5 Ways to Improve your Water

World Water Day comes and goes and perhaps you didn't even realize there was an official day meant to inspire us to make a difference for many around the world who do not have access to safe drinking water (according to WHO, at least 1.8 billion people use a drinking-water source that is contaminated with fecal matter). Here in the U.S., we most often think of water as something we know we should drink more of in order to be healthy, but we don't find ourselves in a situation where clean water is unavailable (or like women and children in other parts of the world, having to haul water for miles in order to have any at all - and even that most likely isn't clean water). Even just finding yourself in a situation while traveling to another country where you have to think about whether or not the drinking water is safe (concentrating on having only bottled water and making sure the source is safe), can make you realize how grateful we should be every day for such easy access to life-giving clean water. If you would like to help make a difference, check out SOSResponds and support their water projects for communities without access to safe drinking water. But now back to our first-world problem of improving our water so it's more enticing to drink it all day, keeping ourselves and our families healthy and strong. Today we're sharing 5 ways you can easily and instantly improve your glass of water and truly enjoy every single sip! 1. Filter Your Drinking Water Whether you choose to use a filter on your refrigerator that filters water coming through the door, use a filtering water pitcher, place a filter on your sink for the tap water, employ a whole-house water filter to soften and improve water, or carry around a container with a personal water filter, there are many easy ways to make it taste better as well as eliminate water pollutants. 2. Infuse with Fruit I love this super easy way to jazz up a glass (or pitcher) of water.  Grab whatever fruit you already have on hand - and slice or muddle a little bit of it before tossing into your glass or pitcher of iced water.  A few slices of orange, lemon, lime, or peach, or some muddled strawberries, blueberries or blackberries add a sweet twist to your beverage and provide some great antioxidants as well. (Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash) 3. Add Essential Oils When drinking your water out of a ceramic, glass or stainless steel container (never add essential oils to a plastic container), add one drop of your favorite therapeutic-grade essential oil for flavor that lasts all day.  I add a drop or two of lemon, lime, orange, or peppermint in the morning to a glass of water and refill it with ice and water all day, only to find the hint of flavor continues throughout the day.  Adding a couple of drops to a warm mug of water is another way to enjoy.  The oils are a great way to quickly improve the water flavor! 4. Jazz it up with Herbs or Spices Spice your water up with a favorite herb or spice.  Add a couple leaves of mint or basil for a mildly flavored beverage (or let them "steep" in the water overnight in the fridge for more zing).  Toss in a little ginger root or a couple of cinnamon sticks (maybe with some apple slices) and enjoy a cool, refreshing, invigorating drink. 5. Fruity Ice Cubes Okay, this is a fun idea, and very simple.  Grab an ice tray and fill with your favorite no-sugar-added juice and freeze!  Now, use those ice cubes to enhance the flavor of your next glass of water.  Alternatively, freeze individual clementine, peach or orange slices, or berries and use them as ice cubes, too.  It will look pretty and add a splash of fruity flavor. So, who is ready to get started jazzing up your glass of water this week?  Leave us a comment below and let us know how it goes or if you have some other "refreshing" ideas to jazz up your healthy glass of water.   Remember to enjoy sharing all your favorite recipes right here at Dish Dish in your own online cookbook!