Can Bacteria Grow in Water Coolers? Yes — Here’s How to Prevent It

Yes — bacteria can grow in a neglected water cooler. But with regular cleaning and timely filter replacement, a water cooler is a safe and hygienic way to access drinking water. Here’s what you need to know.

See our related guides: How to Clean a Water Cooler and Can Water Coolers Make You Sick? Browse our water cooler range.

Where Bacteria Grow in Water Coolers

The most common sites for bacterial growth in a water cooler are:

• Tap spouts — touched frequently and rarely cleaned; bacteria from hands transfer to the spout and multiply in the moist environment
• Drip tray — collects spilled water and provides a warm, moist surface for bacterial and mould growth
• Reservoir interior — if not sanitised regularly, biofilm can form on internal surfaces
• Bottle neck and probe area — the junction between the bottle and the cooler probe is a common contamination point, particularly if bottles are handled with unwashed hands
• Exhausted filter cartridge — an overdue filter cartridge can harbour bacteria and no longer removes contaminants effectively

Prevention: Maintenance Schedule

For full sanitisation instructions, see: How to Clean a Water Cooler. Browse our replacement filter cartridges.

Hot Water Tanks and Bacteria

The hot water tank in a quality water cooler reaches 90°C+ — temperatures at which most bacteria cannot survive. The cold water reservoir is a higher-risk area because it operates at temperatures where bacteria can multiply. This is why regular sanitisation of the cold reservoir is particularly important.

Frequently Asked Questions