Highland council spends more than £90,000 every year on water coolers for offices and schools. Reports showed that a total amount of £91,772 was spent by local authorities on water coolers from 1st July 2009 till 30th June 2010. This amount includes buying, renting and maintenance cost.
These water coolers are supplied to the properties including Inverness Town House and Glenurquhart Road headquarters for employees, councillors and other public. The investment was defended by council’s budget leader David Alston saying that water coolers are more efficient than jugs of water. He also believes that these coolers are cost-efficient as they save money on free-of-charge refreshments like tea and coffee.
Mr. David Alson was backed up by Alan Geddes, the council’s depute chief executive and director of finance, who agreed on the fact that these coolers are an investment made by council as it is a cheaper option than buying smaller bottles of water.
Why water coolers are preferred
Water coolers supply clean and cool water. Studies have proven that the consumption of water in offices and schools increases after installing these coolers. The proper intake of fresh water results in healthy individuals. Varieties of water coolers like mains-fed and bottled water coolers are available in the market that suit different needs and the budget of individuals. A reason why water coolers should be used was put forward by Highlands and Islands MSP Mary Scanlon, the Scottish Conservatives’ health spokeswoman said that ‘everyone needs healthy intake of water’.
