The hygiene status of a water cooler depends on its maintenance intervals and the cleanliness of its environment. In principle, water dispensers should be cleaned every 6 months to be considered hygienic. However, if a solid water cooler is exposed to increased stress due to, for example, high outdoor temperatures, it is advisable to clean or disinfect it more often, at least externally. For drinking water wells for public outdoor use, the local health department specifies the maintenance intervals. Drinking fountains with a water connection, without water-refining additives such as sparkling water, hot or cold water, are maintenance-free from a technical point of view. After all, your washbasin drinking faucet at home isn't serviced “as often.”