Drinking water & soft drinks

Drinking water jar delivery and drinks: how to choose a supplier

Updated 20 October 2026

Water in jars: for home or for the office

For a flat, one or two jars a week are usually enough; an office needs a schedule and a stock. The most common format is the 20-litre jar, and for carrying around or travel people take bottles of 0.5 to 6 litres. If you buy jars, ask whether a deposit is needed for the jar and whether you return the empties.

Dispenser, pump, containers

• A hand pump is cheaper and suits occasional use; a dispenser gives hot and cold water but needs a socket and space.
• You can rent or buy a dispenser. For offices, rental is often part of the contract with the supplier.
• If you want to change jars yourself, ask about the weight: a full jar takes strength, and carrying it up to a high floor without a lift may cost extra.

Water: drinking, mineral, sparkling

Drinking water is usually purified and, if needed, mineralised; natural mineral water has a composition that depends on the source, and not everyone drinks it daily. Ask the seller where the water comes from and whether there is a quality test report. If you have health problems, talk to a doctor about drinking mineral water every day.

With juices, soft drinks and lemonades, check the ingredients (sugar or sugar-free), the shelf life and the storage conditions, especially when ordering a large batch for a cafe or an event.

What to put in your request

• what exactly — drinking water in 20 L jars, bottled, mineral, juices, soft drinks;
• container size — jars of 20 L, 6 L, 1.5 L or 0.5 L;
• quantity — jars or cases per order;
• regularity — one-off, weekly or monthly;
• brand, if you have one in mind;
• sparkling or still, mineral content;
• dispenser or pump — rent or buy;
• address — city, area, floor and whether there is a lift, plus your budget.

Example: “I need drinking water delivered in 20 L jars, 5 jars every week to an office. Johannesburg, 4th floor, lift available. I need a dispenser on rent. Budget up to R 16 per jar.”

How we help you find a supplier

You don't have to compare the price lists of several companies. You write a request on the home page, and water and drinks suppliers in your city reply in the chat: the price per jar, whether delivery and carrying up are included, the dispenser terms, the first delivery day. The best offer by content is shown first, with reviews beside it.

Each supplier sees their place among the others and competes for the request, so they often add a dispenser or lower the price. Contacts stay hidden until you choose. All the steps are on the How it works page.

How to compare offers

Count the cost of a jar together with delivery and carrying up, plus the dispenser rent and the deposit for the containers. Ask about the minimum order, the delivery time and whether you can change the schedule. For an office, ask for a contract or documents on water quality.

Stocking an office kitchen? Also see coffee and tea and groceries.