Everybody drinks in order to survive. In the west, we are blessed with access to running water, and almost every home has a plumbed-in supply. In an ideal world, this would be as perfect to drink as if it came from a mountain stream. Sadly the facts are otherwise: the world is feeling the impact of global pollution, and this has a direct bearing upon our water supplies.
The responsible solution is to join the campaign against worldwide pollution and to take steps to protect ourselves by filtering our own water. Let’s dig a little deeper into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ right now.
Why Our Water is Unsafe
Our water travels along miles of pipes to get to us. Even if it has gone through a water treatment process to remove harmful bacteria, it will still not be totally safe to drink. The specialists at RO-System.org say that over 80% of the water in America contains cancer-linked contaminants (carcinogenic byproducts). Water samples were once taken from fifty states, and they were found to contain such harmful elements as arsenic, disinfection byproducts, nitrates from fertilizers, and radiological contaminants.
Treated water still contains such things as pesticides, heavy metals, and viruses. The EWG made an investigation into the issue and discovered that over three hundred different types of contaminants were found to be present in 85% of the public’s drinking water. As technology increases, this number increases on a daily basis.
Why Not Drink Bottled Water?
If you are on holiday in a country that doesn’t have drinkable tap water, this is definitely a wise choice. When it comes to our home countries, it’s important to understand that the bottled water industry is not regulated. The EPA conclusion was that people who drink bottled water are not necessarily safer than those who drink most tap water.
Compared to filtering water at home, buying bottled water is an expensive choice. If the bottled water is simply filtered, why not do this yourself and save money? In addition to this, the global issue of plastic waste is being directly impacted by the production of plastic bottles. Much of the discarded containers end up in landfills, or worse – the sea. When plastic breaks down into microplastics it is ingested by marine and human life. The full medical implications of this have yet to be discovered.
BPA is a chemical found within plastic bottles, and tests revealed that it can actually enter the water, creating human health issues. These include reproduction issues and breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. Anyone who determines they will continue to drink bottled water should at least seek glass rather than plastic bottles.
Pitcher and Countertop Water Filters
Pitcher water filters are the most basic option. Simply fill the jug with water and keep it in the fridge. It may need replacing with fresh water halfway through the day as it gets used up. When the water is poured, it will be filtered and ready to drink. Countertop water filters do not require a plumber, fortunately. Simply bond the tap connector to the filter tube. If someone moves house they can simply disconnect it and reconnect it at the new home. The only maintenance activity required will be to occasionally replace the filter, but they can be quite long-lasting.
Under Sink Filters and Whole House Filters
Under-sink filters employ a multi-layered filtering system. Interestingly, there are several types of water filter:
- Charcoal (carbon) filters
- De-ionizing filters
- Reverse osmosis filters
When the filter is situated under the sink, the kitchen will appear tidier and there will be more worktop space. It’s not an expensive option, either. Once again, the filter is the only thing that will eventually need replacing.
The only potential drawback is when the filtered water requires a separate tap. People, therefore, end up with a cold, hot, and filtered faucet. A three-way kitchen tap may serve as a solution for some, as the three options are provided through the one tap.
A whole house filtration system is the most thorough and expensive option. It would certainly be advisable if someone was about to purchase a home and the survey had revealed there were issues with water purity.
As we have seen, drinking water cannot be trusted at face value. This applies whether it comes from a tap or a bottle. When people filter water at home they have greater control over what they and their family are drinking. From a health angle, this would make the process worth every penny. The global battle against pollution also needs to continue alongside, for the sake of our children and their children.
Why you need to filter your water, Ridgewood water does not taste and smell the same as it used to. Are used to love the water years back but not now.