Leaders at the Business Jet Center at Dallas Love Field (DAL) are always looking for new and exciting additions for their terminal. So when they learned about the Elkay Smartwell water dispenser system that not only provides unique options for customers and cuts down waste, they jumped on the opportunity.
“The Smartwell is especially appealing thanks to its unique ability to allow our customers to get cold, filtered water the way they want it,” said Hannah Wright, brand manager, Business Jet Center. “In addition to adding flavors and other enhancements such as vitamin C and electrolytes, the system also supplements our still water with the option to have carbonated water. It’s a fantastic, health-conscious alternative to sodas and, with the touchless dispense option through the app, the Smartwell provides a safe option in today’s climate.”
Arti Lyde, general manager of Smartwell, said everyone knows how important hydration is to overall health and mental wellness, but according to research, some of the top reasons people don’t drink enough water is due to taste, it’s boring, it’s not easily accessible and it can be expensive.
The Smartwell water dispenser allows users to create beverages, view nutritional information and maintain units via a touchscreen or on a mobile device. They can craft a beverage by selecting still or sparkling water, up to two flavors plus an enhancement such as electrolytes, vitamin C, or caffeine and a low calorie plant-based sweetener.
The system uses a high-capacity chilling system that delivers fresh, chilled and filtered water. The filters are certified to reduce lead, chlorine and contaminants and particulates. One Smartwell holds eight flavor and enhancement pouches, creating more than 100 drink options.
“The connected system tracks usage over time, alerts you when flavors are running low and helps you manage your system all from a convenient web portal,” Lyde said. “And our self-contained flavor delivery system ensures we deliver a consistent beverage without the headaches of purging and cleaning nozzles and valves found in typical bag-in-box soda systems –making daily upkeep a breeze.”
Lyde said Smartwell offers FBOs the ability to make it fun, customized and accessible to everyone. Smartwell offers FBO customers the option of self-service customization. Flavors, enhancements and sweetener can be combined to make the perfect crafted beverage for each person. Automated alerts notify owners when the machine is running low on flavor. And because the system is connected to the internet, you can ensure your unit always stays stocked with your favorite flavors and enhancements.
A Smartwell system also eliminates waste from the production, transportation and disposal of single-use plastic water bottles and aluminum cans. Using a Smartwell for one month can reduce single-use beverage container usage by more than 1,500 units, reduce 32 pounds of plastic from entering landfills, and reduce their carbon emissions by more than 656 pounds. Units have an on-screen Green Ticker tracks the number of bottles served without the waste.
“Smartwell units can be installed in many different places and is perfect for many lobbies, waiting areas, or kitchen/dining spaces,” Lyde said. “All that is required for installation is an area that is roughly eight square feet, electricity, access to a Wi-Fi network and a water source that can be up to 10 feet away from the Smartwell unit. The Smartwell unit comes equipped with a large catch-tray for overflow, eliminating the need for a drain line.”
Megan Barnes, president of the Paragon Aviation Group, said the company has promoted the Smartwell to its network of FBOs. It eliminated the purchase of water bottles and reduces waste while elevating offerings.
“Statistics show that 35 billion empty water bottles are thrown away in U.S. each year and only 12 percent of those are getting recycled,” Barnes said. “If our network of U.S. FBOs utilized this system, it could potentially save 500,000 bottles from being used/thrown out each year. We all need to play our part to helping the environment. This is one way to do it.”
Wright said the Smartwell created a buzz since it was installed by other refreshments options inside the terminal. She recommended you ensure you have the right location to set it up so it’s noticeable, easily accessible and has a connection to a water line.
“We have loved having our own reusable water cups to give away as part of the Smartwell launch and have made the system available to all of our employees so they can also partake in the many benefits like adding electrolytes to their water,” she said.”
