Staying Sharp Starts With What You Drink

For several years, I have been more and more conscious about what I eat and drink. Gone are the days when I could survive on many cans of fizzy drink, chocolate, and snacks to fuel my photography adventures. I simply can’t put my body through it anymore, plus it was having a detrimental effect on my ability to stay sharp and focus on my tasks. Instead, I switched to having water as often as I can during each day, and despite the temptations of the colorful refrigerators in gas stations, I have managed so far to avoid the temptations. Has there been a change? Yes, I can keep going for longer, I don’t feel as bloated, and I have saved money in the long term. But I’ve often wondered if I could do even better.

Research suggests that even mild dehydration—just a 2% drop in body water—can impact focus, memory, and overall performance. So I started wondering: could having consistently clean, filtered water at home save me even more money and give me more access to clean and healthy water?

Then, out of the blue, we got an email from Waterdrop, asking if we wanted to try their latest water purifying system. Perhaps this would be the solution to my needs. Would something like the Waterdrop X16 actually help me stay sharper and feel better during long days of shooting or editing? I knew it wasn’t going to improve my photography directly, but it felt worth finding out.

This isn’t your usual camera gear review, but bear with me. Over the last few years, like many of you reading this, I have spent a lot of time on the road, in the field, and in my home studio. I’m always chasing light, planning shoots, editing images, and teaching. One thing I’ve learned, especially after long shooting days and late editing nights, is that how you fuel your body makes a real difference to how you perform. That includes hydration.

Clean water might not sound like a photographer’s concern, but I’d argue otherwise. Whether you’re a full-time shooter, running a studio, or just trying to stay sharp during long days behind the lens, the quality of the water you drink directly affects how well you work. So I decided to take a proper look at the Waterdrop X16, a high-end under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system, to see if it could earn a place alongside my studio kit.

Why Water Quality Matters More Than You Think

In Ireland and across much of Europe, mains tap water is generally considered safe. But “safe” doesn’t mean “ideal.” Plus, I am sure that where you live, you will have similar water quality challenges.

• In many areas, chlorine by-products (THMs) are still found at levels above EU limits. In 2024, Ireland reported some of the highest THM levels in Western Europe, at 47 μg/L, despite the EU average being around 11 μg/L. These compounds are associated with an increased risk of bladder and colorectal cancer. •Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland•

• Lead pipes still exist in many homes built before the 1980s. Exposure, even at low levels, can impair brain function, especially in children.

• Nitrates, largely from agricultural runoff, exceed WHO thresholds in more than one-third of EU groundwater sites.

• Microplastics have now been found in over 80% of global tap water samples, including many in Europe.

• And then there’s PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”), which are now linked to everything from immune system disruption to fertility issues. These aren’t effectively removed by standard water treatment plants.

As photographers, we rely heavily on both physical and mental performance—long hours carrying gear, staying alert during sunrise or sunset shoots, and staying focused while editing. Even mild dehydration has been shown to cause short-term memory issues and loss of attention span. So yes, what we drink, and the quality of that water, has a real-world effect.

First Impressions: What’s in the Box

The Waterdrop X16 is a compact, tankless reverse osmosis system. It arrives well-packaged with:

• The main filtration unit

• Smart digital faucet

• All the required tubing and fittings

• Power supply

• Three-stage internal filters (including RO membrane, activated carbon, and remineralization)

Everything you need to get going is in the box, which is good to see. That said, I did run into one issue: while Waterdrop states that it’s DIY-install friendly, I had to bring in a plumber. My existing kitchen water inlet system didn’t allow for a clean or secure join to the main supply line, so unless you’re confident and have a more recent plumbing setup, it’s worth budgeting for professional installation.

Once installed, the unit fits neatly under the sink, with a small footprint (approx. 46 × 16 × 42 cm). It runs quietly, with no tank to take up extra space, and the digital faucet is both responsive and clear, showing TDS readings in real time (total dissolved solids) and alerting when filters need changing. TDS, it seems, is an important measurement of water quality and is used to determine the safety of water quality for drinking. To have this built into the faucet can only be a good thing, I imagine.

Performance and Everyday Use

The Waterdrop X16 has some impressive specs:

• Filtration rate: 1,600 gallons per day (~6 liters per minute)

• 11-stage filtration, including 0.0001 μm RO membrane, UV sterilization, and remineralization

• Water recovery ratio: 3:1 (3 liters of clean water for every 1 liter of waste)

• Digital faucet with filter life indicator, TDS display, and touch activation

• NSF/ANSI certified for materials and performance

In real-world use, that translates into a noticeable change in both the taste and clarity of the water. There’s no chlorine tang, no sediment, and no chemical aftertaste. The water has a smooth, neutral pH around 7.5 and feels slightly “softer” thanks to the added magnesium and calcium during the final filtration stage.

It’s quick too—you can fill a standard cup in about 2 seconds, and you’re not waiting around for a tank to fill between uses.

Health Benefits in Practice

Once installed, I started using the filtered water daily for tea, coffee, cooking, and of course, straight drinking. Here’s what I’ve noticed and what the science says:

1. Sharper focus during workDrinking more and drinking cleaner made a difference over time. My concentration was more consistent during long edits or video creation. That lines up with research showing even mild dehydration can reduce short-term memory and reaction speed, while clean water (free of contaminants like lead and nitrates) helps cognitive performance.

2. Physical well-beingAfter full-day shoots or long hikes with gear, clean water helped with recovery. It’s not a miracle solution, but hydration with mineral-balanced water supports joint lubrication and stable blood pressure—two factors that matter if you’re on your feet all day.

3. Reduced reliance on bottled waterI used to keep bottled water in the studio for guests and myself. That’s now completely replaced. No more plastic waste, and no more recurring cost. I even bring a reusable bottle on trips, filled before leaving home.

4. Professional experience in the studioOffering a glass of pure, filtered water to a model, client, or assistant is a small gesture that shows professionalism. For those running a shared or rented studio space, this is an easy way to elevate the experience.

Maintenance and Considerations

Maintenance is minimal. Filters are designed to last:

• RO membrane: up to 24 months

• Activated carbon + pre-filter: every 6–12 months

• Remineralization cartridge: about 12 months

The smart faucet alerts you when it’s time to change each one. Swapping filters is a tool-free process and takes less than 5 minutes.

As for electricity, the system uses a UV sterilizer and pump, but energy draw is minimal, especially given the health benefits and daily usage.

Final Thoughts

If you have made it this far, then you already know that this may not be traditional kit for photographers, but I’d argue that hydration is as essential to performance as any lens or tripod. Whether you’re chasing light along the coast or running a commercial shoot in a studio, clean water supports mental sharpness, physical endurance, and professionalism.

Would I recommend the Waterdrop X16? Yes, with a caveat. Budget for installation if your water supply line is awkward. But once in place, the system runs quietly, efficiently, and without fuss. If you’re running a studio, teaching, or just want to ensure you’re at your best throughout the day, this is a solid long-term investment in your health and workflow.