Water; it’s arguably the most important resource in the world, even more so than gold or oil. A human being will not survive longer than three days with no water, and it is essential to stay hydrated in order for your body to function healthily (did you know that one healthy person can drink up to 3 gallons of water in a single day?) Americans have a luxury afforded to few other countries- the safety of public water sources is a fact that we can take for granted. Most people in the U.S., 268 million to be exact, get their water from a public or municipal water system, and while many households opt for home water purifiers, they are often chosen for taste preferences rather than to make the water safe to drink.
The EPA regulates what is allowed in public water sources, but for the 48 million Americans with private wells, there is no regulation whatsoever. The contaminants that the EPA has identified and regulated reach over 2,000! Simple water filtration systems can remove these contaminants and are inexpensive- clean drinking water should never be considered a luxury.
Here are a few of the most common contaminants found in water:
Arsenic- This extremely toxic heavy metal is not only poisonous, but a carcinogen. The acceptable level of arsenic in public water sources is 10 parts per billion, by the EPA’s standards. Arsenic removal systems are sold by most home water purifier companies.
Lead- This is more common in older homes than newer ones, but can create a toxic build-up in your body nonetheless. It is not allowed in public water supplies, but may enter through old pipework in the home. It is important for pregnant women and children to stay far away from this chemical and have their water tested if they even suspect lead might be in the supply.
Sulfur/ Manganese/ Iron- These chemicals are what make up what is called “hard water.” They can make the water taste and smell bad, as well as being very corrosive and reducing the efficiency of your appliances. They are most commonly found in well water, and can be effectively removed using well water filtration systems.
How do you feel about filtered water? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments.