Today, consumers in the United States are more conscious of water quality than ever before. Each March, World Water Day raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. This year, world water leaders launched a survey focused on the question, “What does water mean to you?” The answers varied, but a common theme emerged: a growing lack of trust in tap water and a desire for better education on ensuring safer, higher-quality tap water.

The survey clearly shows that North American consumers care about the quality of their tap water and are interested in promoting sustainability. However, it also reveals that more work is needed to help consumers gain a deeper understanding of how to ensure their water is clean and safe and how they can better protect the environment.

Gap Between Concern and Action

The survey examined respondents’ attitudes and perspectives on water as related to health, environmental impact, and other areas. While many said they were taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint, their actions suggest a disconnect between their intentions and their actual practices.  

Despite their interest in sustainability:

• 67% of people in North America drink water from single-use plastic bottles away from home
• 57% do so at home, leading to the purchase of over 50 billion plastic bottles each year in the U.S.
• Nearly half of those surveyed believe plastic bottles aren’t bad for the environment because they can be recycled, even though only 29% of plastic bottles are actually recycled in the U.S. annually

Additional Findings & Concerns

Other key global findings from the survey highlighted various habits and perceptions related to water:

• In all regions surveyed, people admit their current daily water consumption is 12% to 20% lower than the ideal.
• 72% of people around the world believe bottled water is safer than tap water.  
• 1 in 4 respondents from North America are unaware of the negative impact dehydration can have on their motor skills.

The Role of Water Treatment Professionals

Water treatment professionals aim to foster a better understanding of water’s crucial role in our lives. They strive to ensure access to clean, safe water at home, at work, and on the go for everyone.

Empowering Consumers

• Local Public Service District (PSD) annual tap water quality test results are publicly available on their websites. We recommend reading these reports.
• You can also research your tap water supply on the Environmental Working Group’s National Tap Water Database.
• Regardless of your tap water source, consider having it tested to ensure your family has high-quality, safe water.
• When choosing a filter for your home, ensure it is certified to remove any specific contaminants found in your tap water.

Filtration Solutions

There are many cost-effective treatment solutions available to improve the quality and safety of your family’s water.

• Pitchers, refrigerator filters, faucet-mounted filters, and under-sink carbon filters are excellent starting points for removing some contaminants and improving taste.
• Reverse osmosis systems with pre-filtration and thin-film composite membranes offer the most reliable final barrier, ensuring the highest percentage of contaminant reduction and delivering great-tasting, safer drinking water.

Take Action

To learn more about your specific water quality needs, contact Culligan of Low Country to schedule an in-home water quality consultation.

Chris Lane is the owner of Culligan Water of the Low Country, serving over 8,000 homes and businesses in the Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton Counties.

Let’s chat about the best solution for your water!