How Does the BRITA Water Dispenser Improve Taste?

What gives water its taste?

Water taste is impacted by several different factors, ranging from where it comes from to the tap it is poured out of. While some water may taste sweet, others can taste chalky or even metallic. These are the main factors that influence water taste:

Source: the origin of your water significantly influences its mineral content, and the chemicals used during processing, both of which play a key role in shaping its taste.
Treatment: local water authorities use different chemicals, such as chlorine, to sterilise the water to make it safe for consumption. Read our article on how water is treated for more information.
Mineral content: both occurring naturally and added to water, minerals dictate whether the water is hard or soft. Water from areas with more limestone tends to be hard, while those with granite are often softer. Learn more about water hardness in our helpful guide.
Pipes and distribution: from the pipes that carry the water away from the source to your own tap, the materials and age of metals such as iron can impact the water’s taste.
Environment: rainfall and climate can influence water quality, leading to changes in taste.
pH levels: all of the above factors can influence water’s pH levels. If water becomes too acidic or alkaline, the taste may be compromised.
Temperature: though specific to the individual, many perceive water to taste different when it is hot or cold.

Why does tap water taste bad sometimes?

Water may taste bad if one of the above factors affects it too much. This can lead to a variety of unpleasant tastes:

1. Chemical tasting water

Water may taste or smell of chemicals due to how it’s been treated. UK water companies are required to treat water so that it adheres to safety standards set by the government. One of the main chemicals used to clean water for drinking is chlorine. Depending on the amount used, chlorine can affect the taste and smell of the water, even when used in safe amounts.

2. Metallic tasting water

Heavy metals, such as iron, lead or copper, can get into water from corroded pipes. This metal can cause the water to have a metallic taste that most people find unpleasant. It could even signal that your water may not be safe to drink.

3. Bitter tasting water

Often accompanied by a chalky texture, bitter-tasting water is usually a result of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals are naturally found in water as they pass over different surface and rock types.

4. Sour tasting water

Water that tastes slightly tart or even sour suggests that it has an acidic pH. Neutral water can become acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide that enters sources through the atmosphere.

5. Flat tasting water

Water that has been left for a while and becomes stale may present a flat taste. This is due to a lack of dissolved oxygen.

6. Foul-smelling water

Water that either tastes or smells like a rotten egg often indicates that it contains high levels of sulphur. This enters the water through natural rocks or can be caused by a lack of oxygen and organic matter.

How to make water taste better

Filtering water can improve both the quality and taste of the water. A filter reduces the volume of unwanted chemicals and minerals, making it taste fresher. It also removes any sediment and metals, making it safer to drink. Using a filtered water dispenser also helps to regulate the temperature of your water, keeping the taste crisper and more consistent.

How does the BRITA Water Dispenser improve taste?

The BRITA water dispenser features advanced filtration technology that effectively reduces impurities and chemicals in your water, such as chlorine, sediment and metals. Our office water dispensers are complete with BRITA HygienePlus, which removes 99.999% of bacteria and 99.95% of microbial cysts.

The filters carry out a process called ion exchange. Smart structures in the filters allow clean water to pass through and catch undesirable ions, such as calcium and magnesium, which get caught in the filter and removed. This helps to make the water softer, reduces scale build up and reduces any bitterness. The BRITA filters also capture any solid particles or sediment that can cloud the water and alter its taste.

All BRITA water dispensers are made with high-quality materials that ensure a hygienic water source for your office without the risk of build-up or unwanted metals that can enter the water from old metals and kettles. Designed with our ThermalGate™ feature, our dispenser's outlet tap is regularly heated to protect against external contaminators passed through the air or by touch. Choose from a selection of mains-fed models and four different water types to keep your office hydrated.

Filtered water vs bottled water

Although bottled water may taste good, it is not a cost-effective or sustainable solution for improving your office water supply.

Our Next Generation Workplace Sustainability Report found that removing single-use plastic was second most important improvement younger generations wanted to see in the workplace.

All BRITA water dispensers are sustainably designed, long-lasting and produce 86% less carbon emissions than bottled water. By opting for a dispenser, your business could help save over 4 million plastic bottles from being used each year. Moreover, a dispenser is a more cost-effective way to improve the taste of your office water.

To learn more about our dispensers, have any questions or would like a quote for your business, get in touch.

If you would like to learn more about water, read our guide on is tap water safe to drink and how stay hydrated at work.