Hands-Free Drinking Water Solutions for Hygienic Hydration
Hands-free drinking water solutions are designed to promote hygiene, safety, and convenience. By removing the need for physical contact, these dispensers reduce the spread of germs making them especially valuable in schools, airports and gyms, offices and public spaces. In today’s post-pandemic environment, touchless hydration stations are not just a convenience, they’re a necessity.
Elkay Touchless Bottle Filling Stations and Water Dispensers
Elkay has a selection of touchless bottle filling stations, water coolers and dispensers in various styles and configurations to provide more hygienic hydration. Equipped with sensor activation, touchless water fountains, bottle fillers, and dispensers automatically turn on for ease of use. There’s a solution for every application touchless water dispensers for the office, bottle filling stations for schools, airports and gyms, and even hands-free bottle filling for outdoor spaces. Each model is engineered for durability, ease of use, and low maintenance.
Easy-to-Install Hands-Free Water Dispensers for Any Environment
Hands-free water dispensers are easy to install across different environments, from in-wall units to floor-standing stations. Elkay systems are built for minimal upkeep, with filters that last longer and are simple to replace. Motion-activated sensors reduce wear and tear, helping to extend the life of the unit.
Versatile Touchless Hydration Options
From Elkay water fountains to water bottle refill stations, you’ll find touchless solutions that work in every space. Explore our three main product categories to reveal all your options hands-free water bottle filling stations with refrigeration and filtration, coolers and drinking water fountains, built-in water dispensers and more in different finishes and designs.
Featured Products
Elkay Hand Freee Touchless Drinking Water Solutions
Watch this video to discover the many benefits of Elkay’s hands-free drinking water solutions, including our touchless bottle-filling stations, water coolers, and hydration dispensers designed for sanitary hydration. With built-in sensor activation, sipping water or filling reusable bottles becomes effortless. The automatic, touchless operation reduces contact points and helps prevent the spread of germs delivering a cleaner, safer, and more hygienic hydration experience.
What does hands-free mean in Elkay drinking water products?
Hands-free Elkay solutions use sensor activation, motion detection, push bars, or foot pedals to dispense water without direct contact, enhancing hygiene and safety.
Why are hands-free drinking water systems important?
They help reduce the spread of germs in high-traffic spaces like schools, hospitals, offices, and gyms, while offering safe, filtered hydration.
Are Elkay hands-free units ADA-compliant?
Yes, most Elkay hands-free drinking fountains, coolers, and bottle filling stations are designed to meet ADA accessibility standards.
What features should I look for in a hands-free drinking fountain?
When selecting a hands-free drinking fountain, you should look for features that enhance hygiene, offer convenience, and ensure durability for your specific environment. Modern fountains use touchless activation via motion sensors, foot pedals, or even smartphone apps to minimize contact and prevent the spread of germs.
Hygiene and safety features
Multiple activation methods: Touchless operation is the key feature. Look for fountains that offer motion-activated sensors. For high-traffic areas, you might also consider units with foot pedals or integrated smartphone app controls to provide options and reduce reliance on a single mechanism.
Antimicrobial protection: Surfaces that are frequently near the mouth, such as the bubbler or bottle filler area, should be equipped with antimicrobial materials (like those infused with silver ions) to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
UV and ozone sterilization: Advanced systems may use a dual sterilization process with UV and ozone technology to purify the water as it is dispensed, killing bacteria and viruses.
Integrated drain: A drain system with no seams or exposed edges reduces the accumulation of debris and makes the unit easier to clean and sanitize.
Protective bubbler: Some units come with a "Flexi-Guard" bubbler, which features a flexible antimicrobial mouth guard designed to protect against injury and the spread of microorganisms.
Elkay offers hygienic, secure, and reliable hands-free water solutions designed for safety and convenience. Many models feature antimicrobial protection, including the Flexi-Guard® Safety Bubbler with a flexible antimicrobial mouth guard to help prevent injury and reduce germs.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Touchless Water Dispenser
Not sure whether to choose a SensorSafe or a Position Sensitive Detector model? We make it easy — explore features and benefits to find the right fit for your needs.
