Reduce Experimental Variables
A properly designed automated watering system can provide better, more consistent water quality than bottles. When water bottles are placed on a cage, the quality of that water quickly declines. As the water ages, bacteria levels increase and back siphoned materials like bedding and feces further contaminate the water. Even the bottle washing process can contaminate the water since it leaves residual detergents and water in the bottle.
Labor Savings - lower per diems
Automated watering systems are a good investment, providing an excellent return. In fact, in most cases automated watering systems pay for themselves in 2-5 years. In academic institutions, these savings can result in lower per diem rates.
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Automated watering systems can deliver pure Reverse Osmosis water consistently. And with automated flushing, the water is changed daily - not every 3-5 days like water bottles. This results in cleaner water and reduced experimental variables.
Improved Reliability
The newest generation of Edstrom Drinking Valves has an outstanding reliability record. The A160 Shielded Drinking Valve is currently used for hundreds of thousands of mice and rats world wide. Our design is very easy for animals to use and keeps cages dry.
By contrast, water bottles tend to drip and stoppers and sipper tubes have a poor reliability record. Cracks in stoppers, or stoppers insufficiently seated in the bottle can cause leaks or complete failures, resulting in wet cages. Bedding can be forced into sipper tubes, allowing the entire contents to wick into the cage.
Improved Working Environment
Handling water bottles is a time consuming and laborious job. By eliminating the water bottle processes, animal care staff can be relieved of this work, allowing them to focus on more valuable tasks - like caring for animals. The reduced clutter in cage wash areas, corridors and animal rooms creates a better working environment.
Reduce Risk of Ergonomic Injuries
When animal care staff have to lift heavy bottle baskets and twist bottle stoppers, they are at risk for injury. This can lead to missed work and expensive worker's compensation claims. The loss of experienced staff disrupts activities in the animal facility, which detracts from the quality and consistency of animal care. [Learn More]
