What is a water bubbler?
A water bubbler, sometimes called a drinking fountain, is a plumbed-in unit that provides convenient access to drinking water in shared spaces.
Unlike bottled water dispensers that require bottles to be stored, replaced and delivered, mains-connected water bubblers draw directly from the building’s water supply. Depending on the unit and configuration, the water may then be chilled and filtered before being dispensed through the bubbler or glass-filling outlet.
This makes commercial water fountains particularly useful in high-traffic environments where many people need access to drinking water throughout the day.
Common locations include:
- Schools, universities and childcare facilities
- Offices and staff amenities
- Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Warehouses and factories
- Construction sites
- Mining and industrial sites
- Other public and commercial spaces
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M Series vs RM Series water bubblers
At Clean & Clear Water, we offer two water bubbler types for our customers in Melbourne, Sydney, Wollongong and the Central Coast. Choosing between the two comes down largely to the environment, your expected usage and the level of durability required.
The M Series is generally the best choice for organisations wanting a durable, cost-effective commercial bubbler.
The RM Series is better suited to environments where additional resistance to impact, weather exposure, rust and heavy use is important.
Why install a water bubbler in your workplace?
A commercial water bubbler gives people a permanent drinking water point which is easy to use and a sustainable choice. Let’s break down some of the key benefits:
Convenient access to drinking water
People can drink fresh water directly from the bubbler or refill a bottle, glass or cup whenever they need it. For larger workplaces and public facilities, this can be far more practical than relying on a kitchen tap or keeping bottled water stocked.
Reduce reliance on single-use bottles
A plumbed-in drinking fountain can help reduce the number of disposable plastic water bottles used across a workplace or facility.
According to Clean Up Australia, over 90% of the cost of a water bottle can be traced back to the bottle, lid and label. Instead of continually purchasing packaged water, installing a water bubbler is both an economical and more sustainable choice in the long run.
Best for high-traffic environments
Commercial water bubblers are designed with frequent use in mind.
Clean & Clear Water’s M Series, for example, uses an industrial-grade 304 stainless steel tank and polished stainless-steel top, with different capacities available.
For more demanding environments, the RM Series features a rust-proof, vandal-resistant and UV-stabilised cabinet designed for tough, high-traffic settings.
A long-term hydration solution
Once connected to the mains, a water bubbler provides an ongoing supply without staff needing to monitor bottle deliveries or replace large water cooler bottles.
For schools, warehouses, offices and other facilities with regular daily foot traffic, that simplicity can make a significant difference.
Water bubbler vs bottled water cooler: what’s the difference?
Both can provide convenient access to drinking water, but the way they operate is quite different.
A bottled water cooler relies on replaceable water bottles. This can make it useful where a mains water connection is unavailable, although bottles need to be ordered, delivered, stored and replaced.
A mains-connected water bubbler connects directly to the building’s water supply. There are no large bottles to replace, making it particularly well suited to permanent commercial locations with regular or high-volume use. And unlike a traditional water cooler, a water bubbler can be used without needing to refill a cup or bottle. Users can drink directly from the fountain whenever they need to! This can also reduce the need to supply disposable cups, helping lower ongoing costs and waste.
The right choice will depend on your location, available plumbing and the number of people likely to use the unit.
What should you look for in a commercial water bubbler?
The best water bubbler for a school may be different from the right unit for a construction site or corporate office. Before choosing a model, consider how and where the unit will be used.
Daily usage and capacity
How many people will rely on the unit?
For example, a small staff lunchroom has very different requirements from a school corridor, large warehouse or busy gym.
Clean & Clear Water’s M Series is available in low, medium and heavy-duty capacities of (10, 19 and 26 litres per hour) remove, allowing the unit to be matched more closely to expected demand.
For larger or particularly busy facilities, speak to our team about the most appropriate model and configuration rather than choosing on appearance alone.
Durability
What will the bubbler be exposed to?
A commercial drinking fountain should be selected for the conditions in which it will operate.
In a controlled indoor environment such as an office or healthcare facility, a durable stainless-steel unit may be ideal. In a factory, mine site, construction environment or heavily used public area, vandal resistance, UV stability and resistance to rust may become higher priorities.
Bubbler or bottle-filling functionality
Do you need a bottle-filling option?
Traditional bubblers allow users to drink directly from the fountain. For workplaces where reusable bottles are common, a glass or bottle-filling option can provide extra convenience.
The M Series can be configured with a drinking bubbler or a bubbler and glass filler. Its bubbler and glass-filling fittings are adjustable, tamper-resistant and designed to help prevent spurting out.
The RM Series can also be fitted with an optional two-way glass filler, including an option for continuous hands-free flow.
Servicing and maintenance access
How easy is it to service and maintain?
Like any frequently used commercial fixture, your water bubbler will need ongoing care.
Units with accessible internal components can make routine servicing simpler. Both the M Series and RM Series are designed to provide convenient service access, including removable front panels. Plus, we can service your water bubbler annually to keep it in top working condition, and we won’t charge you a call out fee!
