I have heard that in those times people did not drink water, or did not like to drink water because of fear of bacteria.  And, as a substitute they would drink ale, because the process of making the ale and the fact that it is ale would rid it of bacteria because it is sterile.  I have also heard that wine vinegar with water I am assuming would make the water clean or keep it clean(you have to boil it anyway).  But, this, especially the making of ale, is a very time consuming process that I just don't think is necessary to get your daily liquid.  Five minutes of boiling water kills off all bad agents/bacteria, making the water drinkable.  I think 5 minutes of boiling a big pot of water for the day to drink from would be much easier than making ale and relying on that.  And, having that boiled water sit around for the day is not going to produce problems that will kill you.  That seems like the smartest thing to do, especially if you do not like alcohol, like myself.  I cannot imagine not having water to drink.  Water is all I drink.  So, the thought of having to have ale is crazy to me.  Christ even mentioned the cool/cold drink of water; that if you give someone a cool drink of water, you will not lose your reward.  So, Christ has even attached what seems to be an indulgence to the drinking of water.  Christ even mentioned anointing your head with water, and obviously from the last supper, washing your feet.  But, I have also heard that people in the renaissance times had a fear of bathing.  Much of this is from this video series from Tudor times.