Performance and Convenience Features:
- Built-In Filtration: Multi-stage filtration removes contaminants, improves taste, and ensures clean hydration. Real-time filter change indicators keep maintenance easy.
- Chilled Water: Many indoor hands-free models include refrigeration for consistently cool drinking water.
- Bottle Filling Stations: Support sustainability with dedicated high-flow bottle fillers. Digital counters track bottles saved.
- Adjustable Sensor Range: Customize detection distance to prevent accidental activation.
- Automatic Shut-Off: Prevent spills and conserve water with timed shut-off features.
Durability and Installation:
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Built for high-traffic areas with corrosion-resistant 14-gauge stainless steel.
- Vandal-Resistant Design: Tamper-proof components for public installations.
- Indoor & Outdoor Ratings: Models designed for varied environments.
- ADA Compliance: Designed for accessibility with proper height and clearance.
Energy Efficiency & Maintenance:
- Energy Saving: ENERGY STAR® certified models reduce electricity use.
- Easy Maintenance: Accessible filters, removable drip trays, and self-cleaning features simplify upkeep.
- Longevity: Durable components and high-cycle sensors ensure years of reliable operation.
Elkay’s hands-free water solutions combine hygiene, convenience, and durability perfect for offices, schools, gyms, and public spaces.
What are the latest advancements in touchless water solutions?
Touchless water solutions are evolving rapidly, driven by the demand for enhanced hygiene, smart functionality, and user-friendly controls in both commercial and residential settings. Key trends and innovations include:
Advanced Sensing and Activation
- Multi-Activation Faucets: Modern faucets combine motion sensors with alternative activation methods like voice commands or touch. Products like Delta’s VoiceIQ and Kohler’s Artifacts allow users to operate faucets and dispense precise water amounts using voice, hand gestures, or a touch.
- QR Code and App Control: Public water dispensers increasingly integrate QR codes and mobile apps, letting users dispense water and control settings via their smartphones, reducing physical contact.
- Upgraded Sensors: Advanced infrared and capacitive sensors improve responsiveness and reliability, making hands-free operation smoother and more accurate.
Enhanced Hygiene and Water Quality
- Built-In Sterilization: Many dispensers feature internal UV-C sterilization, such as Culligan’s Firewall technology, disinfecting water at the point of use and minimizing germ spread.
- Antimicrobial Surfaces: High-touch areas now often include antimicrobial coatings to inhibit bacteria and mold growth.
- Advanced Filtration: Multi-stage filtration systems, including reverse osmosis and carbon filters, remove contaminants and improve taste. Some smart models provide real-time water quality updates via an app.
- Automated Self-Cleaning: Automated ozone or UV cleaning cycles sanitize internal tanks and lines to maintain cleanliness without manual intervention.
Integration and Smart Features
- IoT Connectivity: Internet of Things (IoT) integration allows real-time monitoring of water usage, filter life, and system health through apps or building management systems.
- AI-Driven Personalization: Some home water purifiers offer AI-based customization, adjusting temperature, pH, or even added nutrients based on user preferences.
- Predictive Maintenance: AI analytics detect leaks, predict maintenance needs, and prevent costly water damage before issues arise.
Sustainability and Design
- Water Conservation: Automated flow control, metered dispensing, and smart systems reduce water waste, saving thousands of gallons annually.
- Reduced Plastic Waste: Touchless, bottleless dispensers minimize single-use plastic bottles, promoting environmental sustainability.
- Space-Saving Designs: Compact, aesthetically pleasing units, including under-counter and wall-mounted models, maximize space for modern homes and commercial areas.
These innovations in hands-free water dispensers and touchless hydration solutions combine hygiene, convenience, and sustainability, making them essential for offices, schools, gyms, and homes.
