Easy Water Bottle Fill Station Fundraiser

Schools, businesses, restaurants, and public buildings must provide access to free, potable water. Fresh water helps maintain hydration to keep students, employees, and patrons healthy. Until recently, this was easy to do with standard drinking water fountains.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, drinking water fountains shut down. The high traffic touch-points were no longer an acceptable solution. Luckily, hands free water bottle fill stations offer a safer alternative.

In this article, we will teach you what a water bottle filling station is, the benefits, and the cost. Plus, learn an easy fundraising idea. Do it right and you could have no out-of-pocket cost for your water bottle fill stations.

What is a water bottle filling station?

These units are installed above a drinking water fountain. The fill station has an electronic sensor. When you place your reusable bottle in front of the sensor the unit will dispense. Some units even filter and chill the water. 

These units must be plumbed into your waterline by a professional installer. They also require electricity and a drain. Most are wall mounted, but with machines like the Freestanding Contactless Bottle Filler no mounting is necessary. 

What are the benefits of a water filling stations?

You will enjoy multiple benefits with water bottle fill stations. According to an article in Duke Today, the university saved 400,000 single-use water bottles in one year by installing 50 units campus-wide. Most importantly, you will meet your requirements to provide fresh, potable water. Also, students and employees who drink enough water are more energized and productive. Other benefits include: 

• Touchless technology means no more worrying about germs.
• By encouraging refills you will reduce plastic waste.
• The units and installation are cost effective.
• Duel level models are ADA compliant.
• Most are vandal resistant.

How much does a water filling station cost?

There are many models available, and the prices vary . The simplest option is to convert a water fountain to a bottle filler. Or you can go for all the bells and whistles. Some bottle fillers come with carbon filtration, UV sanitation, and an instant chiller. The range of costs is about $399 up to $1999 plus installation. Most clients choose an option somewhere in the middle. 

Water Bottle Fill Station Fundraiser

These units are cost-effective. There are no repeat expenditures (outside of maintenance) and they come with a 5-year warranty. This can still be a tough pill to swallow for settings that require multiple fountains and schools with tight budgets. Elkay (a top manufacturer of water bottle fill stations) has partnered with Eco Vessel to create a fundraiser to help pay for your touchless fill stations. And, it’s super easy! Here is how it works:

1. Register with EcoVessel and purchase sample bottles. Choose bottles for the campaign and purchase samples at the discounted wholesale rate.
2. Presell the bottles. A goal to support one hydration station should be about 150 bottles at $10 above your wholesale price. 
3. Send the orders to EcoVessel. Once the orders are gathered, send them to EcoVessel and they will deliver the bottles to you within 1-2 weeks.
4. Order your first hydration station. Call us to install your first unit! If you sell enough bottles, your fill stations could be free to you. Besides, fundraising for the cause will increase camaraderie and participation in the program.