Water, Wellness, & the Science That Connects Them

Water SciencePlumbing TipsHealth & WellnessSustainable LivingHome ImprovementEco-Friendly PlumbingSmart Plumbing
Written By HM

From molecular magic to luxury showers, here’s why understanding water is the smartest thing you can do for your home AND your health.

Let’s get one thing clear: water might look simple, but it’s anything but. It’s one of the most complex, intelligent, and influential substances on Earth. A solvent, a conductor, a storage medium, a chemical transporter- it’s essential to both biological life and our home infrastructures. Water is a shape-shifting, energy-carrying, system-regulating powerhouse. It’s what fuels your morning coffee, your steamy shower thoughts, and the glowing skin that comes from proper hydration.

At Jack Pine Plumbing, we’ve built our work around this simple but powerful truth: When you understand water, you understand how to improve your home, your health, and your peace of mind. So let’s dive into the science- from molecular structure to chlorine stats- and see why a well-treated plumbing system is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Nerdy? Maybe. Exciting? You bet:) 

THE CHEMISTRY OF WATER: MOLECULAR MAGIC


Water isn’t just H₂O- it’s a molecular marvel. Its structure is unique: the hydrogen atoms are bent at a 104.5° angle, giving the molecule a polar nature. This polarity makes water an excellent solvent, capable of dissolving more substances than any other liquid- earning it the title of the "universal solvent."

But that’s not all. Water’s hydrogen bonds are unusually strong for such a small molecule. These bonds give water its famously high surface tension, boiling point, and heat capacity- traits that are key to its role in life and home systems.

Scientific Insight: Water’s ability to resist temperature changes is why it helps regulate body temperature and stabilize climate conditions. It’s also the reason why your shower feels steady, even when temperatures outside fluctuate. In simple terms: water’s molecular structure keeps things balanced- whether it’s your body or your home plumbing.

EZ WATER: THE FOURTH PHASE (YES, REALLY)


Move over solid, liquid, and vapor- there’s a fourth phase of water called “EZ Water” (short for Exclusion Zone). It’s like water’s VIP form: more structured, slightly thicker, and full of electrical potential.

Dr. Gerald Pollack from the University of Washington has introduced the concept of this fourth phase- a structured, gel-like form of water that exists between solid and liquid, especially near hydrophilic surfaces (think inside your body’s cells or your plumbing pipes). This special water has some pretty cool properties:

  • It’s more viscous than regular water
    Water’s unique fourth phase, EZ water, is more viscous than regular liquid water, meaning it flows more smoothly and with less friction. This increased viscosity helps improve hydration, as the water can more easily penetrate cell membranes and tissues, enhancing overall absorption and supporting better cellular function. It’s like water that’s better equipped to hydrate your body more effectively.

  • It carries a negative charge
    EZ water has a negative charge, which is significant because it can help support the body’s natural processes. Negative charges attract and neutralize positively charged particles, such as toxins and free radicals, making it easier for the body to detoxify and maintain balance. This charge also improves water’s ability to transport nutrients efficiently, which is critical for maintaining energy levels, skin health, and overall vitality.

  • It excludes solutes and particles, which means it’s cleaner
    One of the key properties of EZ water is its ability to exclude solutes and particles, making it cleaner and purer than regular water. This exclusion helps remove harmful contaminants and impurities from the water, which can support better digestion, skin health, and immune function. By drinking cleaner water, you’re giving your body the best possible foundation for maintaining a healthy balance and preventing stressors that could impact your health.

  • It acts like a biological battery, helping your cells function
    EZ water functions as a biological battery, storing and releasing energy to help your cells perform their crucial tasks. This ability to store energy is vital for cellular function and energy production throughout the body. With properly conditioned water, your cells can better perform key processes, such as detoxification, repair, and regeneration, leading to improved overall health and energy levels.

Why it matters to you:

EZ water is the form your cells most readily use for hydration. So, cleaner and properly conditioned water might just be the secret to supporting your cellular health, boosting energy production, and improving detoxification. In short: better water = better you.

