If the are below a water cooler were a wet location then you couldn't use a receptacle GFCI. It's not listed for that location.
Drinking fountains are NOT the same as water coolers. Drinking fountains are not electrical. They are the old porcelain plumbing only (no electrical) found many years ago and perhaps a few still exist.
Today the UL listing is for "Water Coolers". NEC Article on pools and fountains, definitions specifically state that water coolers are not to be considered fountains for the purposes of the article and therefore do not require GFCI's.
Mountainman is correct, the NEC does not require GFCI's, only regular receptacles.
If someone chose to install a GFCI then there would be an obligation for monthly tests and the normal condenser leakage current could result in tripping.
Regular receptacle is the best option in my opinion with a good low impedance ground as required by NEC.
OSHA Professor
