By Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D. Reviewed by Lauren Hardaker Jan 16 2026 A comprehensive review reveals how biofilms and poor maintenance can undermine filtration systems, challenging the assumption that water dispensers are always a safer choice than tap water. Study: Microbiological quality of drinking water from water dispensers. Image credit: PeopleImages/Shutterstock.com Despite their claim, water dispensers (WDs) are not always free from microbial contamination and, in many cases, may harbor