LEGAL & TRANSPARENCY
Last updated: May 13, 2026
The Federal Trade Commission requires that anyone who recommends a product online be transparent about whether they earn a commission from that recommendation. This page exists so you always know exactly where I stand on every product on this site, this newsletter, and the YouTube channel at youtube.com/@optimizedwaterman.
An affiliate link is a special URL that contains a tracking code unique to me. When you click it and then make a purchase from the linked retailer, that retailer pays me a small commission. You pay the same price you would have paid otherwise — affiliate commissions come out of the retailer's marketing budget, not your wallet.
I disclose affiliate relationships in three places:
Verbally, in any video where I direct you to a specific product.
In writing, in the YouTube video description for every video that contains affiliate links.
Here, on this page, where every affiliate relationship is listed by name.
The Optimized Water Man currently participates in or is in the process of joining the following affiliate programs:
Amazon Associates — broad product coverage across testing kits, electrolytes, and water accessories.
SimpleLab / Tap Score (via Refersion) — certified-lab water testing kits.
AquaTru — reverse osmosis countertop systems.
Clearly Filtered — pitcher and under-sink filters.
Drink HRW — molecular hydrogen tablets and devices.
LMNT — electrolyte mixes.
✎ Remove any programs above that you have not actually been approved into. Add new ones as you join them. Keep this list current.
Anyone who runs an affiliate-funded site faces the same tension: do you recommend the best product, or the product that pays best? Here's how I resolve it.
I do not accept paid product placements disguised as reviews. If a brand pays me, you'll know. There will be a banner. There will be a verbal disclosure. There will be no ambiguity.
No product appears on this site or channel that I haven't personally used or thoroughly vetted.
Commission rate is never the deciding factor in a recommendation. When two products are close on merits, I disclose the commission differential and let you decide.
Negative reviews are published when warranted. Even of products in programs I participate in.
If you ever find content on this site that violates any of those rules, reply to the newsletter and tell me. I will fix it publicly.
If a brand ever pays for a dedicated piece of content, that content will be clearly labeled SPONSORED or PAID PARTNERSHIP at the top of the section. Sponsored content does not constitute a personal recommendation unless I explicitly say so.
To date, the Optimized Water Man has not run any sponsored content.
Email: [email protected]
This disclosure complies with the FTC Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, 16 C.F.R. Part 255.