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Our bodies are made up mostly of water. Without it, life would quickly cease. Safe, clean drinking water is not as easy to come by these days. Outbreaks of bacteria or parasites and contamination from chemicals and pesticides have shown us that our water systems are not immune to the forces of nature or the world in which we live. While chances are good that your water won't harm you, it's best to be unassuming and to inform yourself concerning the quality of the drinking water in your community.
WHAT KINDS OF PROBLEMS CAN BE FOUND IN WATER AND WHAT ARE THEIR EFFECTS?
In recent years, cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Escherichia coli have been found in drinking water. These organisms mostly cause problems for the elderly, the young, and those with a weakened immune system. However, they are a threat to all of us. Many times, people complain of vague flu-like symptoms, or they assume that they ate something that didn't agree with them and caused gastrointestinal problems. In actuality, a portion of these cases may be caused by contaminated drinking water.
Another problem that is a major concern to health officials is the presence of lead in drinking water. Research has shown time and time again that high levels of lead in the blood stream can cause neurological problems. Especially at risk is the growing child. This problem is so bad in some communities that all children are screened for lead poisoning.
Yet another problem are the chemicals, herbicides, and industrial pollutants that make their way into our water. These are suspected of causing a vast number of problems including cancer.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT ME AND/OR MY FAMILY?
First of all, don't live in fear. Arming yourself with knowledge is the first step to take concerning your family's health. By law, your water utility provider must supply an analysis of its drinking water to whoever asks. Simply call the number listed on your water bill. Then, ask the following questions:
From where does the water in my home come?
What types of filtration are used to ensure pure water?
What types of tests do you routinely perform to make sure that the water is safe?
Have you had any trouble with violations in the past?
If you've had violations, what have you done to correct them?
IS WELL WATER A PROBLEM?
Although well water is filtered in a natural manner, that doesn't mean that harmful substances aren't present. Many substances seep into the soil and eventually end up in the water. This is especially true if you live near an agricultural area or within a few miles of a gas station or industrial plant. Also, unlike public water systems that must meet government standards for purity, wells are considered private property. It is up to each individual owner to have his/her water tested to ensure its purity. So if you rely on a well to provide your water, have it tested annually. This is an inexpensive way to have peace of mind.
MY WATER'S PURE, BUT WHAT ABOUT MY PIPES? SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT THEM?
Although water may leave the treatment plant as pure and safe, that's not the end of the line. Corroded and lead-lined pipes can allow dangerous substances to leach into the water. This is a problem that is mostly found in older homes. To find out if this is an issue with your house, have a sample of your tap water tested as it leaves your drinking faucet.
CAN I RELY ON A WATER FILTER TO PURIFY MY WATER?
While water filters are one of the best ways to remove harmful pollutants from your water, you need to carefully select the product that is right for you. Some filters will cleanse out one harmful substance but leave another. Below is a brief overview of the most popular ways to purify water.
Distillers: These units boil water, condense it, and then run it through a carbon filter. They remove most microorganisms, contaminants, lead, and chemicals. The drawback is that these appliances use a lot of electricity to run.
Reverse osmosis filters: In these units, water passes through a semi-permeable membrane that traps lead, chemicals, and microbes. If you opt for one of these units, get one with a "one-micron" membrane. This small size is needed to filter out cryptosporidium, a microbial parasite.
FINAL WORDS
Pure drinking water is a necessity. Though some communities have had problems with the quality of their water, chances are excellent that your drinking water is safe. Don't be paranoid, but do be informed. Your family's health depends on it.
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