Clean, great-tasting water isn’t just a nice-to-have in commercial environments; it’s a baseline expectation. Whether you manage a school, office building, medical facility, or job site, the quality of your drinking water reflects directly on your operations. But while most municipal systems meet regulatory standards, that doesn’t always mean the water is free from harmful contaminants.

Aging infrastructure, localized pipe corrosion, and residual disinfectants can all affect the safety and taste of water delivered through your building’s fixtures. That creates an opportunity, and a responsibility, to go a step further. Commercial water filtration helps reduce exposure to contaminants that may be invisible to the eye but carry long-term risks for health, equipment, and trust.

More businesses are turning to point-of-use filtration to take control of water quality on-site. Elkay’s WaterSentry® filters are designed with that need in mind, helping commercial operations filter out a broader range of contaminants with every sip.

Common Contaminants Found in Drinking Water

Even when water looks clean, it may still carry substances that raise health and safety concerns. In commercial settings with high foot traffic or sensitive populations, understanding what’s in your water is the first step toward smarter filtration.

Lead

Lead typically enters drinking water through older plumbing systems, especially where pipes, solder, or fixtures haven’t been updated. While legal limits exist, there is no safe level of lead exposure. For schools, healthcare facilities, and government buildings, lead remains one of the most scrutinized water contaminants due to its long-term impact on neurological development and cardiovascular health.

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

Often called "forever chemicals," PFAS are used in industrial coatings, firefighting foams, and manufacturing processes. These substances are slow to break down and have been detected in water systems nationwide. Linked to potential liver, kidney, and reproductive issues, PFAS are a growing concern for businesses near airports, factories, and older military sites. Even low levels can prompt action.

Microplastics

As plastic waste breaks down, it sheds microscopic particles that can enter water supplies. While research is still evolving, microplastics have been found in tap water, bottled water, and even the air. For organizations committed to sustainability and wellness, reducing microplastics through filtration is increasingly seen as a forward-thinking standard.

Chlorine Taste and Odor

Municipal systems often use chlorine or chloramine to disinfect water, which can result in an off-putting taste or smell. While not always a health risk, it’s a common complaint in tenant surveys and employee feedback. In commercial buildings, improving water palatability through filtration contributes to occupant satisfaction.

Cysts (Giardia, Cryptosporidium)

Cysts are microscopic parasites that can enter water supplies through surface water contamination. They are resistant to standard chlorination and pose a particular risk in buildings serving children, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals. Without proper filtration, these organisms can lead to serious gastrointestinal illness.

Sediment and Particulates

Visible particles like rust, sand, or silt can enter plumbing systems during main breaks, repairs, or seasonal runoff. These aren't always health hazards, but they can damage equipment, clog fixtures, and make water appear cloudy or unclean, especially in older or heavily used facilities. Consistent filtration helps maintain both performance and perception.

How Filtration Helps

Point-of-use water filtration addresses a gap that many commercial systems overlook. Even if the water entering a building meets code, it can still pick up unwanted contaminants as it moves through pipes, fixtures, or outdated infrastructure. Adding filtration at the point where water is dispensed gives facilities more control over what end users actually consume.

Targeted Contaminant Reduction

Commercial water filters, especially those certified to NSF standards, are designed to reduce specific health-related and aesthetic contaminants. Depending on the filter media and certification level, this can include:

• Lead and other heavy metals
• PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS
• Chlorine and chloramine taste and odor
• Cysts such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium
• Microplastics
• Sediment and Class I particulates

This makes filtration not just about taste or clarity, but about long-term health protection and system performance.

NSF/ANSI Certification: What It Means

Filters certified under NSF/ANSI standards offer third-party verification that they do what they claim:

• NSF 42: Reduces chlorine taste and odor, and particulates
• NSF 53: Targets health-related contaminants such as lead and cysts
• NSF 401: Covers emerging contaminants, including some PFAS and pharmaceuticals

For procurement teams or contractors selecting equipment for schools, clinics, or multi-tenant spaces, these certifications provide measurable benchmarks for performance.

Why Point-of-Use Matters

Unlike whole-building filtration systems, which can be costly and hard to maintain, point-of-use filters are easier to install, monitor, and replace. They offer targeted protection exactly where people drink water; whether that’s at a bottle filler, water cooler, or wall-mounted fountain. This approach is especially useful in facilities with aging infrastructure or diverse usage patterns across departments or tenants.

