Is My Drinking Water Safe?

In our last blog, we evaluated the health benefits of staying hydrated. It’s very important to consume water which is free of any visible and invisible contaminants.

In 2014, the Flint, MI water crisis began which led all of us to wonder if our drinking water was safe enough to consume. In the case of Flint, MI, it was found out that due to insufficient water treatment, lead from the water pipes leaked into drinking water and more than 100,000 residents were exposed to elevated lead levels.

The water we consume either comes from surface sources like lakes, rivers, spring, reservoir or from underground sources wells, permeable rocks or aquifers.

Our drinking water is contaminated due to pharmaceutical waste, harmful organic chemicals from extensive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, contaminants from nature, radionuclides, microbial contaminants from sewage and heavy metal contaminants from the pipes itself. Practically speaking it is not possible for any provider to treat millions of gallons of water to make it safe for consumption. Even if the water is completely purified, there are extensive chances of corrosion and seepage of contaminants in the water because of the decade-old distribution network.

Here is the list of few contaminants normally found in our drinking water and in my humble opinion it is impossible for filters like PUR and Brita to remove them.

• Lead

• Mercury

• Asbestos

• Benzene

• Radon

• Chlorine

• Aluminum

• Ammonia

• Arsenic

• Nitrate and Nitrites

• Bacteria

• Viruses

• Algae

• Radium

• Uranium

• Selenium

• Copper

Most of these contaminants have a very slow adverse effect on our body so it might take years for someone to realize the aftereffects. Research shows that these contaminants have been associated with increased risk of cancer, reproductive problems, and irreversible kidney and liver damage.

Due to the above-mentioned reasons, people fear that tap water is not safe for consumption and hence they buy bottled water and feel that they are taking care of their health. I feel that Bottled water quality is no better than tap water. Buying bottled water is a waste of money and harm to the environment. Several times you would have observed, these bottles have been stored out in sun and heat. When the plastic bottles are exposed to heat and sun, they release carcinogens. Also, bottled water has been known to release microplastics which are harmful to our health. Due to the cost factors, people avoid cooking with bottled water. They use tap water to cook and, in this case, what is the point of wasting money by buying bottled water just for drinking?

Sometimes people feel boiling tap water is a better alternative but in that case, they are increasing the concentration of heavy metals and chemicals present in water.

So what is the solution? The best option is to take charge of your drinking water at your home and purify the water which is used for drinking and cooking. Either you use filtered water or your body is the filter. The second option takes a huge toll on your kidneys and liver at the cost of your health and life.

With more than a dozen options available in the market, it is natural to get confused about which is the best option for your family. No worries, we are here to help. Others filter, we purify. Contact us to schedule your water quality consultation today.