Introduction:
Good tap water is more than just a means to quench thirst; it can evoke nostalgia, taste like memories, and even taste uniquely sweet. In this article, we explore what good tap water should taste like and discuss the unique experiences different water sources can offer. From personal anecdotes and innovative technologies to historical perspectives, we unveil the indescribable flavors that await you.
What Does Good Tap Water Taste Like?
Tap water, typically derived from surface water and rain, undergoes purification processes such as filtration and chlorination to ensure it is safe and free from harmful bacteria. The natural softness of rainwater makes tap water taste exceptionally clean and refreshing. It leaves a pleasant, clean feel in your mouth, a sensation that is often described as sweet and revitalizing.
From Old Inventions to Modern Technologies
Distillation: A Time-Honored Tradition
My First Distiller
40 years ago, I built my first distiller, an invention so innovative that it earned me a patent from the USPTO. I started providing clean, distilled water to anyone who requested it and listened to their stories about the water they remembered from their childhood. Their recollections were quite diverse. A young man likened it to well water on his grandfather's farm, while another couple found it reminiscent of a spring they discovered during their honeymoon in the Lake Tahoe area. My personal experience with distilled water is that it tastes clean and pure. It leaves a clean, refreshing sensation in the mouth, and I believe everyone who drinks it experiences the same indescribable feeling—like their palate has never been better cleansed. The answer to the question of what good tap water tastes like is simple: it is clean and leaves you feeling sweetened.
Traditional Well Water
A Personal Preference: Well Water
One of my preferences is well water, which I source from my own well. To my taste, it is comparable to high-PH bottled waters, such as Fiji or imported brands from France, and even sweeter than treated city water, which often contains numerous chemicals. On the other hand, atmospheric water generators (AWGs) produce water that, in my experience, is not as pleasurable to drink. These devices extract water from humid ambient air, using either condensation, desiccants, or pressurization to make the water potable. While they can provide clean and safe water, they do not quite match the unique taste of well water or river water.
Natural Wonders: River Water and Atmospheric Water Generators
A Climactic Example from Borneo
I recall an experience from nearly five decades ago, when I was the Chief Officer of a Hong Kong-based steamship. We needed to consume a lot of fresh water to prevent the tubes from scaling, and the water in Hong Kong was treated to a level of 400 ppm. However, once we reached Sibu port in Borneo, Malaysia, we found a river that was only impure by 9 due to the daily thunderstorms. The river water had a reddish hue, but when we drank it, it had a lingering sweetness that was unrivaled. It was the best-tasting water I had ever encountered, and we filled our water tanks from the river. This experience highlights the unique and delicious taste of natural river water.
A Comparative Look at Distilled Water and Mountain Water
While many people prefer distilled water or mountain waters collected from waterfalls, none of these can compare to the taste of the river water in Rajang River in Borneo. Compared to distilled water, water from Uttarakhand collected from mountain waterfalls tastes good but pales in comparison to the sheer sweetness of the Rajang River water.
In summary, good tap water is a blend of purity and a taste that evokes nostalgia or new experiences. Whether through purification processes, traditional well water, or natural river water, each source offers a unique flavor that can leave a lasting impression on your palate.