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**Mains-fed water machine manufacturer Tana Water UK has been selected as a supplier to the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA).

**Under the terms of the pan-government contract, which runs until 31 May 2011, Tana Water UK will supply plumbed-in hot and cold water machines to the NHS; local authorities; fire services; police and education establishments.

Following a competitive bid, Tana Water UK was selected to supply mains-fed water machines, cups and sanitising wipes to PASA after demonstrating to the government procurement agency that it complied with all regulations relating to food safety; water storage and delivery; regular servicing and cleaning of machines; electrical waste disposal; manual handling and employment regulations. The contract will run for an initial three year term with the option for PASA to extend this to 2012.

Tana Water's Point of use (POU) machines plumb directly into the mains water supply and filter out chlorine, rust, lead, sand and limescale to make the water taste better. As an additional hygiene precaution, Tana Water machines feature an airtight water tank and recessed dispensing head to minimise contact with fingers and also treat the filtered water with ultraviolet light to kill micro-organisms just prior to dispensing. This is particularly beneficial to patients with low immunity and helps to reduce cross infection in healthcare and educational establishments. * Toolkit and standards* 'Water For Health Hydration Best Practice Toolkit for Hospitals and Healthcare' produced by the Royal College of Nursing and the NHS National Patient Safety Agency advises that (POU) water coolers are an effective way of providing water as they serve it chilled or at a regular temperature, take away any chlorine tastes, do not run out and do not require the storing, lifting and replenishment of bottles. The document also advises that while bottle-fed water machines can cost healthcare providers around £6 for each 19 litre bottle, amounting to approximately £1,000 a year for each machine, mains-fed coolers cost less than 2p for every 19 litres.

All of Tana Water's components meet the rigorous safety standards of the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) which is part of the government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). To halve energy consumption, Tana Water machines power down when left idle, helping to cut costs and carbon emissions. A central processing unit in the machine enables Tana Water's WRAS-approved engineers to measure the amount of water dispensed in order to schedule regular filter changes and cleaning.

“We already have a strong track record in supplying hospitals and schools with our mains-fed water machines and undertake all of our own maintenance using WRAS approved service engineers, so we are absolutely delighted that Tana Water has been selected by PASA,” commented Tana Water UK Managing Director Nick Heane.

"As a PASA-approved supplier of mains-fed water machines, all government departments will find it easier to source and use Tana Water machines to reduce their costs and environmental impact, while still providing freshly filtered and UV treated water to patients, pupils and staff.”