Top Water Dispensers For Offices Statistics: UK 2026

What do UK facilities and operations leaders look for in an office water dispenser? We analysed 18,424 opinions from online discussions over a 12-month period ending 25 May 2026 to uncover the factors shaping purchasing decisions and emerging trends.

• 100% of facilities or operations leaders best describe their organisation's current attitude toward workplace hydration as part of employee wellbeing as a core part of their wider health and wellbeing strategy
• Existing equipment reaching the end of its contract or failing is the main trigger for 100% facilities or operations leaders to search for a new water dispenser solution
• 70% of facilities or operations leaders are not aware of smart water dispenser options currently available, and 30% agree that smart or connected technology is useful but not essential to their decision when selecting a water dispenser
• 100% of facilities or operations leaders typically first discover new water dispenser solutions from recommendations from peers or professional networks
• ISO 9001 quality management certification gives 72% of facilities or operations leaders the most confidence in a water dispenser supplier, while this certification makes 24% feel quite confident about a supplier, and 4% only have some doubts
• 100% of facilities or operations leaders typically go straight to a preferred or incumbent water dispenser supplier rather than shortlisting several providers before making a decision
• 100% of facilities or operations leaders agree that, while employee feedback is considered when selecting a new water dispenser solution, the facilities managers make the final call
• While only 36% of facilities or operations leaders agree that Culligan is worth considering when recommending a water dispenser to a peer, a whopping 63% say they are not their top pick
• 100% of facilities or operations leaders approach the renewal of an existing water dispenser contract by renegotiating their terms with the incumbent supplier directly
• 25% of facilities or operations leaders’ office sites cater to more than 500 employees with their water solutions, 25% to between 100 and 250 employees, 25% to between 25 and 100 employees, and 25% to fewer than 25 employees
• For 100% of facilities or operations leaders, the management of filter replacement for water dispensers is handled automatically as part of their contract
• The success of a water office solution is typically measured by the total cost of the water dispenser compared to the previous solution by 100% of facilities or operations leaders
• 52% of facilities or operations leaders find getting visibility of usage and performance data across the estate somewhat challenging when managing multiple water dispensers across multiple office sites, while 12% find this not too challenging, a further 21% struggle with maintaining consistent water quality across all locations, and 16% battle with ensuring all units are compliant with health and safety regulations 
• 95% of facilities or operations leaders think that cost pressures will drive more organisations towards mains-fed water systems in the next few years, while just 3% think that trends pushing the growing demand for sustainable and plastic-free solutions will shape how offices use water dispensers, followed by 1% who think there will be an increased preference for all-in-one integrated tap systems
• 100% of facilities or operations leaders in our audience say that the title facilities manager doesn't closely reflect their role, likely because their jobs encompass so much more
• 66% of facilities or operations leaders’ offices are primarily based in Manchester, 30% are based in London, and 4% in Liverpool
• Missed opportunities in water quality, data, and efficiency
• About the data

All facilities or operations leaders describe their organisation's current attitude toward workplace hydration as part of employee wellbeing as a core part of their wider health and wellbeing strategy

Hydration is included, but not a core focus:

While workplace hydration is currently a core part of the wider employee health and wellbeing strategy of every organisation in our audience, none of them prioritise it. This may be a case of these organisations making water dispensers or bottled water available to all employees without encouraging them to drink it.

This approach is both commendable and alarming. It’s commendable in that employees have access to potable water, but alarming because they’re not being educated about the importance of proper hydration. 

Research found that more than half of UK adults are chronically dehydrated, which negatively impacts wellbeing and productivity due to fatigue, sluggishness, “brain fog,” frequent headaches, dizziness, confusion, reduced concentration, and slower working memory. Studies have confirmed that workers who stay adequately hydrated are more alert, happier, and experience less fatigue.

Existing equipment reaching the end of its contract or failing is the main trigger for every respondent to search for a new water dispenser solution

Failure or end of life is the only motivator for replacement:

The law requires employers to ensure workers have adequate access to safe drinking water. Employers must meet certain requirements as set out in the 1992 Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations (Regulation 22), including providing an adequate supply of clean drinking water and making sure this is readily accessible at suitable places and conspicuously marked by an appropriate sign. For many employers, the solution is to provide water dispensers, which need to be replaced from time to time.

