Every year, dozens of workers die, and thousands more suffer from heat-related illnesses due to high temperatures and humidity. To protect workers, California has implemented the Heat Illness Prevention Standard, requiring employers to provide employees with drinking water. OSHA is also proposing to issue a new standard, titled Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings that will include a similar requirement.

According to OSHA's proposed paragraph (e)(2), employers must ensure that potable drinking water is:

• Easily Accessible: Water should be placed in convenient locations that allow employees to hydrate without significant disruption to their work.
• Adequately Cooled: The provided water must be suitably cool to encourage consumption and help regulate body temperature in hot environments.
• Sufficient in Quantity: Employers must supply at least one quart (32 ounces) of drinking water per employee per hour for the duration of the work shift.

The choice of water source and distribution method significantly impacts worker health, waste management, and corporate costs. This article explores various water supply options, their advantages and disadvantages, and their compliance with OSHA standards.

Considerations to providing water

The first decision is how to provide drinking water: drinking fountains, disposable cups, reusable mugs, or personal bottles. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks.

Drinking fountains are not suitable for outdoor work and require regular maintenance. Disposable cups create a large amount of waste. A worker weighing 70 kg drinks about eight cups per shift, which means a team of ten workers would generate 240 used cups per month, about 1.2 kg of waste. OSHA recommends 32 ounces of water per worker in hot conditions, which equals 30 cups per shift, increasing waste even more.

Reusable mugs with company logos promote corporate values and eliminate waste. They do not require maintenance, but workers need a designated area to drink and wash the mugs.

Personal water bottles with company branding are another good option. They are portable and reduce the risk of chemical contamination since workers are unlikely to use their own bottles for hazardous substances. However, plastic bottles can be fragile and may crack if dropped, requiring frequent replacements at the employer's expense. Metal bottles are more durable but can leave a metallic taste in the water. This option is costly, especially in workplaces with high employee turnover.

The next consideration is the source of drinking water.

Tap water is the cheapest option but may not be accepted by all workers due to concerns about chlorine, fluoride, and potential contamination. Employers are not required to test tap water, but if contamination leads to illness, it must be recorded as a workplace incident. Pipes may be rusty or shallow, making the water warm in summer. In construction, water supply lines may not be available.

Large water bottles with coolers offer a more flexible solution, as they can be placed at construction sites and provide chilled water. However, they require a sanitary storage area to prevent contamination. Handling large bottles poses ergonomic risks, and supply contracts require accurate consumption estimates. If water runs out unexpectedly due to high temperatures, the company may violate legal requirements. The distribution method must also be planned — whether using cups, mugs, or bottles. If breaks are scheduled at fixed times, queues at coolers can form, so multiple coolers may be necessary.

Water purifiers filter and cool tap water. They do not depend on external deliveries and can be placed away from a water source. Some models automatically shut off if heavy contamination is detected. However, they require regular maintenance, electricity, and replacement filters, which create additional waste. Multiple units may be needed for large workplaces. Electrolytes can be added to improve hydration. The NACOSH Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group recommended that employers consider providing electrolyte supplemental packets that can be added to water or electrolyte-containing sports drinks (NACOSH Working Group on Heat, 2023)

Bottled water is the most portable option, and the manufacturer guarantees its quality. Employees can drink directly from bottles, eliminating the need for separate cups. While bottles generate waste, companies can set up recycling programs. Storage space is required, and a responsible person must manage inventory to prevent misuse. Supply shortages can occur in hot weather, and cooling methods must be considered. Options include refrigeration before distribution or providing insulated cooler bags for teams. Bottled water is the most expensive option.

Well or borehole water can be a reliable solution in remote areas. In one case, a small town lost its municipal water supply for several days, causing a bottled water shortage in local stores. However, employees at a nearby site had continuous access to water from an on-site well. This option is ideal for isolated locations but comes with regulatory challenges. If an employer provides water to 25 or more people for at least 60 days per year, the company may be classified as a Public Water System (PWS) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This requires regular testing according to EPA or state regulations. Testing frequency and parameters vary but typically include bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants, with certified lab analysis.

Practical Experience: A Simple Solution That Worked

In one construction company, coolers were available in workshops, but not at actual workstations. Every summer, supervisors called the safety department, demanding better conditions. Some conversations became quite heated.

At another company, workers in hot workshops received bottled mineral water. Remembering this, I suggested providing bottled water to workers on-site. The conditions didn’t become cooler, but the complaints stopped immediately. Before the hot season, we purchased bottled water and distributed it to employees. The cost was relatively low, but it significantly improved worker satisfaction.

Another story happened at a manufacturing. One spring, workers at a factory complained that none of the coolers in the break area had water. It turned out that the weekend had been unexpectedly hot, and employees drank more water than usual. Since the office was closed on weekends, no one noticed the shortage.

To prevent this from happening again, we installed a water purifier. At first, workers were skeptical because not everyone wanted to drink tap water. So, we invited a lab to test the water during a break when most employees were present. We posted the test results above the purifier.

We also chose a model that provided mineral and sparkling water. It didn’t cost much more than a regular purifier, but workers immediately felt that the company cared about their comfort. That summer was extremely hot, but employees stayed hydrated and happy.

We faced one small issue—some workers started taking mineral water home for their families. We had to explain that the water was meant for use at work.

Pros and cons to both

Each water supply method has unique benefits and challenges. The choice between tap water, jugs, purifiers, bottled water, or wells depends on worksite conditions, logistics, and workforce preferences.

For construction sites, large water jugs with coolers are a practical option. They can be easily moved and help keep water cool throughout the day. However, they require proper storage and careful handling to prevent ergonomic injuries.

For offices and manufacturing plants, water purifiers or filtered tap water offer a cost-effective solution. They provide a continuous water supply and help reduce plastic waste. However, regular maintenance and a stable water connection are necessary to ensure reliability.

For remote worksites, bottled water or well water with proper testing can ensure a consistent and safe drinking water supply. While bottled water is convenient, it requires proper storage and inventory management. Well water can be a reliable long-term solution, but it must meet Public Water System (PWS) regulations, including certified lab testing.

Regardless of the method chosen, employers should ensure that drinking water is cool, easily accessible, and compliant with OSHA hydration requirements while also minimizing environmental impact.