The NEC is a minimum code, as we all know. Many engineers design projects with requirements past the minimum code. Although not required by code, GFCI's are a great choice. I have not seen a quality compressor on a Water Cooler trip a GFCI.
During use, most water coolers get splash on the floor from the person spilling, pipe leak or dribbling. When my kid is standing in the puddle, and holding the metalic cooler/operator button, I would prefer that the branch circuit serving the cooler is GFCI protected.
