Has COVID-19 Changed The Way We Think About Our Drinking Water?

As the third annual Water Quality Survey by Aquasana reveals, the pandemic has undeniably reshaped how many Americans perceive their drinking water. Celebrating National Water Quality Month in August, the survey aimed to uncover the pandemic's influence on people's attitudes toward tap water. The results are quite telling when it comes to how COVID-19 has affected national concerns regarding drinking water quality.

Today, let's delve into the survey findings and consider what this means for the future of your household water. We’ll focus on actionable insights that could enhance your understanding of your drinking water's safety and purity.

How the Pandemic Changed Our Perspective on Tap Water

The survey highlighted a clear trend: Americans are increasingly worried about their drinking water quality since the pandemic began. Among the 2,413 participants, 73% expressed at least some concern about the unfiltered tap water in their homes. A notable 36% reported that staying at home more often due to the pandemic heightened their worries about tap water contamination.

When it came to specific concerns about contaminants, the survey showed a significant spike (up 26%) in people naming cysts, bacteria, and viruses as their primary worries. These contaminants are now top-of-mind for the majority of respondents, surpassing other harmful substances like pesticides, herbicides, and lead. Interestingly, awareness about "forever chemicals" (PFOS and PFOA) has surged, nearly doubling since 2019.

What You Should Know About Drinking Water During COVID-19

Why has the pandemic caused such a shift in our mindset when it comes to drinking water? For starters, spending more time at home has led to greater reliance on tap water for daily needs. Naturally, the more we depend on our water supply, the more concerned we become about its safety. It's simply human nature.

One of the most frequent questions on the EPA's website regarding COVID-19 asks whether tap water is safe to drink. The answer remains unchanged: the EPA advises Americans to continue using and drinking tap water as usual. The World Health Organization confirms that the virus hasn't been detected in drinking water supplies and poses minimal risk. Yet, the survey suggests that many Americans are rethinking their approach to tap water. So, what should you do if you're concerned about your drinking water?

In our earlier piece, "Coronavirus and Drinking Water: What You Need to Know," we emphasized three key points. First, tap water remains safe overall, as COVID-19 isn’t contaminating your home water supply. Second, municipal water plants are taking precautions to maintain water safety during the pandemic. Still, it’s wise to sanitize faucets and avoid public drinking fountains to stay extra cautious.

Aquasana's survey also indicated that 74% of adults now use some form of water filtration at home. Given rising concerns about water quality during the pandemic, this trend makes sense. If you're worried about your water, we recommend exploring filtration methods that effectively target specific contaminants in your supply.

A Nine-Step Solution for Enhanced Confidence

No matter if you're cutting down on bottled water or seeking a dependable filtration system, Office H2O is here to help. While the pandemic has altered our perspective on drinking water, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Our bottleless water systems ensure clean, safe drinking water through a nine-step filtration process that removes harmful elements from your water supply. Plus, we now offer a touch-free bottleless cooler, keeping hygiene top of mind. Explore our range of options today and find the best solution for your home or office!

Photo by Thomas Kinto on Unsplash