What features should I look for in a hands-free drinking fountain?
When selecting a hands-free drinking fountain, prioritize features that enhance hygiene, convenience, and durability for your specific environment. Modern units use touchless activationvia motion sensors, foot pedals, or smartphone apps to reduce contact and limit germ spread. Look for antimicrobial protection on high-contact surfaces, UV or ozone sterilization systems, and integrated drains for easier cleaning. Features such as chilled water, built-in multi-stage filtration, high-flow bottle fillers with sustainability trackers, adjustable sensor distance, and automatic shut-off improve performance and user experience. For durability, choose corrosion-resistant materials, vandal-resistant designs, and ADA-compliant models suited for your setting. Energy-efficient designs, easy maintenance with accessible filter compartments, and long-lasting components ensure lasting performance, making these considerations essential for selecting the ideal fountain for your space.
Q4. What types of Elkay products come with hands-free operation?
Elkay offers hands-free bottle filling stations, water coolers, drinking fountains, and dispensers for both indoor and outdoor environments.
Q5. Do Elkay hands-free products come with filtration?
Yes, many models feature NSF-certified filters that reduce lead, chlorine, and other contaminants, ensuring cleaner drinking water.
Q6. Does Elkay have outdoor hands-free solutions?
Yes. Elkay provides outdoor bottle filling stations and fountains with foot pedals or motion sensors, ideal for parks, campuses, and recreation areas.
How do Elkay hands-free stations promote better hygiene?
By eliminating touchpoints through sensor-activated or pedal operation, they minimize cross-contamination in shared spaces.
Do Elkay hands-free products monitor filter health?
Yes, select models include filter status monitors with LED lights to indicate when a filter needs replacement.
Do hands-free Elkay stations affect water pressure?
Elkay hands-free units maintain a steady flow rate (typically 1.1–1.5 GPM for fountains and 20-second bottle fill cycles). Minimal pressure drop occurs.
Are Elkay residential filters NSF certified?
Yes. Elkay filters meet NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401, ensuring reduction in chlorine, lead, cysts, pharmaceuticals, and select PFAS.
Can Elkay residential filters improve water taste and odor?
Yes. By reducing chlorine and organic matter, Elkay filters enhance water flavor, making it better for drinking and cooking.
How do Elkay hands-free solutions support sustainability?
Bottle filling stations encourage the use of reusable bottles, reducing single-use plastic waste on campuses and in communities.
Do Elkay hands-free systems save money compared to bottled water?
Yes. By reducing bottled water purchases and offering durable, low-maintenance hydration stations, facilities save significantly long term.
Can Elkay hands-free units contribute to LEED certification?
Yes, Elkay bottle filling stations may help contribute to LEED credits for water efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
Do Elkay residential filters affect water pressure?
No significant impact. Most Elkay filters maintain 0.5–1.5 GPM flow, providing consistent water pressure.
What size homes are Elkay filters best for?
They’re designed for small to mid-sized households, supporting faucets, dispensers, and bottle filling stations without complex whole-house systems.
Can I retrofit an existing Elkay cooler or bottle filling station with hands-free features?
Yes, Elkay offers foot pedal conversion kits and compatible upgrades to make many existing units hands-free.
How difficult is installation of hands-free Elkay products?
Most Elkay units are designed for quick installation with standard plumbing connections. Retrofitting typically requires only minor modifications.
How often do I need to replace filters in hands-free systems?
Filters should be replaced every 3,000 gallons or 12 months, depending on water usage and local water quality. Many models include filter status lights.
Do Elkay residential filters affect water pressure?
No significant impact. Most Elkay filters maintain 0.5–1.5 GPM flow, providing consistent water pressure.
What size homes are Elkay filters best for?
They’re designed for small to mid-sized households, supporting faucets, dispensers, and bottle filling stations without complex whole-house systems.
You’re in the market for a new bottle filling station — but which one is right for you?
Try our bottle filler selection tool.