As I write this month’s column, the holiday season is upon us. The holidays mean different things to different people, but for me, it’s a time to reconnect with friends and family — especially given the past two years dealing with COVID-19.

Clean water is absolutely essential to the health and safety of people around the world. It’s something I’ve always known, but I have a much deeper understanding after my years of writing about the plumbing and HVAC industries. And one thing I’ve learned recently: You don’t truly appreciate indoor plumbing until you no longer have it.