America’s Tap Water Wake-Up Call: Businesses, Schools, and Families Urged to Rethink What They’re Serving

DENVER, CO – May 4, 2026: Millions of Americans in conference centers, offices, schools, and gyms rely on tap water in shared spaces. Now new research from the Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals that more than 60 million people are drinking water with elevated nitrate levels – raising serious concerns for organizations responsible for the well-being of employees, guests, and students.

The EWG research indicated nitrate contamination is most concentrated in regions with intensive agriculture, including the Midwest and California’s Central Valley. And schools and childcare centers that rely on private well water may face even greater risks due to infrequent testing and aging infrastructure.

For Rich Razgaitis, CEO and co-founder of FloWater, this issue is both professional and personal.

“As a business leader and a father of two daughters I think about this every day,” said Razgaitis. “If you’re running a workplace, a school, or any public-facing space, water isn’t just a utility. It’s part of the duty of care you provide.”

The EWG analysis identified nitrate contamination in thousands of water systems nationwide, exposing more than 60 million Americans to elevated levels in tap water. Federal limits have remained unchanged for decades and do not reflect recent research linking long-term exposure – even at lower levels – to increased risks of cancer, thyroid disease, and birth complications. Because nitrate is invisible, most people don’t know it’s there.

That disconnect is what’s driving Razgaitis to push for greater awareness among organizations and households alike. He believes that because water quality threats vary by location and sector, local awareness and targeted action are essential.

At a recent company summit, renowned environmental activist and clean water champion Erin Brockovich underlined the need to recognize the urgency of the issue – and the responsibility to act.

“This isn’t something that might happen someday,” Brockovich said. “It’s already in our water, our homes, and the places we work and learn.”

Nationwide, concerns extend beyond nitrates to include PFAS, microplastics, and aging infrastructure. Many communities lack the resources to fully address these contaminants, making it critical for businesses and institutions to take an active role in protecting the people they serve.

FloWater’s Refill Stations, installed in thousands of locations across North America, offer a better alternative to both untreated tap and bottled water. Each Refill Station features a proprietary 7-stage purification process that removes contaminants like nitrates, PFAS, and microplastics – while delivering great-tasting, mineral-enhanced water. The result: a solution that supports health, elevates experience, and advances sustainability by eliminating single-use plastic.

Designed for shared spaces, Refill Stations can be installed with minimal disruption, giving organizations a practical, immediate, and cost-efficient way to improve water quality.

“We can’t overhaul every municipal system overnight,” Razgaitis said. “But organizations can take meaningful steps today to provide cleaner, better-tasting water for the people who depend on them.”

He also points to a growing shift among employers and operators who see water quality as a core part of their commitment to health, experience, and sustainability.

As a call to action, Razgaitis encourages consumers and business leaders to visit drinkflowater.com and use the Water Quality Report tool—powered by EWG data—to better understand what’s in their local water and explore filtration options. While FloWater offers a comprehensive, high-performance solution, other options—such as under-sink systems, reverse osmosis units, and certified pitcher filters—may also be considered based on need and budget.

“Whether it’s an office, a school, or a conference venue, providing clean water sends a clear message: you care about people and their well-being,” Razgaitis added. “Now is the time to move from awareness to action because every community depends on leaders who prioritize health.”

About FloWater

Founded in 2013, FloWater’s mission is to transform the way the world drinks water by delivering unmatched quality, exceptional taste, and a restored trust in tap water, all while eliminating plastic waste. Discover more about how we are reimagining drinking water quality FloWater.