The classic water cooler is a typical fixture in most offices. It's function and purpose is very clear; fresh clean water to quench that thirst, a gathering spot to catch up on the recent office scoop, chat about last night's hockey game or latest episode of Desperate Housewives. Despite the importance of the water cooler, it is often overlooked when it comes to the office-cleaning checklist.

Clean the water cooler? Why, it's only water! While we associate water with freshness and cleanliness, the common source of water cooler contamination is on the outside of the cooler.

The faucet is usually the most contaminated part on the cooler because that is the one part touched by everyone that uses it. Without regular cleaning, bacteria can find its way into the system, especially water coolers that are not used that often or are situated in a sunny location.

Fortunately, the small amount of bacteria found in water coolers, do not cause serious disease and is generally not hazardous, but it may change the smell and taste of your water. Not cleaning the water cooler can leave the water tasting off.

So how do you clean your water cooler? One of the simplest and easiest ways is to mix 1 teaspoon of bleach with 4 litres of water, put on the rubber gloves, then pour the solution into the reservoir and give it a good scrub. Drain through the faucets and flush enough water through until you can't smell or taste the bleach. Water cooler sanitizers are also generally available through the company that delivers or supplies your bottled water. A big thing in Europe right now is self-cleaning automatic cooler sanitizers which circulate chemical free ozone into the water cooler reservoir every night. This technology is being introduced into North America as well.

Having a clean water cooler is also finding the appropriate person to assign to the task. Someone in your office or your water cooler provider should clean the cooler at least every six months. Establishing proper storage and handling procedures along with a regular cooler cleaning program, will provide you with the high quality of water that you expect from your bottled water cooler.