The Water House: an environmentally sustainable choice

La "Water House is an increasingly discussed topic because of its many environmental and social benefits. But what exactly is it? It is a public facility that provides drinking water, available both natural and sparkling. These installations provide an environmentally friendly alternative to buying bottled water, helping to reduce plastic consumption and promote the use of local resources.

Since 1996, DKR was a pioneer in the design, realisation e installation of these structures. In cooperation with public administrations, companies and waterworks, DKR has transformed traditional public fountains into modern Water Houses. This commitment has stimulated the use of public water, bringing benefits to those who consume it, the community and the environment.

The Water Housenot only environmental benefits 

We have already discussed the ecological advantages of office water dispensersespecially those connected to the public water network. These systems represent a sustainable solution that contributes to reducing environmental impact.

One of the main benefits of the Water House is the significant reduction in the use of plastic bottles. Every year, billions of bottles end up in landfills or in the oceans, exacerbating the problem of environmental pollution. Thanks to thewater supply offered by these facilities, citizens have the opportunity to fill their own reusable bottles, drastically decreasing the production of plastic waste.

This practice not only helps to preserve the environment, but also promotes a culture of sustainability and responsibility among citizens. Easy and affordable access to drinking water encourages people to make greener choices, reducing dependence on disposable products. In addition, the use of local resources for water supply supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting bottled water. As the Water House is available in many municipalities, it avoids the transport of bottles and the consequent release of CO2 and other pollutantssignificantly reducing the carbon footprint of drinking water consumption.

Economic benefits 

In addition to the environmental benefits, the Water House also presents significant economic benefits. The water supplied by these facilities is usually available at a much lower cost than bottled water, allowing citizens to save considerably. This saving translates into an incentive for households to use more sustainable resources.

In addition, the municipalities benefit by reducing the costs associated with the handling and disposal of plastic waste. With fewer plastic bottles in circulation, waste collection and treatment costs decreasefreeing up resources that can be reinvested in other public services. This approach not only relieves pressure on waste management systems, but also promotes a more environmentally and economically aware and responsible community.

Social Impact

La Water House is not only an ecological and economic solution, but also has a significant social impact. These structures are often transformed into real meeting points for the community, fostering socialisation among citizens and strengthening the sense of belonging to the area.

In addition to creating spaces for interaction, the Water Houses perform a fundamental educational role. They sensitise citizens on the importance of sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources. Through direct access to an essential common good such as water, people are encouraged to reflect on their consumption habits and to make more conscious and environmentally friendly choices, as is also the case in schools with the use of mains-connected dispensers intended for children.

These structures, therefore, not only help reduce environmental impact, but also promote a culture of collective responsibility, stimulating discussions and local initiatives geared towards protecting our planet.

Challenges and solutions

Despite its many advantages, the implementation of Water Houses can present some challenges. 

It must be ensured that they are regularly checked and maintained to ensure that the water supplied is safe and of high quality. These facilities, often owned by municipalities or aqueducts, require that maintenance and chemical and bacteriological analyses are scheduled according to the HACCP protocol (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point). This protocol, drawn up before opening, establishes the frequency of the necessary controls.

Water quality controls ensure the security and reliability of the service offered. In addition, the owner of the Water House must designate a qualified Food Business Operator (FBO) to verify compliance with the HACCP programme and check the results of analyses. ASLs include the Water Houses in their control analysis programme, applying safety protocols in case of anomalies, which may provide for recalls or, in serious cases, suspension of disbursement.

Furthermore, it is crucial to promote the use of Water Houses through awareness-raising campaigns informing citizens about the benefits and importance of reducing plastic use.

Successful examples

In many Italian cities, the Water House has already demonstrated its value. In Moncalieri, a municipality in the province of Turin, DKR, in cooperation with SMAT Spa, has installed numerous Water Points throughout the territory, making it one of the Italian municipalities with the highest number of Water Houses, right after large cities such as Turin, Milan and Rome.

This example follows the experience of other municipalities that have relied on us, such as Gonzaga, Venice and Spoleto, and soon also Salsomaggiore Terme. Also in other European cities, such as Paris where we are in charge of the renovation of such structures, similar initiatives have been successful, proving that the Water House is a viable and internationally beneficial solution. These installations not only provide sustainable access to drinking water, but also promote a culture of environmental responsibility among citizens.

The future of the Water House

Looking to the future, the Water House has the potential to expand further and become a key component of urban sustainability strategies. With an increasing urban population and growing pressure on natural resources, solutions such as these will be essential to ensure a sustainable future.

Moreover, technological innovation could further improve the efficiency and accessibility of these facilities, including through the integration of digital payment systems or the use of renewable energy to power the Water Houses.

DKRwith its experience and commitment to the sector, is ready to lead this transformation, working with communities to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of the future, helping to build greener and more resilient cities.