Hydration: changes are coming!

WHA Conference provides forum to discuss latest hydration technologies

As hydration moves ever upwards in the health agenda, the need to supply hydration in the workplace, in hospitality venues, at leisure sites and at home becomes ever more important.  The recent Water Dispenser and Hydration Association (WHA) conference saw discussion and information exchanged around some of the latest innovations in hydration technology.

Conventional water dispensers still have their place, but alternatives are required to meet new challenges.  For example, there’s a growing need for outdoor hydration BFS (Bottle Filling Station) points, which need to be robust and contamination-proof.  There’s also the move towards enhanced and flavoured water, with specialist dispensers coming online to meet the demand because, for some people, hydrating is easier with flavours.

Then there’s IoT (Internet of Things) – as more consumers look to monitor their health, the demand for IoT or smart water bottles is going to increase.  Just as their fitness watch can tell them they’ve done their 10,000 steps, their IoT water bottle can tell them they’ve drunk their two litres.

Integrated Tap Systems (ITS) are growing hugely, notably in hospitality, where restaurants and other venues are moving away from bottled water and are adapting to high volume in-house systems.  These filter mains water and can dispense chilled water, still or sparkling, providing a low-carbon hydration alternative.

Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, general manager of the WHA, says, “The conference provided the ideal forum to discuss these new technologies, and at the WHA Trade Show delegates were able to get hands-on experience of several of the latest launches and innovations.

“The buzz was very positive.  There are a lot of changes on the way for the hydration industry, and we want to make sure WHA members are up to speed!”

The WHA Conference took place on March 16 2023, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes. 

The WHA (Water Dispenser and Hydration Association) is the voice of the water dispenser and hydration industry.  Its members are committed to offering the very best in terms of quality, trust and standards.  For more information visit twha.co.uk