WATER & WELLNESS: HYDRATION GOES BEYOND THE GLASS

Your body is composed of approximately 60–70% water, underscoring the critical role hydration plays in maintaining optimal health. But hydration isn’t just about how much water you drink- it’s also about how well your body absorbs and uses it.

Dr. Andrew Huberman highlights that a 1–2% drop in body water- barely enough to notice- can impair cognitive function, alertness, and the body's ability to regulate temperature, particularly during sleep.¹ This means dehydration doesn’t just affect your physical performance- it can also disrupt your focus, memory, and overall energy throughout the day.

Dr. Peter Attia emphasizes that as we age, our thirst signals diminish, increasing the risk of chronic dehydration. Even mild dehydration can lead to lower blood volume, which reduces oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body- causing dizziness, fatigue, and greater risk of falls.

Signs of Subtle Dehydration:

  • Dry mouth or lips

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Headaches or brain fog

  • Dark or infrequent urine

  • Trouble sleeping or waking feeling unrested

Why Water Quality Matters

Cognitive Clarity & Mood
 According to neuroscience research, proper hydration fuels focus, memory, and mental stamina - and can even improve emotional regulation and sleep quality.

Physical Performance & Recovery
Your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system rely on adequate hydration to function smoothly, recover faster, and reduce strain during activity.

Detoxification & Cellular Energy
Clean, mineral-rich water supports your body’s natural detox pathways and helps generate the cellular energy that powers every system in your body.

Nervous System Support
Hydration maintains the electrical conductivity your brain and nerves need to communicate efficiently- impacting everything from reflexes to stress response.

Main Takeaway On Water & Wellness:

Investing in water filtration and conditioning isn’t just a luxury- it’s a wellness tool. By supporting optimal hydration at the cellular level, you’re setting yourself up for better focus, stronger immunity, deeper sleep, and longer-lasting health.

CONTAMINANTS IN Edmonton’s TAP WATER: WHAT’S REALLY FLOWING FROM YOUR FAUCET

EPCOR delivers some of the safest drinking water in Canada- and they’ve got the awards to prove it. But even expertly treated water can pick up a few uninvited tagalongs by the time it flows from your faucet.

While EPCOR follows rigorous protocols and exceeds many national standards, there are still no mandatory limits set for every possible contaminant. Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, developed by Health Canada, outline maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs) for a list of specific substances. These are non-enforceable guidelines, not laws- and while they’re based on science, not all substances in our water are thoroughly studied or regulated yet.

That’s where the World Health Organization (WHO) comes in. WHO’s international guidelines often inform and complement local water safety practices, providing benchmarks for contaminants that may not yet be widely recognized or regulated in Canada.

Here’s what that means in real life:

  • Chlorine, used for disinfection, can react with organic matter in water to form disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs)- regulated, yes, but still linked to long-term health concerns.

  • Lead, copper, and other metals can leach into your water from older plumbing fixtures and pipes- especially if your home was built before 1990.

  • Microplastics and pharmaceutical residues are being detected in trace amounts globally. While research is ongoing, they’re not yet covered by most municipal testing.

  • Hard minerals (calcium and magnesium) are common in Edmonton’s water and don’t pose a health risk- but they do shorten the lifespan of appliances, clog fixtures, and dry out your skin and hair.

So while your water may be safe according to federal and international guidelines, that doesn’t mean it’s ideal- especially when it comes to your long-term health, your home systems, and your everyday water experience.

What You Can Do:
If you live in an older home, it’s a good idea to run your tap for a few minutes in the morning before drinking or cooking, especially if the water has been sitting for a while. If you're concerned about potential lead exposure, you might want to consider testing your water or upgrading your plumbing to ensure your home is lead-free. Regular maintenance or replacing old fixtures with certified lead-free alternatives can provide peace of mind and better health outcomes for you and your family.

