Prof. Dr. Petra Lührmann

Science Believes in Water Coolers!

February 14, 2014

Prof. Dr. Petra Lührmann recently conducted a scientific study which assesses the impact of water coolers on human health.

Interview with Prof. Dr. Petra Lührmann by GWCA about the impact of water coolers on human health.

Prof. Lührmann is a nutritionist and Head of the Department of Nutrition, Consumption and Fashion at the University of Education in Schwäbisch Gmünd. She recently conducted a scientific study which assesses the impact of water coolers on human health. The results were consistently positive. Consequently, Prof. Lührmann now advocates the use of water coolers.

On average, the human body consists to 60 percent of water. We need water; it regulates the body temperature and it is an irreplaceable factor for a broad variety of metabolic functions. A daily intake of approximately 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids is necessary to keep the body healthy hydrated.

Elderly people and children do not drink enough
Although the majority of people manage to consume the recommended amount of fluids, the share of sugary drinks is significantly too high. When it comes to human health, it is not only the quantity but also the quality of beverages which play an important role. Fruit juices, iced tea or lemonade, which are often preferred to plain water, are substantial contributors to overweight and obesity.
When talking about healthy hydration, Prof. Lührmann emphasizes the need for action particularly for children and elderly people. It has been recognized that the daily intake of fluids of these demographic groups is far below the level of consumption within other age groups.
In a two-month study, Prof. Lührmann and her team observed the drinking behavior of staff and students at the university. At the beginning of the study the beverage consumption within 24 hours was recorded through questionnaires. 255 participants were invited to the pre-survey of which 118 participated (70 employees and 48 students). In a next step, a water cooler was installed in the facilities of the university. A dedicated health day was organized to present the water cooler to students and employees. Water bottles were provided free of charge to all employees, students could purchase the bottles for the price of four Euros.

Two kilograms less thanks to the water cooler
It only took a few weeks to show the positive results of the water cooler. Two months after the installation a follow-up survey was conducted. This time, 150 employees and 55 students participated.
The analysis shows that the water consumption of the participants had increased significantly. At the same time the consumption of sugary drinks reduced by an average of 87 millilitres – which corresponds to approximately 30 percent. Mathematically, this results in an annual saving of 14,000 calories kilocalories, which theoretically corresponds to a potential weight reduction of two kilograms.
 
The water dispenser as a central meeting point
The acceptance of the water cooler amongst the participants was very high: 97.3 percent of the participating employees and 72.7 percent of the participating students used the water cooler on a daily basis.
The main advantages that were mentioned by the participants were, amongst others, that the water cooler is a good tool to supply water at comparably low costs and that it is easy to use.  Also, participants did not have to carry their own beverages around.
A side effect which was observed during the study was that the water cooler became a popular meeting place and people who usually have only few or no points of contact started talking to each other.
The fact that water coolers also stimulate communication provides interesting opportunities to companies: “The installation of a water cooler also supports the communication within the company. This in turn enhances the well-being and thus the level of satisfaction at the workplace", says Prof. Lührmann as a summary of her impressions.

Success factors of a water dispenser
According to the survey, the location of the water cooler is considered as an important success factor. Prof. Lührmann recommends to choose a central location and to create an inviting environment. The location has a significant impact on the use of the water cooler and on establishing a well-frequented meeting point.
Additionally, the water cooler should be officially inaugurated. By doing so, the users have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the handling of the water cooler and lose their fear of contact.
Providing additional information (e.g. about healthy hydration) or handing out water bottles can increase the acceptance of the water cooler.

Water dispenser as a component of healthcare policy
Prof. Lührmann advocates the public subsidy of water coolers, especially in children daycare and schools. By doing so, children and young people from all socio-cultural environments can enjoy the benefits of a watercooler – especially those who are considered as risk groups when it comes to developing healthy drinking behaviour.

Past interviews