This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.

Water

Water

The WELL Building Standard™ (WELL) promotes safe and clean water through the implementation of proper filtration techniques and regular testing in order for building occupants to receive optimal quality of water for various uses.

Background

Clean drinking water is a prerequisite for optimal health. More than two-thirds of the human body is comprised of water, a major component of cells, and the medium for the transport of nutrients and waste throughout the body. In addition, water helps to regulate the internal body temperature and serves as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that women consume approximately 2.7 liters [91 oz] and men 3.7 liters [125 oz] of water per day (from all sources including drinking water, other beverages and food). These amounts are appropriate to offset what leaves the body through respiration, perspiration and excretion, aiding in the removal of toxins, byproducts and other waste.

Drinking water contamination is a major public health issue. Many people receive water that has been exposed to potentially harmful levels of biologica...read more

30 Fundamental water quality

Core & Shell New & Existing Interiors New & Existing Buildings
1: Sediment P P P
2: Microorganisms P P P

31 Inorganic contaminants

Core & Shell New & Existing Interiors New & Existing Buildings
1: Dissolved Metals P P P

32 Organic contaminants

Core & Shell New & Existing Interiors New & Existing Buildings
1: Organic Pollutants P P P

33 Agricultural contaminants

Core & Shell New & Existing Interiors New & Existing Buildings
1: Herbicides and Pesticides P P P
2: Fertilizers P P P

34 Public water additives

Core & Shell New & Existing Interiors New & Existing Buildings
1: Disinfectants P P P
2: Disinfectant Byproducts P P P
3: Fluoride P P P

35 Periodic water quality testing

Core & Shell New & Existing Interiors New & Existing Buildings
1: Quarterly Testing - O O
2: Water Data Record Keeping and Response - O O

36 Water treatment

Core & Shell New & Existing Interiors New & Existing Buildings
1: Organic Chemical Removal O O O
2: Sediment Filter O O O
3: Microbial Elimination O O O
4: Water Quality Maintenance O O O
5: Legionella Control O O O

37 Drinking water promotion

Core & Shell New & Existing Interiors New & Existing Buildings
1: Drinking Water Taste Properties O O O
2: Drinking Water Access - O O
3: Water Dispenser Maintenance - O O

30 Fundamental water quality

Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
1: Sediment P P P P P
2: Microorganisms P P P P P

31 Inorganic contaminants

Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
1: Dissolved Metals P P P P P

32 Organic contaminants

Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
1: Organic Pollutants P P P P P

33 Agricultural contaminants

Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
1: Herbicides and Pesticides P P P P P
2: Fertilizers P P P P P

34 Public water additives

Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
1: Disinfectants P P P P P
2: Disinfectant Byproducts P P P P P
3: Fluoride P P P P P

35 Periodic water quality testing

Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
1: Quarterly Testing O O O O O
2: Water Data Record Keeping and Response O O O O O

36 Water treatment

Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
1: Organic Chemical Removal O O O O O
2: Sediment Filter O O O O O
3: Microbial Elimination O O O O O
4: Water Quality Maintenance O O O O O
5: Legionella Control O O O O O

37 Drinking water promotion

Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
1: Drinking Water Taste Properties O O O O O
2: Drinking Water Access - O - O O
3: Water Dispenser Maintenance O O - O O
4: Outdoor Drinking Water Access - O - - -