Don’t Drink the Water:  Why water quality matters.

Water is one of our most precious commodities. It’s essential for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining hygiene. We often take the availability and quality of our water for granted, assuming that what comes from our taps is always safe to use. However, this isn’t always the case. Understanding the importance of clean water and integrating effective water solutions in our homes is crucial to our water supply.

We use water to cleanse ourselves, our food, and our clothing. We cook with and drink it; its importance cannot be overstated.  Here in the northeast, we often find ourselves on water restrictions or with warnings to boil our water, and sometimes, more dire warnings of “don’t drink the water.”

Sparkling, chilled, and filtered water at the touch of a button. Design by Thyme and Place Design

The Importance of Water Quality in Daily Life

Water is integral to our daily lives, yet its availability and quality are often taken for granted. We assume that when we turn on the faucet, what comes out is always potable. But is that a safe bet? Clean water is a precious resource, and nowhere is this more crucial than in our homes. I believe it is my responsibility to discuss water sustainability as it relates to health and safety with my clients. I can design the most beautiful kitchen in the world, but if it is not functional and sustainable, have I done my job? Let’s explore how these concepts relate to the water we use in our homes. 

Why Water Matters

Did you know water makes up about 65% of the human body? This fact highlights the importance of water in our daily lives. The FDA recommends drinking at least 16 ounces of clean water daily to stay healthy. However, in many areas, increasing amounts of plastic particles are found in water, which can negatively impact our health. Ensuring we have access to clean quality water is vital for our overall well-being.

When discussing home design with clients, I often notice a freestanding water cooler in their homes. While these coolers provide a solution for clean drinking water, they also take up space and involve the hassle of regular deliveries. A more efficient solution is a built-in water filter. These systems provide instant cold, filtered water directly from the tap, and can even filter ice cubes in the refrigerator.

Decorative water filter faucet. Designed by Thyme and Place Design

Cooking Considerations

Cooking with filtered water is crucial because the food absorbs the water it’s cooked in. These filters, ensure that what you consume is free from contaminants, promoting better health. On one hand, incorporating a built-in water filtration system in your kitchen significantly improves the taste of the water but what about the food?  A filter is cost-effective while adding a layer of safety and convenience.

Beyond the Kitchen: Bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Water quality extends beyond the kitchen. In bathrooms, we use water for personal hygiene. Whether it’s taking a shower, brushing our teeth, washing our face, or soaking in a tub our bodies are in contact with water.  What is in that water is absorbed into our bodies. A whole-house filtration system ensures the water used for nurturing and cleansing ourselves is as clean and particle-free as we expect. Water-saving fittings and fixtures are part of the sustainable responsibility as well. Large soaking tubs require gallons of water. A simple in-line heater will maintain the water temperature. This eliminates the need to add more hot water. Water conservation should be a priority in every design. 

Efficient Laundry Practices

We use thousands of gallons of water doing laundry. Front-load washers are more efficient when it comes to cleaning clothes. Be sure to leave the door and detergent tray ajar to allow air circulation, preventing mold and mildew. Want to save on water? Do less laundry. Consider adding a heated towel rack to your bathroom. It’s cost-effective, cozy in colder months, and helps eliminate mold and mildew, reducing the need for laundering.

Decorative heated towel rack.

Choosing a filter system

How do you choose a water filter system? 

First, find out what types of contaminants are in your water.  You can get a home water test kit or check your local water utility reports. Whole house systems are connected where the water enters the house. These are called point-of-entry systems. They filter all the water used for cooking, drinking, bathing, and cleaning. The most common of these filter systems are sediment, activated carbon, and reverse osmosis. You will need to do a bit of research on how each type of filter cleans the water. Some remove both harmful contaminants as well as healthy minerals. It is always good to be informed about these systems. There are also smaller undersink filter systems which may be the right solution for your home. 

Eliminating fears of Don’t Drink the Water

Hopefully, you never will have to say don’t drink the water in your home. Ensuring the safety of the water we use at home is crucial for our health and well-being. From drinking and cooking to bathing and laundry, clean water makes a significant difference in our health. By integrating built-in water filters or whole-house filtration systems, we can safeguard our water quality.  Find the systems that work for you to make your daily lives healthier and more sustainable. Embrace these changes and appreciate every drop of this precious commodity.