Gulf Construction Online - Watersmile promotes ‘green’ water solutions

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The green filter ... reusable system.

Watersmile promotes ‘green’ water solutions

01 November 2011

DUBAI-BASED Watersmile Company is expanding in the Middle East region in a big way, having established itself as one of the leading suppliers of water coolers and green filtration systems that provide drinking water solutions for venues of heavy footfall such as schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, stadiums, factories as well as homes and offices throughout Europe and Africa as well as the region.

More than 100 years of research and development by Watersmile’s manufacturing partner Oasis International has helped the supplier offer customers tailor-made European manufactured products of high quality.

Watersmile is one of the leading suppliers of European manufactured bottle water coolers, point-of-use (PoU) and green filtration systems for domestic and commercial needs. The company also provides non-refrigerated drinking fountains and dehumidifiers and will be officially showcasing its extensive product range at the upcoming Dubai Drink Technology Expo, which runs from November 29 to December 1.

Rawas ... major success.

Watersmile is recognised for its eco-friendly water filtration systems. For instance, the company’s PoU coolers are installed with the highest quality green filters – a patented re-usable system, where the only part that needs to be discarded is the biodegradable filter media and all of the other parts can be reused, thus causing minimal impact on the environment.

“These filters have recently received the ISO 14001 certification and have been a major success with our clients internationally,” said Asama Rawas, regional sales manager for the Middle East.

He pointed out that while many companies provide ways of filtering the water at point of use to improve its taste, these nominally take the form of disposable plastic housings containing a filter media. The consumer must discard the filter and replace it with a new cartridge at regular intervals (usually every six months). “The main disadvantage of traditional filtration systems is the environmental impact of disposing plastic filters,” he continued. “In the US, approximately six million plastic filters are thrown away every year, resulting in more than 1,000 tonnes of plastic being sent to landfill.”

Watersmile ... recognised for water cooler solutions.

“Our filters provide pure, tasty and healthy water without the loss and expense incurred in the use of standard filtering systems,” said Rawas. “Watersmile has passed the protocol of three tests of the European Association EBWA for all its bottle coolers and reservoir PoU coolers. We are in a position to offer the best sanitising solution,” he added.

The company’s other revolutionary product is the Aqua Pointe range, which is the result of major research and development initiatives that have put Oasis International in the lead in innovation. “Our drive for innovation has provided the first ever water cooler and dehumidifier, the Hot ‘N’ Cold cooler, point-of-use filtration equipment, non-refrigerated drinking fountains and fully integrated POU coolers,” said Rawas.

Since the beginning of 2009 the Health Education and Food for Life Trust Partnership in the UK have been working closely with Oasis to develop a chilled water unit with the aim of encouraging students and staff of educational institutions to consume more water. “In collaboration with the Food for Life Trust, the Aqua Pointe system was established under the Oasis flagship in late 2009,” he said.

This product range has since been recognised for its benefits to the environment and the increase of consumption of water at schools. “The Aqua Pointe range has been of great interest in the region, with a number of industry sectors wanting to install these units at hospitals, universities and large malls,” said Rawas.

The Aqua Pointe range is a bottle filler which can be floor- or wall-mounted and can reduce the amount of plastic used by allowing consumers to use either stainless steel or plastic sports bottles.

The water dispenser has been designed for use with various types of containers including jugs, bottles, mugs, or cups – basically, anything that can be washed easily.

The dispenser not only saves costs but also reduces the impact on the environment by reducing water wastage, says Rawas.

“With its innovative design and functionality, the Aqua Pointe is a PoU cooler that is ergonomically stylish and environment friendly – and a huge step away from the traditional bubbling water cooler in the corner of the room or by the vending machines in the corridor. The Aqua Pointe range wins the day with its style, practicality and sustainability,” he added.

Oasis International has provided its products and services to a number of landmark projects in many sectors, including commercial and residential developments, hospitality, airports, sports and leisure venues, healthcare institutions and shopping malls. The company has been in the GCC for more than 50 years and has seen rapid growth in the region.