Abstract: An orifice protection device for a water dispensing device is disclosed. The device includes a housing configured to surround an output orifice of the water cooler or fountain through which water is ejected, a door movably attached to the housing and configured to move from an open position in which the output orifice is exposed, and a closed position in which the output orifice is enclosed within the housing, an actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position, a purification mechanism positioned within the housing and configured to sanitize the output orifice, and a sensor configured to enable touchless operation of the door.