintenance and sanitization frequencies
✓ Monitoring system: internal controls, documented traceability
✓ Corrective actions in case of non-compliance
✓ System verification: internal audits, external counter-analyses
✓ Documentation: intervention logs, analysis reports, traceability by water fountain
NSF: A Standard Stricter Than EU Standards
Certification
NSF International is the U.S. certification body for equipment that comes into contact with drinking water. NSF certification is more stringent than basic EU standards:
✓ More rigorous material migration tests
✓ Filtration efficiency tests verified under real-world conditions
✓ Manufacturing site audits
Our models designed for demanding environments (healthcare, education, and premium hospitality) are NSF-certified. Certification details are tracked by model and available upon request.
What we do, and how often
Sanitization
-
Standard, every 12 months
Offices, service sector. Complete disinfection of the system, filter replacement, surface cleaning, cold chain verification, service report.
-
Reinforced every 6 months
Healthcare / Education / Hospitality. Same as above, plus bacteriological testing with an external lab report and HACCP-compliant traceability.
-
Premium, every 4 months
Critical care, agri-food. Same as above, plus a counter-analysis by an independent laboratory; complete documentation in accordance with hospital audit standards.
The hygiene argument that changes everything
Contactless Service
On models equipped with this feature, water dispensing is contactless:
✓ Infrared sensor: place a glass under it, and water flows
✓ Floor pedal: press down with your foot, and water flows
✓ Elbow lever: operated with the elbow (medical-style)
No hand-to-fountain contact, no transmission via the spout, enhanced hygiene even during peak usage, convenient for use in the kitchen or treatment room.
Everything you need for your audits
Documentation
✓ Detailed technical data sheets by model
✓ Valid NSF/HACCP certifications
✓ Maintenance log for each water cooler (chronological)
✓ Post-sanitization bacteriological analysis reports
✓ Emergency procedure in the event of detected non-compliance
✓ Compliance of materials in contact with water
Your Questions About Hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can a water cooler spread bacteria?
In theory, just like any equipment that comes into contact with water and hands. In practice, our water dispensers incorporate features that significantly reduce this risk: antibacterial materials, scheduled sanitization, and touchless operation. The actual risk is far lower than that posed by a shared water pitcher or a poorly maintained kitchen faucet.
-
How often should a commercial water fountain be maintained?
Preventive maintenance 1 to 2 times a year, depending on the model. Sanitization every 6 to 12 months, depending on the setting (more frequent for healthcare, schools, and the hospitality industry). Everything is included in the flat-rate package.
-
How can you tell if a water fountain is hygienically safe?
Three key indicators: displayed certifications (NSF, HACCP), maintenance frequency and traceability, and the supplier’s ability to provide documentation for an audit. Aquavital meets all three criteria.
-
Should we be concerned about the fountain's internal system?
The internal circuit undergoes periodic sanitization (food-grade disinfection, rinsing, and inspection). Components that come into contact with water are made of inert and antibacterial materials.
-
What happens if a fountain isn't used much during the holidays?
Water may stagnate in the system. For water dispensers, water in sealed bottles is not affected. For mains-connected water dispensers, a flushing procedure is recommended at the start of the school year; this is automatic on some models.
Impeccable hygiene practices that are documented and traceable.
Ready to switch to Aquavital?
Request a quote or our complete hygiene guide for your audits.