By: Foo Le Xuan Shanice (25S03A)
Back in primary school, I refused to drink from water coolers, opting instead to spend a generous 70 cents, out of my daily allowance of 2 dollars, to buy a bottle of water when I ran out of water. I would say my aversion to water coolers was justified.
I mean, how are we supposed to trust that the water coming out of these metal boxes (which have been here since the school first opened) is safe for consumption? When was the last time these pipes were cleaned? Every time I tasted the water from the water cooler, I couldn’t help but wonder just how many different strains of bacteria were swirling around in my bottle.
However, as time goes by, I’ve slowly grown accustomed to drinking from water coolers (with rising inflation and global warming, my Dasani-buying days were soon brought to an end). However, I still tend to only stick to the few coolers I know are good (special shoutout to Block A Level 7’s water cooler).
Hence, I decided to go around the school and try out some of the most popular water coolers amongst the RI student population to scout out more “safe” water coolers.
With taste, texture, temperature and location as the criteria for deeming a water cooler good or bad, here is my take on this pressing issue:
#6 ISH
Taste: ★★★☆☆
Texture: ★★★☆☆
Temperature: ☆☆☆☆☆
Location: ★★☆☆☆
“Why is there a piano next to the water cooler?”
-Me, before I walked closer, only to realise it was an ice box for injuries
Admittedly, I did not have high hopes for this water cooler. Upon walking closer, I could hear a distinct whirr coming from it, and I wasn’t sure if that meant the machinery was working extra-hard to cool the water, or if it was a sign from the universe to run away as fast as I could.
My expectations were met, sadly, as the water was painfully lukewarm. It had a slight metallic taste to it, and felt rather heavy on my tongue. Coupled with the fact that it is located near the basketball court and ISH, this would probably be the last thing I want to drink after a strenuous game during PE, or after a particularly horrid fall (hence the trudge over to the ice box).
Overall, it was not a very pleasant experience and I am unabashedly ranking it last in the list.
#5 Next to the Windy Benches
Taste: ★★★☆☆
Texture: ★★★☆☆
Temperature: ★★★☆☆
Location: ★★★★☆
Did you know? A recent study by the University of East London and the University of Westminster has shown that drinking 300ml of water can help to boost attention span by 25%! Strategically placed right next to the Windy Benches, this water cooler is great for a little stretch break/water break amidst the study grind.
However, I feel the need to dock off an extra point simply because it was placed too near to the toilet, which kills the otherwise nice ambience (I mean, does it have to be placed right next to the opening of the male toilet?).
The water from this water cooler was “mid” in a sense, as it was neither horrifically bad or downright fantastic. It was at an acceptable degree of coldness, though there was a slight metallic tang to it. The texture wasn’t exactly thick nor crisp either.
Therefore, it is placed near the bottom of the list, not because its bad, but simply because other water coolers overshadow it.
#4 Canteen
Taste: ★★★★☆
Texture: ★★★☆☆
Temperature (Coldness): ★★★☆☆
Location: ★★★★★
Behold, the only water cooler in school with a woman’s face on it (though it’s definitely more widely known as the only water cooler that can dispense different temperatures of water). I obviously had very high expectations for this one due to its staggering list of accolades from those around me.
Not only can you cook instant noodles with this, you can also pair it with a refreshing glass of cold water. All from the same water cooler! Wow!
* In this review, I will only be judging it based on its cold water dispenser, because accounting for all its other benefits would possibly nerf the rest of the water coolers in the list.
The water was relatively cold and crisp, without any metallic tang to it. It’s also very accessible, as you can just fill up your bottle after your meal before heading to your next location. And if you’re feeling thrifty/healthy, you can also consider drinking from the water cooler instead of purchasing a drink!
#3 MPH/ HP Block
Taste: ★★★☆☆
Texture: ★★★★☆
Temperature: ★★★★☆
Location: ★★★☆☆
From appearance alone, I would dub this the cleanest-looking water cooler around. Look at how it shines! I had high hopes for this one, and it definitely did not disappoint! The water was numb-your-teeth cold as I could literally feel the coldness of the water from my teeth. It was also really crisp.
However, one downside was that it had a mild fishy (?) aftertaste to it.
If you’re one of the unfortunate ones (like me) who have to make a long trip back to class from the MPH, you should definitely consider filling up your bottles before embarking on your expedition. I guarantee it will make the climb back up to level 5/6/7 at least 5% better.
Hence, I would give it a solid third place on the list.
#2 Block A level 4
Taste: ★★★★☆
Texture: ★★★★☆
Coldness: ★★★★★
Location: ★★★☆☆
In all honesty, this was not on my list of water coolers to review. However, since it is placed right next to the study benches on level 4, I concluded that it was worth a try. I was also told that the water gets better as the floors increase, so I wanted to test the theory (as a regular consumer and strong advocate for block A level 7’s water cooler).
Safe to say, this theory was proven wrong as this was, as much as I hate to say it, better than both the block A level 1 and level 7 water coolers. The water was extremely cold and crisp, and it didn’t have any weird taste to it. It was truly one of the best water cooler waters I’ve ever had.
But, due to its odd location, it is placed second on the list. However, if my classroom was at level 4, this would definitely be ranked first.
#1 Marymount Side Gate
Taste: ★★★★★
Texture: ★★★★★
Coldness: ★★★★★
Location: ★★★★☆
And for our winner of this round of water cooler reviews we have: the Marymount side gate water cooler!
It’s placed outside of the staff toilet, and you can enjoy the scenery of the beautiful biodiversity pond as you’re walking to this water cooler. Maybe I was slightly biassed due to the sight of the side gate in front of me, heralding the end of the school day and filling me with an extra ounce of joy and happiness.
However, drinking the water from this cooler literally soothed my soul. It was teeth-numbingly cold, extremely crisp and had absolutely no weird aftertaste (which shocked me as the fishy smell from the pond was starting to get to me).
It never gets intimidated by the much louder and more decorated pond right behind it, and instead stands humbly but steadily in its little corner, doing its best to churn out good, cold water everyday.
In conclusion, I hope this water cooler review has given you more insights on which water coolers are worth travelling to, and my apologies for not having as wide of a scope (sorry Raja block people) (I am definitely up for doing a part 2 though!).
So water you waiting for? Go drink some water! #hydrateordiedrate