Water has been around since the beginning of civilization. This essential resource both sustains life and serves as the most basic food ingredient in nearly every cooking process. Not only does it taste different depending on mineral and salinity levels, but the amount used and the time it is added to a dish also changes or enhances the flavors of other ingredients.

As environmental pollution has worsened, corporations continue to pedal this natural resource, marketing it as a clean luxury good. But concerned parties around the world are increasingly demand that we protect our natural water resources from the climate crisis. In particular, the countries of Finland, Norway, and Germany—which have systems in place so all citizens can enjoy quality tap water—demonstrate solid social welfare structures based on the shared idea that water is a public good for all.