For everyone in our audience, the main trigger that kicks off their search for a new water dispenser solution is their existing equipment reaching the end of the contract or failing. While this is a practical approach, it is in keeping with no one having prioritised employee hydration, as we saw above. This approach is more about following regulations than ensuring employees have access to the best water dispensing systems.

70% of facilities or operations leaders are not aware of smart water dispenser options currently available, and 30% agree that smart or connected technology is useful but not essential to their decision when selecting a water dispenser

Technologically-driven water solutions not a priority:

Smart or connected technology is being incorporated into almost every aspect of life, water dispensers included. That said, 70% of facilities or operations leaders are not aware of the smart dispenser options currently available, which may be because their current providers either don’t offer these options or these leaders haven’t seen any of these options advertised.

The remaining 30% feel that knowing about these options is useful but not essential to their decision when selecting a water dispenser. Their approach may change in the near future. The global water dispenser market size was approximately US$2,723.1 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% between 2023 and 2033 to reach around $6,383.1 million. This growth is likely to be driven in part by increased demand for smart water dispensers featuring infrared sensors, UV filtration, reverse osmosis, and the options of cold, hot, or sparkling water.

Without exception, facilities or operations leaders typically first discover new water dispenser solutions from recommendations from peers or professional networks

Recommendations lead the way with discoveries:

With most facilities or operations leaders unaware of smart water dispensers, it’s understandable if you’re wondering how they find out about dispensers in the first place. They all typically first discover new water dispenser solutions through recommendations from peers or professional networks, which helps explain why so few know about smart or connected options.

This makes more sense when we consider what drives B2B buying decisions. For starters, B2B buyers have become more sceptical as a result of the rise of self-service research, the massive number of competing solutions, and the overuse of pushy sales tactics. Research has also found that the majority of purchasing decisions are subconscious and emotionally driven. Other factors influencing buying decisions include the number of stakeholders involved, the use of AI to inform purchasing decisions, and the expectation that buying experiences should be seamless and personal.

ISO 9001 quality management certification gives 72% of facilities or operations leaders the most confidence in a water dispenser supplier, while this certification makes 24% feel quite confident about a supplier, and 4% only have some doubts

One accreditation matters most:

While our entire audience mentions ISO 9001 quality management certification, it carries more weight with some facilities or operations leaders than others. 72% say it gives them the most confidence in a water dispenser supplier, and this is understandable. This certification is a globally recognised quality management standard aimed at helping organisations of all sizes and sectors improve performance, demonstrate commitment to quality, and meet customer expectations. The standard’s requirements define how organisations can establish, implement, maintain, and improve a quality management system.

As for the remainder, 24% feel quite confident when a water dispenser supplier has this certification, although 4% confess to still having some doubts.

Across the sample, facilities or operations leaders typically go straight to a preferred or incumbent water dispenser supplier rather than shortlisting several providers before making a decision

No one is shopping around:

None of the facilities or operations leaders in our audience shortlist water dispenser suppliers before making a final decision. Instead, all of them go straight to a preferred or incumbent supplier. This is in keeping with what we saw above about recommendations from peers, a lack of awareness about dispenser options, the emphasis on upholding regulations rather than actively promoting employee wellbeing, and what influences B2B buying decisions.

There was complete agreement that, while employee feedback is considered when selecting a new water dispenser solution, the facilities managers make the final call

Employee feedback is useful, but not a deciding factor:

Considering that employees are the ones who make daily use of water dispensers in the workplace, it’s only reasonable to expect that they would have some say in the selection of a new water dispenser solution. Our entire audience would agree with this, as they all consider employee feedback when selecting a new dispenser, although facilities or operations leaders make the final call.

It’s heartening to hear that leaders take employee feedback into consideration for something as seemingly simple as water dispensers, as this shows their organisations are committed to employee wellness. The availability of fresh, clean drinking water can help improve workplace satisfaction, create a positive, productive atmosphere, and enhance employee retention.

Also, given the many new water dispenser technologies and innovations available, it’s important that leaders choose the dispensers that best meet employees’ needs. A few examples of these new features include touchless dispensing systems, temperature control, advanced water filtration technologies, usage monitoring, app integration, dispensers made from environmentally friendly materials, those that offer refillable bottles, and compact, portable designs.

