So back to filthy handles. Did they evaluate the bacterial risks with that?

Manufacturers needs to coat the insides of water pipes with either silver or one of the many antibacterial plastics available. That way when the water is not flowing, the bacteria is broken down harmlessly and safely.
Or is this too obvious?

What a load of crap. What kind of study was this, did they test faucets from different manufacturers and from different countries? I\'m sorry but testing faucets from one hospital made by on manufacturer is not a study! Why would you publish something like this in Gizmag, Gizmag used to be my fav tech site but you guys seem to have lost your way.

The point is to get less germs on your *hands* afterwards - including the bit where you turn the tap on and off (or not, in the case of electric eyes) - what\'s the point of testing just 1/3rd of the problem - the water only?

Not to mention common sense - what the heck difference could it possibly make if a solenoid instead of a handscrew actuated the faucet stopper?

I have not really ever liked the hands-free faucets. To me it just presents another failure mode (lack of power, for example). Mechanical systems where the user steps on a pedal to dispense water have been available for a long time and I like those better. In the absence of one of those, a lever handle that one can shut off with an elbow after washing seems like a pretty good way to control the water without touching the fixture...

Frankly, good riddance to those horrid automatic faucets. They shut off suddenly when you need them, run water when you don\'t need it on (wasting it), and don\'t work when power is out. When I was in Toronto during a power outage, during an August heat wave, it was impossible to flush toilets, wash hands or anything else, or drink water, as it was all \"automatic\"= run by electricity. Having a small child (or even just a sweaty face), one needs paper towels to wipe things up... one cannot wash off a skinned knee or a wet counter someone has spit on with an automatic faucet and blowdryer (and most children are frightened of those blow dryers... cannot get my kid near one. Incredibly unhygenic, wet dirty countertops and wet hands... use your towel to shut off the handle, people, it isn\'t hard. I\'m glad to see these high tech gadgets go.

wow i saw this back to the basics

Scientists! I wish they would just make up their minds.

\"Hands free\" faucets are fine when the user controls the flow by a pedal or other means and the temperature is neutral (not too hot or cold). Air dryers are a dumb idea as anyone who has ever needed to dry his face will tell you. The only stupider idea is those cloth dryers. Both will not last.

After 3 months of using a hands free faucet, I notice that it works so beautifully and smartly also. It's also easy for anyone who loves 'do-it-themselves' installation. its nice sleek style also well match with our modern bathroom design.