According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), water coolers provided in public places or buildings must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This is to ensure that everyone has equal access to drinking water, regardless of their physical abilities.
ADA Requirements for Water Cooler Accessibility
The ADA Standards for Accessible Design outline the specific requirements for water coolers to be considered ADA compliant:
Control Location and Height
- The controls for the water cooler must be located on the front of the unit.
- The controls must be within 15 inches (380 mm) and 48 inches (1,220 mm) of the floor.
- This height range allows individuals in wheelchairs to approach and operate the water cooler from both the front (forward approach) and the side (parallel approach).
Clear Floor Space
- The floor space in front of the water cooler must be clear by at least 30 inches by 48 inches (760 mm by 1220 mm).
- This clear space allows for a forward or parallel approach to the water cooler.
Operable Parts
- The controls and mechanisms of the water cooler must be operable with one hand and without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
- This ensures that individuals with limited dexterity or mobility can still access the water cooler.
Accessible Route
- There must be an accessible route, such as a ramp or curb cut, leading to the water cooler.
- This allows individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids to reach the water cooler.
ADA-Compliant Water Cooler Models
Quench, a leading provider of filtered water coolers and ice dispensers, offers several models that are designed to be ADA compliant:
| Model | ADA Compliance |
|---|---|
| Quench Q3 | ADA Compliant |
| Quench Q4 | ADA Compliant |
| Quench Q5 (freestanding) | ADA Compliant |
| Quench Q7 (freestanding) | ADA Compliant |
| Quench Q8 (freestanding) | ADA Compliant |
| Quench Q12 | ADA Compliant |
| Quench Q7 CT | ADA Compliant |
| Quench Q5 CT | ADA Compliant |
| Quench 975 | ADA Compliant |
| Quench 965 | ADA Compliant |
| Quench 975-15 | ADA Compliant |
| Quench 985 | ADA Compliant |
These models meet the ADA requirements for control location, height, clear floor space, and operable parts, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the water cooler.
Fixed or Built-in Water Coolers
Water coolers and bottle fillers that are fixed or built-in must also comply with the ADA requirements for operable parts (§205, §309), but they are not subject to the other requirements for drinking fountains.
This means that the controls and mechanisms of fixed or built-in water coolers must be within the specified height range and operable with one hand, but the clear floor space and accessible route requirements may not apply.
Conclusion
In summary, water coolers provided in public places or buildings must be accessible to individuals with disabilities in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By following the specific requirements for control location, height, clear floor space, and operable parts, water cooler manufacturers and installers can ensure that everyone has equal access to drinking water.
Reference:
– ADA Compliance Blog: Drinking Fountains and the ADA
– Quench ADA Compliance Information Sheet
– Access Board Guide: Drinking Fountains