While only 36% of facilities or operations leaders agree that Culligan is worth considering when recommending a water dispenser to a peer, a whopping 63% say they are not their top pick

One brand is not highly recommended:

We’ve seen that, when it comes to water dispensing solutions, facilities or operations managers rely on recommendations from peers and do little research beyond that, so it’s not surprising that our audience only mentions a single company: Culligan. However, only 37% think Culligan is worth considering, while the remaining 63% say the company is not their top pick. This indicates that experiences with the supplier have been less than stellar, and that there’s room for other suppliers to step in.

As a leading brand not just in the UK but globally, Jo Bailey, Director of Service from BRITA Vivreau UK states that: “BRITA’s office water dispensers combine mains-fed convenience with advanced filtration technology designed to improve taste, hygiene, and consistency while reducing reliance on single-use plastics. Our systems use advanced filtration that removes up to 99.999% of bacteria, helping to ensure a high standard of drinking water in office environments. This makes them a strong option for businesses looking to provide reliable, great-tasting water with minimal maintenance and environmental impact.”

Unanimously, facilities or operations leaders approach the renewal of an existing water dispenser contract by renegotiating their terms with the incumbent supplier directly

One approach is universal:

One of the statistics above shows how our audience goes straight to their preferred or incumbent supplier instead of creating a final shortlist when looking for a new water dispenser solution.

Considering some of the other statistics we’ve seen, it’s likely that most of our audience approach their incumbent supplier rather than looking for a new one, which means renewing their existing contract. Every one of them approaches this by renegotiating terms with the incumbent supplier directly, rather than going through an agent or third party.

25% of facilities or operations leaders’ office sites cater to more than 500 employees with their water solutions, 25% to between 100 and 250 employees, 25% to between 25 and 100 employees, and 25% to fewer than 25 employees

Employee numbers are split 4 ways:

According to the Federation of Small Businesses, each person in the UK uses an average of 152 litres of water a day, with some of this consumption taking place at the workplace. The number of employees the offices of the facilities or operations leaders need to cater to varies widely, but even those on the smaller side of the scale need to provide a significant amount of water.

Our audience is divided equally into quarters, with 25% having between 100 and 250 employees and 25% having between 25 and 100 employees. Another 25% have fewer than 25 employees, and still another 25% have more than 500 employees.

For every leader surveyed, the management of filter replacement for water dispensers is handled automatically as part of their contract

Filter management is done by dispenser providers:

To maintain performance and water quality, water dispenser filters need to be replaced regularly; however, this is generally handled by the supplier. According to all of them, their water dispenser suppliers handle this automatically as part of the contract. This almost certainly happens on a regular basis (once a month, for example), rather than irregularly (based on the condition of individual filters).

While some used filters may be recyclable, others are not and are likely to end up in landfills. Even so, water dispensers are significantly better for the environment than bottled water – especially when the bottles are single-use.

Grand View Research expects the bottled water market in the UK to reach a projected revenue of US$ 10,016.1 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2026 and 20233. Sadly, only a fraction of the many single-use plastic bottles used every day in the UK are recycled, meaning millions end up in landfills or the environment. In contrast, organisations that provide water dispensers with reusable glasses, cups, or bottles help cut down on a substantial amount of plastic waste.

Consensus was absolute: the success of a water office solution is typically measured by the total cost of the water dispenser compared to the previous solution

There is one metric for success:

Decisions about workplace water dispenser solutions and water use or savings shouldn’t be based solely on employee feedback or peer recommendations. Facilities or operations leaders should also measure the success of their office water solutions. For all of them, this means comparing the total cost of their current solution to that of their previous solution.

However, according to Waterwise, measuring water solution success should be much more far-reaching. The not-for-profit organisation says that, if a company uses more than 15 litres per person per day, it can implement various solutions to save water and money.

An effective way for companies to work out their water consumption per person is to consider a floor area factor for benchmarking. To do this, companies should divide their water use, in cubic metres per year, by the floor area of the office in square metres. If the calculated consumption is higher than 0.55m3 per m2 per year, the company probably could save water.

Saving water in the workplace goes beyond providing water in water dispensing solutions. Leaders should check their work premises for leaking taps, toilets, or pipes, fit tap aerators or more efficient showerheads to reduce water flow, and encourage workers to adopt water-saving habits such as boiling only the amount of water they need in the kettle when making tea or not leaving taps running unnecessarily.

