The water

Mount Lofty Spring water is sourced locally from the pristine Piccadilly region in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. The springs are uniquely located just below the peak of Mt. Lofty, they are true free flowing springs producing water 24/7.

Nothing is added to the water before or during bottling. Mount Lofty Springs water is completely free of additives or preservatives and contains no calories.

Mount Lofty Springs water contains natural traces of fluoride at levels to be of beneficial value and not harmful. The level of natural fluoride in Mount Lofty Springs water is well below the level recommended by world health organisations for adding fluoride to water for human consumption.

Spring water is water trapped underground in aquifers. This water is under pressure forcing the water to make its way to the surface. This process is how the water gets filtered naturally and depending on the type of rocks and soil that it travels through determines the unique properties of the water, for example, its mineral content, ph. Level, taste and the analysis of the water in general.

The main difference between bore water and spring water is that spring water makes its way to the surface naturally and flows constantly out of the ground whereas bore water is extracted from the ground manually by drilling through the ground into the aquafer and then pumping the water to the surface.

A typical analysis of Mount Lofty Springs water is available on the website. Go to “about us” and click on the link “about the water”.


Coolers

How to clean your Water Cooler/Ceramic Water well

Water coolers are a convenient way to offer clean water in offices, gyms, homes, etc. Although the water we run through them is clean bottled water, germs and unwanted growths can occur in these moist environments. Keeping your cooler clean will ensure all those that benefit from it will be free from germs and dangerous bacteria as well.

Cleaning your water cooler can be completed fairly easily and quickly if done on a regular basis.


You Will Need:

  • Bleach (or Milton steriliser)
  • Sponge or scrub brush
  • Buckets
  • Water
  • Rubber Gloves

Method:

  1. Put rubber gloves on and begin by mixing a bleach solution of 1 TEASPOON of bleach or Milton per 4 litres of water. (Unused portions of this solution can be stored for up to 30 days). IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GET THIS SOLUTION RIGHT OR IT MAY DAMAGE THE COOLER AND TAINT THE WATER.
  2. Unplug the water cooler. It’s important to NEVER clean the unit while it is still plugged in.
  3. Remove the water bottle. It’s best to do this when you have an empty bottle so you don’t waste any spring water.
  4. Drain any remaining water from the reservoir through the taps into a bucket.
  5. If you have a hot/cold tank, plug the hot tank so no bleach solution can enter. This area is sanitized because of the hot water and does not need to be cleaned with the bleach solution. If bleach enters this area, it will take several days for it to be removed completely and it may damage the seals and lines.
  6. Fill the interior reservoir with the bleach solution. Let it sit for about 3 minutes.
  7. Use the scrub brush or sponge to scrub away any build-up from the walls of the interior. Remove the spike and clean it either in the bleach solution or with a mild dish detergent, rinse and replace.
  8. Drain the water again by emptying it through the taps into a bucket. This allows the taps to be disinfected as well.
  9. Rinse by filling the interior reservoir with clean water and emptying it through the taps into a bucket at least FOUR times or more until the water no longer has a bleach taste.
  10. Remove the drip tray and screen.
  11. Wash both items in the bleach solution or with a mild detergent.
  12. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and replace on the unit.
  13. Wipe the top of the new water bottle with a damp paper towel.
  14. Insert it in the cooler and let it fill the reservoir.
  15. Use paper towels and the bleach solution to wipe the exterior of the cooler along with the taps.
  16. Plug the unit back in and allow about 30 minutes for it to bring the water back to the desired temperature.

Additional Tips and Advice

  • It is helpful to designate a specific individual in the office or at home who is responsible for cleaning the water cooler on a regular basis.
  • Be sure to store unused water bottles in a clean area that is preferably cool, dark and well ventilated.
  • Be cautious not to touch cups or personal water bottles to the taps when filling. This is a prime way to spread germs.
  • Be cautious not to get the air filter wet during the cleaning process.

Ultimately like most situations with regards to cleaning it depends on the amount of usage that the cooler gets , however it is recommended to sanitise or flush your cooler out every 3 to 6months or more often if required in extreme situations . Cleaning instructions are provided in the answer to Q1.

Most manufacturers pre-set their hot temperature to approximately 85 degrees Celsius this could vary around 5 degrees either way so generally speaking the hot water is usually within a range of 80-90 degrees Celsius.

At Mount Lofty Springs we rent the hot/cold coolers for the same price as cook/cold coolers however the hot/cold coolers are slightly dearer to purchase than cook/cold coolers.


Payments

At Mount Lofty Springs you can pay for your water in numerous ways including online payments, direct debit, credit card online or via the phone, EFTPOS or to your driver directly or you can even use our pre-paid vouchers. Just ask one of our team members and we can find a payment option that suits you best.


Misc.

Simply two main reasons. Firstly, as explained in detail in our environmental statement the deposit scheme was implemented to reduce the amount of dis-used 11l bottles from polluting our environment. Those bottles now get returned to Mount Lofty Springs where a refund is paid, and those bottles get fully recycled. Secondly it keeps those bottles in the system which means we don’t have to replace them and this ultimately helps keep the cost of production down which in turn allows us to keep the price of the water down to our customers.

Simply return them to Mount Lofty Springs head office where if you have paid a deposit on them you can redeem your refund or take them to your nearest recycler but please do not throw them into general waste bins as this is not good for the environment.