In the wide world of technology, innovation is king. In many particularly competitive industries, manufacturers and designers must be constantly innovating to keep ahead of the pack and on the cutting edge.
And in the significantly more niche world of drinking water taps, this is markedly true. Innovations like instant sparkling water and cleaning technology have shaken up the industry lately – and one of the leaders of this charge is Zenith Water. And this year, it shows no signs of slowing.
In the early months of 2023, there have been two major, separate updates to Zenith’s products – beginning with a new technology, HydroTap Clean.
The HydroTap Cube Plus features a squared spout.
HydroTap Clean
The HydroTap Clean is a safe, natural, certified organic, pH neutral, and biodegradable solution, which is produced by electrochemically activated water that acts like a detergent. It is non-corrosive and gently cleans the chilled and sparkling internal water paths.
Daniel Cuthbert, Zenith Water’s country manager for New Zealand, describes the new tech as a market-first cleaning process that ensures every system is as clean as possible at the point of installation.
“Previously, it’s been industry standard to have units cleaned as part of the manufacturing process,” says Cuthbert, “but after many years of research and development, we identified that it’s most impactful to ensure every machine is hygienic from the moment it’s installed – not just when it’s made.”
An aerosol can is set up during installation, which clips into the filter head where the water filter normally goes. As the machine goes through its post-installation calibration process, the certified organic, non-corrosive and pH-neutral aerosol is distributed throughout all water paths in the tap – cleaning the entire system.
“Once that’s all done, the installer removes the can from the filter head and it’s ready to go,” says Cuthbert. “We want to make sure that the water is as clean as possible from the beginning of the HydroTap’s life.”
In contrast, the HydroTap Arc Plus has a curved design.
HydroTap Arc Plus and Cube Plus
The second innovation is an improvement of the Arc and Cube HydroTap models.
The new HydroTap Arc Plus and Cube Plus models each earn their respective names – the former featuring a curved design, and the latter showcasing a boxier, edged spout. Both deliver improved sparkling water functionality with an optimised aerator concealed in the spout. The HydroTap Arc Plus and Cube Plus have also undergone a cosmetic update, adding design touches such as a flared spout and wider base.
“The optimised aerator in the spout is the central vehicle through which we’ve improved the sparkling water delivery,” says Cuthbert. He says the pipe throughout the tap is now consistent in shape and size, which ensures there is no opportunity for the carbonated water to be separated from the gas. “The flow rate is also much more uniform, so it’s a great experience from tap to glass.”
The two new technologies are just part of a raft of new innovations in the pipeline for 2023, Cuthbert says. “We’re always working on things – some innovations we’ve been working on for five years plus,” he says.
“We’re very excited about getting it into the market.”
Learn more about Zenith Water and its products and services.
