Kitchen & Bath Business July/August 2023 - 12

WELLNE S S
MO VEMENT
Testing the Water
Ensure this natural essential is at the top of your project game
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER is so essential in
kitchen and bath design that we may take for
granted the central role it plays in the lives of our
clients far beyond a project's completion.
According to the CDC, about 7.2 million
Americans become ill every year from contaminated
drinking water. Cancer-causing " forever
chemicals " known as PFAs and PFOs are virtually
everywhere in our environment now. Scientists
today estimate that more than 200,000 Americans
are subject to drinking water containing levels
of these chemicals that can cause long-term
health concerns. With the lack of government
oversight in this area of public safety, it is helpful
to share knowledge and information on how to
mitigate risks for ourselves and our clients.
KEEPING IT CLEAN
Filtration systems should be among the fi rst considerations
for any remodeling project, especially
in coastal regions with mineral-rich water.
Some of the best types of fi lters to remove forever
chemicals are granular-activated carbon and reverse
osmosis fi lters. When choosing a water
fi lter, be sure to check if it removes PFOs and
PFAs, as well as other contaminants, including
volatile organic compounds, pharmaceuticals
and hard metals.
BELOW The Aquasana
AQ-5200 water fi lter
Many designers prefer undercounter/under-the-sink solutions for water
fi ltration when a larger, home-wide system is not an option. Earlier this year,
a review by Th e New York Times' Wirecutter website ranked the Aquasana
AQ-5200 as the best solution for under-sink fi ltration.
Th ese types of systems usually come with their own faucet, typically in a
chrome fi nish, which can be a deterrent for a selective designer who does
not like to mix and match metals. Although still limited, we are happy to
learn that some options on the market this year include faucets in diff erent
fi nishes, off ering more decor versatility.
CONSERVATION IS KEY
As environmental concerns have led to many people using refi llable water
bottles, one industry leader has created an interesting innovation for residential
water bottle-fi lling stations. Elkay has introduced a bottle-fi lling
dispenser now available for residential use. Although its fi ltration does not
remove PFOs or PFAs, it does remove sediments and other contaminants.
Th is is an excellent addition for family homes and vacation homes where
large groups require drinking water to-go.
Remember to do a little research to fi nd out more about the fi ltration
needs in your area to best equip your projects with proper fi ltration for the
long-term health of your clients and their families.

By Wendy Greenwald, founder and co-owner of Jacó Kitchen and Bath, a
full-service interior design firm in Costa Rica and the Florida Keys,
jacokitchenandbath.com
12
/ JULY-AUGUST 2023
RIGHT Elkay's ezH2O Liv builtin
fi ltered water dispenser
http://www.jacokitchenandbath.com
Kitchen & Bath Business July/August 2023

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