Introducing Elkay WaterSentry Filtration

For commercial teams looking to improve water quality without overhauling existing infrastructure, Elkay WaterSentry® filters offer a proven, plug-and-play solution. Designed for use with Elkay fountains, bottle filling stations, and coolers, these point-of-use filters help reduce a wide range of contaminants right at the source.

WaterSentry filters are tested and certified to meet NSF/ANSI standards, with select models targeting lead, chlorine, cysts, Class I particulates, and even certain PFAS compounds. For facilities teams, that means clearer expectations, stronger compliance, and safer water delivery in public-facing spaces.

For sites that require more advanced protection, such as those with PFAS exposure concerns or higher filtration demands, Elkay’s Pro Filtration models provide expanded contaminant reduction in the same streamlined format. These filters are part of the WaterSentry family but are engineered for greater performance in high-risk or high-traffic environments.

Using genuine Elkay filters is critical to maintaining system compatibility, achieving certified performance, and protecting your equipment investment. Aftermarket options may fit, but they often fall short on filtration quality and can void warranties. Elkay’s filter lineup is built for reliability, helping commercial teams stay ahead of maintenance schedules without added complexity.

Benefits of Using Water Filtration

Adding point-of-use filtration to commercial water fixtures isn’t just a health upgrade, it’s a smart operational decision. Whether you're managing compliance, improving tenant satisfaction, or planning for sustainability, the right filtration system can support broader business goals.

1. Health Protection

Filtration helps reduce exposure to contaminants that may not be caught at the municipal level, including lead, cysts, and PFAS. In buildings serving children, patients, or high-volume occupants, this added layer of protection can make a measurable difference in public health outcomes.

2. Better Taste and User Satisfaction

Unpleasant taste or odor from chlorine and other disinfectants can discourage people from using fountains or bottle fillers, especially in office or hospitality settings. Filters that improve water flavor help increase usage and encourage refill behavior, cutting down on bottled water waste.

3. Reduced Equipment Wear

Sediment and particulates can shorten the lifespan of water fixtures and lead to service calls. Filtration helps protect internal components, reducing downtime and unplanned maintenance costs.

4. Sustainability and Waste Reduction

Facilities that provide clean, filtered water at key touchpoints reduce reliance on single-use bottles. That supports green building goals and appeals to tenants, staff, and visitors who prioritize sustainability.

5. Long-Term Cost Savings

Compared to bottled water service or large-scale plumbing overhauls, point-of-use filtration is a lower-cost investment with high day-to-day value. Elkay filters are easy to replace and sized for high-traffic use, helping extend system life without requiring major infrastructure changes.

What to Consider Before You Filter

Not every filtration system is built the same, and in commercial settings, the wrong fit can lead to unnecessary service issues or gaps in protection. Before selecting a solution, take the time to evaluate these key factors.

Know Your Water

Understanding your local water supply is the first step. In some areas, lead or chlorine may be the primary concern. In others, emerging contaminants like PFAS or microplastics are the bigger issue. If possible, request water quality reports or consider third-party testing to identify what needs to be filtered out.

Match Filters to Contaminant Goals

Once you know what’s in your water, choose a filtration system with the right certifications. For example:

• NSF 53 for lead and cysts
• NSF 401 for select pharmaceuticals and PFAS
• NSF 42 for taste, odor, and particulate reduction

These designations ensure you’re not guessing about performance.

Ensure System Compatibility

If you’re retrofitting existing Elkay equipment, using genuine WaterSentry filters ensures the best fit and maintains warranty coverage. For new installations, confirm that your chosen units are certified for use with the appropriate filters based on occupancy and water usage patterns.

Plan for Maintenance

Filter performance drops off over time, especially in high-traffic environments. Establish a clear replacement schedule based on usage levels, and make sure maintenance teams can access and track filter changes without interrupting daily operations.

Conclusion

Water that meets code isn’t always water you want people drinking. In commercial buildings, filtration is a practical way to reduce exposure to harmful contaminants, improve user experience, and extend the life of your equipment.

Elkay’s WaterSentry filters offer a reliable solution for businesses that take water quality seriously. Whether you're managing schools, healthcare facilities, or commercial construction, installing certified point-of-use filtration gives you more control over what flows from your fixtures and more confidence in what you provide.

To ensure performance, warranty protection, and full system compatibility, always choose genuine filters and source them through a trusted supplier. Berl’s Commercial Supply carries a full line of Elkay filtration products, backed by knowledgeable service and fast fulfillment to keep your operation running without interruption.