Clean drinking water is essential for survival, yet many take convenient access for granted. A new “water as a service” model promotes sustainable water delivery and consumer education about water’s true worth.
Wasteful Consumption Habits
Our reliance on single-use plastics has led to worrying consumption patterns. The average American goes through about 167 disposable water bottles each year, with just 23% being recycled. This wastefulness can be curbed through water services that emphasize reuse and refills. Some companies offer stylish glass bottles coupled with subscription plans that routinely deliver fresh spring or filtered water right to the front door. Others maintain purified water dispensers in public spaces for affordable and low-waste on-the-go hydration. Either method beats tossing endless plastic empties. Even switching out plastic for BPA-free reusable containers makes a dent.
Heightened Health Consciousness
Concerns over unhealthy tap water have driven mistrust in public water systems. Studies revealing the presence of contaminants like lead, chlorine and fluoride leave consumers seeking cleaner options. A glass bottle delivery service or in-home filtration provides comforting peace of mind. Of course, skepticism should be balanced with science. Municipal water supplies adhere to strict safety regulations, while the FDA oversees bottled brands making purity claims. When sourced responsibly, both can offer healthy hydration. Nonetheless, the heightened health consciousness has fueled the growth of premium water services provided by a company like Alive Water.
Wellness Culture Prioritizes Self-Care
The preventative wellness movement offers yet another tailwind. Yogis toting reusable bottles and cleanse fanatics downing alkaline water illustrate a cultural shift. Hydration is now widely viewed as a vital wellness habit alongside nutrition, fitness and sleep. Refill stations have popped up in countless boutique fitness studios, while plant-infused functional waters line market shelves. Though the pseudoscience behind some claims warrants skepticism, the underlying desire to proactively nourish the body is positive. And as Millennials and Gen Z consumers seek companies mirroring their values, expect elevated water to keep flowing mainstream.
Corporate Sustainability Commitments
Consumer preferences and climate policy have placed sustainability squarely on corporate agendas. Businesses face increasing legislation around circular economies and emissions reductions, not to mention investor and community pressure. Providing water as an employee benefit aligns with both environmental values and wellness initiatives — a win-win for attracting talent and customers. Far beyond CSR reports, purpose-driven impact is now embedded across operations from sourcing to facilities to supply chain. Just as free snacks once conveyed workplace perks, office water delivery services now signal a progressive and conscious culture.
The True Cost of Water
Water as a service models also bring overdue visibility to the true cost of water. When merely turned on at the tap or packed in a cheap plastic bottle, water holds little perceived monetary value. Nonetheless, factor in source sustainability, ethical distribution, filtration, refill and reuse programs and the price tag becomes clearer. Companies around the globe are now calculating their comprehensive water footprint to combat waste and communicate conservation costs. While tapping into water’s emotional resonance, service models also demonstrate the tangible value behind each sip; an understanding that builds more prudent usage over the long-term.
Conclusion
The rise of water as a reliable and renewable service promotes the shift to a circular economy necessary to combat waste and scarcity issues. Refill and reuse systems not only minimize harm, but can enhance lives through improved access, health and wellbeing. Companies playing an active role stand to benefit from participating in an unstoppable wave meeting consumer demand. No matter what the business, becoming part of the solution ensures sustenance and growth for generations to come.