52% of facilities or operations leaders find getting visibility of usage and performance data across the estate somewhat challenging when managing multiple water dispensers across multiple office sites, while 12% find this not too challenging, a further 21% struggle with maintaining consistent water quality across all locations, and 16% battle with ensuring all units are compliant with health and safety regulations

Challenges of managing water across multiple sites are limited:

Even though suppliers are responsible for the refilling and maintenance of the water dispenser solutions at facilities or operations leaders’ workplaces, managing dispensers across multiple office sites can be challenging for leaders. Getting visibility of usage and performance data across the estate is somewhat challenging for more than half (52%) of our audience, although this isn’t too challenging for 12%. This is where smart or connected dispensers could make a big difference, as they provide this data at the touch of a button.

21% find that maintaining consistent water quality standards across all locations is somewhat challenging, while 16% feel the same way about ensuring all units are compliant with health and safety requirements.

95% of facilities or operations leaders think that cost pressures will drive more organisations towards mains-fed water systems in the next few years, while just 3% think that trends pushing the growing demand for sustainable and plastic-free solutions will shape how offices use water dispensers, followed by 1% who think there will be an increased preference for all-in-one integrated tap systems

Opinions on trends are divided:

The next few years are likely to see a change in how offices source water dispensers, with facilities or operations leaders no longer relying solely on recommendations from peers or professional networks.

That said, the trend that leaders think will most shape how this happens depends on who you ask. For the vast majority (95%), the most influential trend will be cost pressures driving more organisations toward mains-fed systems. While these systems still have various associated costs, companies can save money on monthly or weekly deliveries of bottled water.

However, 3% reckon that the trend that will most shape companies’ sourcing of water dispensers will be growing demand for sustainable and plastic-free solutions, while 1% expect it to be an increasing preference for all-in-one integrated tap systems.

Our audience’s opinions are at odds with trends identified in a study published in AIMS Microbiology. According to the study, the consumption of drinking water from sources other than tap water is increasing around the world, being driven by consumer preferences for health, convenience, and taste. It’s interesting that no one mentioned these factors as influencing how they will source water dispensing solutions in the future.

The entire audience says that the title facilities manager doesn't closely reflect their role, likely because their jobs encompass so much more

Job title opinions are unanimous:

Not a single respondent feels the title ‘facilities manager’ fits their role at all. This suggests they’re either operations leaders or similar, or have a different title.

66% of facilities or operations leaders’ offices are primarily based in Manchester, 30% are based in London, and 4% in Liverpool

Our audience is spread across the UK:

The offices of two-thirds (66%) of our audience are primarily based in Manchester, while almost a third (30%) are based in London. This makes sense, as a recent article in the London Business Journal highlights how, outside the capital, Manchester is the UK’s most entrepreneurial city. 23,541 new companies were registered in Manchester in 2025, which equates to 18.5 new businesses per 1,000 people.

In the same year, London saw 284,814 new businesses registered. This equates to 29.9 new businesses per 1,000 residents. The remaining 4% offices are based in Liverpool.

The facilities and operations leaders in our audience all make sure that clean, fresh water is readily available in their offices. However, the motivation appears to be more about staying on the right side of the law than about employee wellbeing, even though providing water is a core element of their employee wellness strategy. They also don’t seem to put much thought or effort into sourcing water-dispensing solutions that could make a real difference, whether that’s in how water is filtered or purified or how they access data on water consumption.

This means these leaders (and their workers) are missing out on exciting innovations that could benefit everyone in the office by providing cleaner water, helping save water, or delivering cost savings.

Unfortunately, complacency, a lack of awareness of the importance of top water dispensers for offices, or over-reliance on peer recommendations, leads these leaders to settle for the same old dispensers year after year.

Still, there is an awareness that trends can and will drive change, so it’s likely that, if we were to draw insights from their opinions in a few years’ time, we would see a very different picture; one that includes smart dispensers, purer water, different metrics, and happier leaders and employees.

Sourced using Push from an independent sample of 18,424 opinions of facilities or operations leaders in the UK across X, Quora, Reddit, Bluesky, TikTok, and Threads. Responses are collected within a 95% confidence interval and 5% margin of error. Results are derived from what people describe online, from opinions expressed, and not actual questions answered by people in the sample.