We all know that water is vital, but how often do we stop to consider the quality and accessibility of water inside the buildings where we live, work and learn? Nearly two-thirds of the human body is made of water, yet many people do not drink enough of it, even when it’s available at the turn of a tap.
Why? The answer lies not only in personal habits, but in how we design and manage our built environments.
The WELL Water Concept: Hydration meets health
The WELL Building Standard™ recognizes water as a fundamental component of human health. Through its water concept, the framework addresses hydration, water quality and moisture management within buildings. It’s a science-backed approach designed to reduce health risks from contamination and mold while encouraging better hydration through infrastructure, awareness and trust.
Every WELL-certified building takes measurable steps to ensure that water supports occupant wellbeing.
From transparency to taste: Ensuring quality at every drop
When it comes to water safety, two key indicators are turbidity and coliform bacteria. High turbidity can signal microbial growth and cause nausea or cramps. Coliforms like E. coli indicate possible contamination. Safe water must have turbidity under 1.0 NTU and no coliforms in a standard sample. WELL-compliant buildings also monitor chemical quality—ensuring harmful substances like lead or chlorine stay within safe limits. Beyond safety, aesthetics matter too. Poor taste, odor, or clarity can discourage consumption. That’s why WELL promotes testing for compounds affecting water’s appearance and flavor, making it not just safe, but pleasant to drink.
Safeguarding building systems and occupants
Water systems are dynamic and complex. Without proper oversight, they can become breeding grounds for dangerous microorganisms like Legionella. This bacteria thrives in warm, stagnant water and poses a serious health risk through airborne transmission.
To combat this, WELL-compliant buildings engage in routine monitoring, at least quarterly, testing parameters such as turbidity, pH, chlorine levels and the presence of heavy metals and coliforms. Results are made available for full transparency. Additionally, a robust Legionella management plan must be in place, addressing every part of the system where standing water might accumulate.
This preventive approach offers peace of mind and lowers the risk of outbreaks, especially in high-occupancy spaces.
Promoting Access Over Plastic
Many people, wary of tap water, turn to bottled alternatives. While these offer convenience, they also come with a hidden cost, which is environmental pollution. Single-use plastic bottles contribute to microplastic buildup in ecosystems and generate waste that lingers for centuries.
By contrast, WELL-certified buildings invest in verified, well-maintained water fountains and dispensers. Clear signage and water quality data build trust and encourage people to refill rather than replace. Maintaining these systems in optimal condition ensures both reliability and continued use.
Moisture management: A hidden dimension of health
Water’s impact doesn’t stop at the faucet. When moisture isn’t properly controlled inside a building, it can lead to a host of problems, from mold and mildew to warped structures and respiratory illness.
Smart moisture management requires thoughtful building design: proper insulation, ventilation systems that minimize condensation, and materials that resist microbial growth. WELL-certified projects apply these principles early in development, avoiding costly remediation later and improving indoor air quality from the start.
A healthier water future, built today
Water is more than a utility, it’s a resource that directly shapes our wellbeing. By addressing both the physical and psychological dimensions of water use, the WELL framework empowers buildings to support hydration, safety, and comfort.
At BuildGreen, we guide project teams through every stage of WELL certification, from infrastructure planning and water testing to long-term maintenance strategies. Our mission is to ensure that water in the built environment isn’t just available, but optimized for people, performance and the planet.
