(If the motion sensor isn't working properly, press here for the manual option.)

A typical unit consists of a platform underneath a water dispenser that could fill up a water bottle, with a water fountain in the front. Some variations include types with an additional water fountain on the side, types with manual buttons, and types with automatic sensors.

There are two types of stations: automatic and manual. In the automatic station, a user walks up with an open water bottle and places the water bottle on the platform. The station will sense the presence of a water bottle and will start filling up the bottle with water. The stream of water stops when the user takes away the water bottle. Filling up the water bottle usually takes a couple of seconds, during which the user's hands are free to do other things, such as quickly check email or tie their shoelace. It is important to note that water flow will not automatically stop when the bottle is full but will continue to overflow until the user takes away the bottle.

In the manual station, a user walks up with an open water bottle and places the water bottle on the platform. The user then presses a button to fill up the water bottle and has to continue to hold down the button as the stream of water fills up the bottle the desired amount. The stream of water will stop when the button is released.