Guidance For Providing Safe Drinking Water in Areas of Federal
Jurisdiction - Version 1
Appendix 4: Bottled Water Dispenser Maintenance
Note: This information can be found on Health Canada's website
at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/facts-faits/faqs_bottle_water-eau_embouteillee_e.html under
the heading "Questions and Answers on Bottled Water" (sub-heading "How
do I maintain the cleanliness of a water cooler")
Cleaning your water cooler:
- Unplug cord from electrical outlet of cooler.
- Remove empty bottle.
- Drain water from stainless steel reservoir(s) through faucet(s).
- Prepare a disinfecting solution by adding one-tablespoon (15
mL) household bleach to one Imperial gallon (4.5 L) of water
solution. (This solution should not contain less than 100 ppm
available chlorine.) OR Some companies suggest
using one part vinegar to three parts water solution to clean
the reservoir of scale before cleaning with bleach. Check your
manual.
NOTE: Other disinfecting solutions may be suitable. Please check
with your water cooler supplier.
- Wash reservoir thoroughly with bleach solution and let stand
for not less than two minutes (to be effective) and not more
than five minutes (to prevent corrosion).
- Drain bleach solution from reservoir through faucet(s).
- Rinse reservoir thoroughly with clean tap water, draining water
through faucets, to remove traces of the bleach solution.
NOTE: Clean your bottled water cooler with every bottle change.
Drip Tray (located under faucets):
- Lift off drip tray.
- Remove the screen and wash both tray and screen in mild detergent.
- Rinse well in clean tap water and replace on cooler.
Replacing Bottle:
- Wash hands with soap and warm water before handling. If you
choose to use clean protective gloves (ex. latex), discard or
disinfect after each use and prior to reuse.
NOTE: Protective gloves should never replace proper hand washing
and hygiene.
- Wipe the top and neck of the new bottle with a paper towel
dipped in household bleach solution (1 tablespoon (15 mL) of
bleach, 1 gallon (4.5 L) of water). Rubbing alcohol may also
be used, but must be completely evaporated before placing the
bottle in the cooler
- Remove cap from new bottle.
- Place new bottle on cooler.
[1] Adapted from instructions provided by Ken Orom, Calgary Board
of Education, and Ken Reynolds, Calgary Health Services.
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