HARD WATER: THE INVISIBLE HOME WRECKER


Hard water isn’t just annoying- it’s expensive. Over time, mineral buildup (aka limescale) wrecks your pipes, shortens appliance life, and cuts your water heater’s efficiency by up to 24%. While calcium and magnesium are beneficial for your health when consumed in food and drink, they’re problematic when they accumulate in your water. These minerals leave behind stubborn scale that clogs pipes and drains, causing corrosion and reducing water flow. This not only leads to costly repairs but also reduces the efficiency of your appliances, like your water heater, by up to 24%.

What else does it mess with?

  • Dishwasher and Laundry Performance: Hard water reduces the effectiveness of detergents, leading to cloudy dishes and dingy laundry.

  • Your Skin’s Moisture Barrier: The minerals in hard water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

  • Your Favorite Shampoo’s Lather Potential: Hard water makes it more difficult for shampoo to lather, resulting in a less effective clean and more product usage.

Water Softener ROI:
A 2023 study from the Water Quality Association (WQA) found that homes with high-efficiency water softening systems reduced soap/detergent usage by up to 50% and extended appliance lifespans by 30% on average. With a softening system, you’ll not only protect your plumbing and appliances but you’ll also reduce long-term costs and improve the effectiveness of your cleaning products.

WHAT WE DO AT JACK PINE PLUMBING (AND WHY YOUR WATER LOVES US FOR IT)

Let’s be real: “safe” water is the bare minimum (and a first-world privilege- but that’s a story for another day!). At Jack Pine Plumbing, we’re in the business of optimal.

We specialize in whole-home water treatment systems designed to bring out the best in every drop- supporting your health, your home, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re filling your favorite glass bottle or taking the kind of shower that cures a bad day, your water should feel better, taste better, and be better.

Here’s What Our Systems Are Designed to Do (So You Don’t Have To Think About It)

  • Kick out chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment- the culprits behind dry skin, faded laundry, and corroded pipes.

  • Target and reduce PFAS (a.k.a. “forever chemicals”)- manmade compounds found in stain-resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware, and waterproof gear. They’re toxic at extremely low levels and have no business in your body or your water.

  • Filter out VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)- including a group of more dangerous ones known as cVOCs (cancer-causing volatile organic compounds). These come from everyday sources like cleaning products, paints, adhesives, office supplies, and building materials. Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not floating in your faucet.

  • Cut down on pharmaceutical traces- from birth control to antidepressants, modern meds can sneak into water systems. Your shower shouldn’t come with a side of someone else’s prescription history.

  • Optional water softening- minus the salt overload. We offer systems that soften water without compromising taste or environmental goals.

  • Filter down to 0.2 microns- that’s really small. Like, bacteria and micro-particles small. Most standard filters don’t catch what ours do.

  • Protect your appliances and keep your water whisper-soft, shower after shower, wash after wash.

No one-size-fits-all installs here. Whether you need a reverse osmosis system, UV sterilizer, multi-stage carbon filter, or all of the above, we custom-build your setup based on your home’s water source, plumbing system, and lifestyle.

Because when water works with you, not against you, everything flows better.

CONCLUSION: WATER ISN’T JUST A UTILITY. IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY.

From the quantum quirks of H₂O to the daily science of showers and hydration, one thing’s clear: your water matters more than you think. It’s not just about taste or softness (though those are nice perks). It’s about well-being, performance, and longevity- for your body, your home, and the people in it. At Jack Pine Plumbing, we believe water should do more than flow. It should support. Nourish. Inspire. So, if you're ready to transform your water into something that works for you-cleaner, safer, and smarter- we're here to make it happen.

Curious about what’s really in your water?
Book a Water Wellness Diagnostic with us. We’ll test your home’s water, walk you through what we find, and give you a personalized game plan to make it cleaner, softer, and smarter- no pressure, just clarity. Because when your water works better, everything else does, too.

Sources & Further Reading

EZ Water & Molecular Structure

Water Quality & Contaminants

Soft Water & Home Efficiency

Hydration, Health & Performance

HM
Next

The Truth About Chlorine & Chloramine in Your Water- And How to Remove Them