The following content originally appeared in Cooler Plus issue 69, which you can subscribe to here.
Cooler Plus spoke with Ebac product manager Catherine Chong.
What are the principal benefits of filtration?
In Europe, the primary function of filtration in water coolers, vending machines and coffee machines is to make mains-fed water taste the best it can taste. Filters remove, amongst other things, suspended solids that may find their way into the mains supply, they remove gases that may affect the taste of the water and remove chlorine, which, although it protects the water, also affects the taste.
Filtration provides good tasting water that is odourless and clear.
A good quality filter will remove the contaminants from your source without removing the naturally occurring minerals, which are vital for optimal health. According to numerous studies, filtered water is healthier than purified water/ demineralised water (ozone, reverse osmosis etc) as purified water removes these essential minerals.
Drinking water that contains little or no essential minerals has been associated with various health risks related to water and mineral imbalance, increased risk of fractures in children and decalcification of bone in adults.
It also is related to high blood pressure and heart disease, gastric and duodenal ulcers, pregnancy complications, thyroid issues, muscle cramps and weakness, fatigue, and several complications with newborns and infants.
Drinking water should contain at least minimal levels of essential minerals and other natural substances: “Demineralised water that has not been remineralised […] is not considered ideal drinking water,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and “therefore, its regular consumption may not be providing adequate levels of some beneficial nutrients.”Filtered water does not pose this threat, though the type of water filter you choose will determine how effectively your water is filtered.
Most water filters, can be set up within minutes and do not require a plumber. The only thing you do have to do is maintain your water filter by changing filters and cleaning the system per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
What does Ebac offer in terms of filters and filtrations?
At Ebac, all our POU water coolers feature the AquaSafe patented filtration system, which filters at point of dispense, ensuring the water in the reservoir is protected by the chlorine found in mains water.
What special features does this solution have?
The AquaSafe filters are active carbon filters that reduce sediment down to 0.5 Micron. They meet the NSF/ANSI standard 42 and NSF/ANSI standard 53 to give filtered water a healthier, safer, better tasting drinking experience. The AquaSafe filters only filter at point of dispense, meaning the sanitisation procedure of our POU coolers is carried out with a touch of a button – for example the Replacement of the AquaSafe filter.
Have you noticed increased demand for simple water filtration solutions? If so, why?
Yes, certainly. We believe the reason for this is the demand for more cost-effective filtration solutions, which take less time to maintain and ensure safe and great tasting drinking water each time.
How can you be sure to satisfy consumer needs?
The AquaSafe system fulfils this customer demand by offering a filter that is easy to change (by a push of a button), meets the highest of approvals (NSF/ANSI Standards) and only filters at point of dispense so
that water in the reservoir is still protected by chlorine found in the water source. The Aqua Safe system offers peace of mind every time.
Where do you see the future of filters and filtration heading?
At Ebac, we believe that the future of filters could involve adding and removing particular minerals, vitamins and electrolytes to give a personalised taste to water (‘designer water’). This could potentially replicate the water of your favourite brands, or water from your local region in water coolers elsewhere.
As with our company motto, there will always be more innovation to come in improving the drinking water experience and increasing the value of this experience.
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