What’s Actually in Your Glass of Water?

We’re constantly told to drink more water — carry a bottle, set reminders, aim for two litres, add electrolytes, hydrate before coffee… But there’s a question we rarely ask: what’s actually in the water we’re drinking?

Water is one of the most overlooked foundations of wellbeing. Your body relies on it for circulation, temperature regulation, digestion, kidney function and brain performance. And you don’t need to be severely dehydrated to feel the effects; even mild dehydration can influence concentration, energy and mood.

So yes, drink your water. But mind the quality.

Tap Water: Safe Doesn’t Always Mean Optimal

UK tap water is tightly regulated and, by conventional standards, generally very safe. In England, 99.97% of regulatory samples met drinking‑water standards in 2025. But “meets current standards” isn’t the same as “contains nothing you’d prefer to minimise over a lifetime.” That distinction matters.

Water treatment systems are designed to manage the contaminants we already regulate — but our environment evolves faster than legislation. PFAS, the so‑called “forever chemicals,” are a prime example: persistent, synthetic compounds found in waterproof clothing, non‑stick coatings, firefighting foams and food packaging. Monitoring in the UK is increasing, but the science and regulation are still catching up.

Then there’s the journey from the treatment plant to your tap. Older plumbing can introduce metals such as lead and copper, which means household circumstances matter just as much as regional water quality.

Bottled Water Isn’t Automatically “Better”

Bottled water carries an aura of purity — the mountain on the label, the pristine spring, the glass bottle that feels reassuringly premium. But bottled doesn’t automatically mean cleaner.

Nick Smith, The Water Dr, highlights gaps in testing for emerging contaminants in certain bottled‑water categories. Research has also detected microplastics in bottled water, and plastic bottles introduce their own variables: storage conditions, heat exposure and packaging breakdown.

So swapping tap water for a bottle labelled PURE isn’t always the upgrade it appears to be.

Should You Filter Your Water?

You don’t need to assume your tap water is harmful, but you may benefit from reducing certain components — especially if you’re dealing with gut issues or chronic illness. If you’re curious about your own supply, particularly if you live in an older property or simply want to minimise specific contaminants, start by understanding what’s actually coming out of your tap.

Different filtration systems do different jobs.

• Activated carbon reduces chlorine and some organic compounds.

• Reverse osmosis removes a much broader range of dissolved substances.

The right choice depends on your water, your home and your goals — not on buying the most expensive system because it sounds impressive.

Your Water Is Worth Thinking About

We obsess over food quality — organic produce, pesticide exposure, additives, ultra‑processed ingredients. Yet we turn on the tap without a second thought.

Understanding your water is simply another way of supporting your long‑term health.

That’s why I’ve been speaking with The Water Dr. - Nick offers water assessments to help you understand what’s actually in your water and, from there, which filtration options might (or might not) make sense for your home. When he sent me the report for my home, I was quite shocked, and he has helped me come up with a great solution for our drinking water.  

No guessing. Just data‑driven clarity.