Le Water Houses are gaining increasing popularity in many Italian cities, representing a modern evolution of the traditional public fountains that have always adorned our urban centres. These structures offer a ecological and economical way to access drinking water, promoting conscious and sustainable consumption. The importance of public water is clear: not only does it benefit those who consume it, but it also contributes to community well-being and environmental protection.
Since 1996, DKR has been a pioneer in the field of Water Houses. We design, build and install these structures, collaborating with Public Administrations, Companies and Aqueducts who share our vision and believe in the potential of public water. This commitment gives us the privilege and responsibility to contribute to a more sustainable future.
In this article, we will explore how to make the best use of a Water Housewhich bottles are most suitable for filling and how to store and clean water correctly at home.
A Water House is a public structure that supplies drinking wateroften available in both natural and sparkling form. These facilities are designed to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles, while promoting theaccess to quality water at a minimum cost or even free of charge. They are often placed at strategic points in cities, such as parks, squares and residential areas, to be easily accessible to all citizens.
The first thing to do is to identify the Nearest Water House. Many Italian municipalities provide online maps or mobile applications that show the location of these facilities. These digital resources are particularly useful if you are in a new city or neighbourhood. Once you find a Casa dell'Acqua, be sure to check opening hours and any restrictions, such as the availability of sparkling water or the need to use a prepaid card.
Before going to the Water House, make sure you have some reusable bottles. It is important to choose bottles that are easy to transport and have a secure cap to prevent spillage. Reusable bottles not only reduce environmental impact, they are also cheaper in the long run than buying disposable plastic bottles.
Each Water House may have a slightly different system, so it is important to read the instructions on the machine. Usually, it is sufficient to place the bottle under thewater dispenser, select the desired type of water (still or sparkling) and press the dispensing button. Some Water Houses may require the use of a prepaid card or coins to dispense sparkling water.
When accessing public water dispensers, ensure that the mouth of the bottle does not touch the dispenser to maintain hygiene. In more modern water houses, the dispensing point is located in an area of the compartment hidden from contact and view, to prevent external agents such as bottles, hands, animals or insects from bringing bacterial charges into contact with the dispenser and water. In DKR water houses, this preventive action is further developed with the continuous use of a UV lampwhich prevents any back-contamination. In addition, it is a good idea to clean bottles regularly to avoid the proliferation of bacteria. Carrying a clean cloth with you to wipe off any water droplets can be helpful in keeping the bottle dry and clean.
Glass bottles are a excellent choice for conserving water. They are easy to clean, do not release chemicals into the water and keep the taste fresh. However, they are heavier and more fragile than other options. It is important to handle them with care to avoid breakage, especially if they are carried in a bag or backpack.
Stainless steel bottles are light, resistant and do not alter the taste of water. They are ideal for people who are often on the move and want a durable solution. Stainless steel is also corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice for everyday use. In addition, many stainless steel bottles have thermal insulation, keeping water cool for several hours.
If you prefer plastic, be sure to choose bottles BPA-freesuch as the Tritan type. These bottles are lightweight. unbreakable, and durable. BPA-free plastic bottles are available in a variety of colours and designs, making them a popular choice for those looking for an economical and practical option.
To keep the water fresh, it is advisable to store it in the refrigeratorespecially during the summer months. Make sure the bottles are tightly closed to prevent the water from absorbing odours from the refrigerator. Cold water is not only more refreshing, but can also help reduce the growth of bacteria. In many public fountains, a limited number of litres of water per day per citizen is allowed. This measure not only helps prevent wastage, but also ensures better preservation of water quality. It is good practice to take only the water needed for consumption for a maximum of three days, as the water should be consumed within 72 hours from sampling to guarantee its freshness and quality.
The water must be stored away from direct sunlightwhich can encourage the growth of algae and bacteria. A cool, dark place is ideal. If you do not have space in the refrigerator, consider storing the water in a pantry or cupboard away from heat sources.
If you store water in containers other than bottles, make sure they are hermetically sealed to prevent contamination. Airtight containers help keep water clean and free of unwanted odours. In addition, they can be useful for storing large quantities of water for future use.
Glass, steel and tritan bottles can be washed in the dishwasher as these materials are suitable to withstand high temperatures and the detergents used during washing. Aluminium and plastic bottles are not suitable for the dishwasher, because aluminium may be damaged or discoloured, while plastic may warp or release unwanted substances. Therefore, it is advisable to wash aluminium and plastic bottles by hand to ensure their durability and safety.
After each use, rinse the bottle with warm water to remove any residue. This simple step helps prevent the build-up of bacteria and keeps the bottle ready for the next use.
At least once a week, clean the bottle with warm soapy water. Use a bottle brush to reach the bottom and inside walls. This ensures that all parts of the bottle are clean and free of residue.
For deeper cleaning, you can disinfect the bottle with a solution of white vinegar and water. Leave for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that helps eliminate bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals.
Let the bottle air dry, turned upside down on a clean cloth to prevent mould growth. Make sure the bottle is completely dry before storing or refilling it.
Using Water Houses is a simple and effective way to reduce your environmental impact and save money. By choosing the right bottles and following the storage and cleaning practices we have outlined, you can ensure that the water you drink is always fresh and safe. Adopting these habits not only contributes to your personal well-being, but also to the health of our planet.
Since 1994, DKR specialised in innovative solutions for the world of water and cold drinks. We manage the entire production process, from design and construction (both hardware and software) to installation and service. This integrated approach allows us to guarantee excellent performance and quality, as well as offering the maximum customisation of our products.
Our in-depth knowledge of the critical issues and problems associated with cold water and beverage dispensing equipment has enabled us to develop highly efficient plants, both large and small. Evolution and continuous improvement are the pillars of our research and development activities. We constantly reinvest profits to advance our skills and technologies.
As pioneers in the industry, we are committed to offering our customers and the market customised products and services of high quality, safety and reliability. This commitment extends to all our business units, which include not only Water Houses, but also water dispensers for offices and schools.
For further information on our activity please do not hesitate to contact us.
Via Grigna, 60 – 20027 Rescaldina (MI) – ITALY
Tel. +39 0331 54 94 67 – Fax +39 0331 54 49 01
info@dkr.it – dkr@pec.it
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