This article was originally published in Forbes.
To the long list of issues that demand a company’s attention, it’s time to add the state of our drinking water. Why? Because the quality of water impacts more than just public health—it can influence employee well-being, operational sustainability and a company’s reputation.
The Consequences Of Deteriorating Tap Water
Federal standards for water safety haven’t significantly evolved since the Safe Drinking Water Act was enacted nearly 50 years ago, even as industrial and agricultural activities have introduced harmful contaminants to our water supply. As water quality has diminished, the bottled water industry has grown, creating a reliance on plastic. But this also poses potential health risks. Microplastics, for instance, are now showing up in human organs and the average person reportedly consumes a credit card’s worth of microplastics each week. One study looked at people who had recently undergone surgery and found microplastics in arteries can raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes by over four times. These figures highlight the pervasive nature of this crisis.
Business Leaders’ Role In Shaping Water Safety
As a business leader, you are uniquely positioned to make a difference in water quality and plastic waste reduction, starting with your organization. Here’s how:
1. Reduce single-use plastics in the workplace.
Encourage employees to adopt sustainable practices by replacing disposable utensils and containers with compostable or reusable alternatives. Consider making stainless steel or glass water bottles part of your employee onboarding to reinforce a culture of sustainability from day one. You can also install quality water filtration systems to help ensure tap water remains a viable and attractive option for everyone in the workplace. These steps send a clear message about company values and establish practices that can positively impact both employee health and environmental goals.
2. Examine packaging choices.
For consumer goods companies, reevaluating packaging materials is a straightforward way to advance sustainability. Many leading brands are proving that product quality and environmental responsibility can align. Patagonia, for example, incorporates recycled and responsibly sourced materials, while Loop partners with brands to offer refillable packaging solutions. By prioritizing recyclable and biodegradable options, companies like Seventh Generation demonstrate that innovation and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand. These examples provide a pathway for companies to enhance their environmental responsibility.
3. Support policy advancements.
The private sector can serve as a powerful advocate for systemic change in public policy. Businesses have the opportunity to support updates to the Safe Drinking Water Act and push for investments in modernizing our water infrastructure. Advocating for a tax on single-use plastics, for example, could generate billions in annual revenue, potentially funding critical water system improvements and environmental cleanup efforts. Policies like these could help address the source of the problem and open the door to a more sustainable future for all.
Why Businesses Should Act Now
Health, environmental responsibility and corporate leadership are increasingly linked to business success. Companies addressing these issues now are positioning themselves as leaders who value both people and the planet, fostering stronger relationships with employees and customers alike. Everyone deserves access to clean, safe water—a necessity that promotes both personal health and a thriving environment. By building a workplace culture that values sustainability, exploring innovative product solutions and leveraging influence to promote impactful policy changes, businesses can help turn the tide on this water quality crisis.