This podcast episode explores the factors that contribute to the taste of tap water, including the substances it picks up as it travels through different environments and the treatment processes used in different areas. It also discusses the microbial ecology that exists within water pipe systems and how it impacts the taste and safety of tap water. Additionally, the episode explores the role of biofilms in water systems, the use of water filters, the puzzle-solving abilities of bees through social learning, and the evolutionary loss of tails in humans and hominoids. Overall, it highlights the complexity and importance of understanding water quality and the evolution of traits in different organisms.