What Is Ambient Water?

When used to describe drinking water, particularly from a water dispenser, the term "ambient" typically refers to the water’s temperature. Inspired by the word’s original meaning, ambient water often refers to water at room temperature—naturally aligned with its surroundings, neither chilled nor heated. In this context, the water is usually filtered to ensure it’s safe for drinking and comes from your regular water supply rather than straight from the earth.

Ambient water sourced from natural environments is untreated, which helps preserve its natural mineral content. However, this can also mean the water may contain impurities or microorganisms, depending on its origin. In contrast, treated water goes through a purification and filtration process to ensure it’s safe to drink, removing harmful impurities and microorganisms to meet safety standards.

Read more: How Water is Treated

Is ambient water from water dispensers treated?

When it comes to drinking water from a dispenser, such as BRITA commercial water dispensers, ambient water is a form of filtered water, coming directly from your mains supply and treated for safety. Our BRITA filters ensure your ambient water is free from impurities and tastes fresh, all while maintaining a neutral room temperature.

Learn more about how the BRITA water dispenser improves taste.

It's also important not to confuse ambient water with ambient water quality. While ambient water refers to water in its natural state or at its surrounding temperature, ambient water quality focuses on the overall condition of the water in a given environment. This includes factors such as pollutants, water pH levels, and contaminants. Ambient water quality serves as a measure of how safe the water is for various uses, from drinking to recreational activities like swimming.

Drinking filtered ambient water (water at room temperature), offers multiple benefits, including:

• Aids digestion – Since room temperature water is closer to your body’s natural temperature, it’s easier to digest, as your body doesn’t need to expend energy to cool or warm it.
• Energy efficient and convenient – Room temperature water doesn’t require any energy or time to be heated or chilled and can be enjoyed straight away.
• Supports detoxification – Working in line with your body temperature, filtered ambient water can help aid circulation and support the kidneys and other organs in processing waste.
• Rich in natural minerals – Drinking natural spring ambient water that is certified safe for consumption ensures you’re getting all of its beneficial minerals, which are essential for your health. Read more about the minerals in water.
• Increased metabolism – Studies have suggested that drinking room temperature water may actually increase metabolism, helping with weight management.

There are lots of other benefits of hydration, including increased concentration and focus, productivity, and performance.

Learn more about the best temperature for drinking water.

Drinking filtered ambient water from a water dispenser, including all BRITA dispensers, is completely safe, as the water is filtered to ensure both safety and great taste. However, drinking untreated ambient water can pose risks, including contamination, pollutants, and mineral imbalances, which may lead to illness. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that the ambient water you drink is properly filtered and meets safety standards for consumption.

Related: Is Tap Water Safe To Drink In The UK?

Having a water dispenser in your workplace that provides ambient water brings numerous benefits for both your employees and your business. Not only is it a convenient and energy-efficient solution, but easy access to hydration encourages employees to drink more water throughout the day, boosting their health and productivity.

A BRITA water dispenser ensures your drinking water is clean, safe, and tastes great, offering a more cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bottles. Many people also prefer ambient water because it’s easy to drink and refreshes without the need for temperature adjustments.

Learn more about the benefits of having a water dispenser or get in touch for personalised advice on the best water dispenser for your business.