The Latest Thing to Optimize? Your Drinking Water
I’m in the Atlantic Ocean off Rockaway Beach in New York, on a 36-degree day in mid-January. The last few years have seen dozens of studies citing the benefits of cold-water swimming for longevity. If I don’t get hypothermia, I may live forever. That’s not why I’m splashing in the ocean in a Speedo, though, with 20 other swimmers. I’m risking death by freezing because I’m contemplating our most fetishized and most threatened natural resource. And what better vantage from which to do it?
The Water Crisis
“As Coleridge said: ‘Water, water, everywhere, / Nor any drop to drink,’ ” I observe through chattering teeth to a fellow swimmer, attired in a string bikini and black neoprene booties. Before I can explain that I’m being both literal and metaphorical, I realize that I can’t feel my feet. Humanity is facing a water crisis with less than 1 percent of earth’s water available for human consumption. More than 2 billion people currently lack access to fresh water.
The Importance of Water Quality
- The global market for bottled water is worth over $300 billion.
- A study found that the average liter of bottled water contains about 240,000 bits of micro- and nanoplastics.
- Water expert Martin Riese emphasizes the importance of water quality and the need for conservation.
- Tap water is often more rigorously tested and regulated than bottled water in many countries.
The Water Tasting Experience
Exploring the world of water tasting with water sommeliers like Martin Riese and Doran Binder offers a unique perspective on the variations in water quality, taste, and mineral content. From Fiji water to Iskld and Ararat water, each type of water provides a different tasting experience.
Recycling Water
Recycling water has emerged as a sustainable solution to the water crisis. Initiatives like Orange County, California’s groundwater-replenishment system and Los Angeles’ plan to recycle all wastewater by 2035 showcase the importance of water conservation and reuse.
Conclusion
Water is not just water—it is a vital resource that must be protected and valued. Whether through water tasting experiences or promoting the use of tap water over bottled water, it is essential to prioritize water quality and conservation efforts for a sustainable future.
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