Where Should You Put a Bottle Filling Station in a Building?

Installing a bottle filling station is one of the easiest ways to encourage hydration and help eliminate single-use plastics. That said, if you want to get the most out of your investment, you need to install the unit in the right place. Making sure your bottle filling station is highly visible is key, otherwise it won’t get used to its full potential.

Visibility and accessibility will impact how much benefit your bottle filling station actually has. In this article we will outline the best places to install a bottle filling station in your building, and share some top tips to help you choose the best option for your users.

Where Should You Install a Bottle Filling Station?

Main Corridors/Hallways

One of the most effective places to install a bottle filling station is along a main corridor or hallway. These areas will be getting consistent foot traffic throughout the day. Installing your station where people walk through every day will encourage regular use and ensure your station is still highly accessible, without being in the way.

Try to avoid placing the filling station at the end of corridors or in areas that see little footfall.

Near Toilet/Washroom Areas

Toilet and washroom areas are another ideal placement for a bottle filling station. Not only will these areas already have plumbing and drainage nearby, which will save you time and money when installing, but they’re also somewhere that people visit several times a day.

Try to locate your bottle filling station immediately outside of a toilet area, or along a hall where toilets are located.

Staff Kitchens/Cafeterias

Kitchen areas, breakout spaces and cafeterias are another logical place to install a reusable bottle filling station. Workers and visitors will be in and out all day, making it a efficient location for your bottle filling station.

Refilling a reusable bottle before, during or after lunch is far better for the environment than buying new plastic bottles each day. If your kitchen area is particularly busy, try fitting the bottle filler near the exit or entrance of the room.

Gyms/Leisure Centres/Sports Areas

Gyms, leisure centres and sports areas will always benefit from having a bottle filling station nearby. People actively try to hydrate as much as they can while they work out so making filling stations accessible are vital here.

Whether that’s placing one next to the changing rooms or out on the gym floor, ensure it's in a visible spot with no interference. If you’re buying multiple filling stations for a gym or leisure centre, durability will be key so consider a stainless steel model that can withstand more wear and tear than a corporate setting.

Offices

Ideally, bottle filling stations should be located in communal areas for office buildings. This might be a kitchen area that staff members use to make drinks and coffee, or near breakout spaces and meeting rooms.

Wall mounted or recessed bottle filling stations are perfect for office environments, they won’t get in the way of foot traffic and are accessible to all.

Outdoor Areas/Building Entrances

Schools, leisure centres, and any other building with outdoor grounds can benefit from outdoor bottle stations. Installing one near the entrance of the building or in a courtyard is great way to provide users with easily accessible drinking water.

When choosing to put your bottle filling station outside, ensure you choose a model designed for use outside as they will be built to withstand the elements of the outdoors.

Conclusion

Ideally, bottle filling stations should be placed in high traffic areas that are easily accessible. Locations like main hallways and close to bathrooms, cafeterias, gyms, or office break rooms are perfect since those are areas that most people will pass by or frequently visit. Try to install them near existing water lines and electrical outlets to minimise installation time and costs. Wall-mounted or recessed units will keep your station accessible without taking up extra space on the floor.

Placement is important when you want to get the most out of your water bottle filling station. When you put them in the right spots, you can help increase usage and promote healthy hydration habits. 

Want to get the most out of your bottle filling station? Place it where your employees or guests can't miss it.