What's in Your Water?

There may be a presumption by most that drinking water in this country is completely safe. From the standpoint of immediate safety from pathogens and toxicity this may be true. However, when it comes to the concern for long-term health this assumption of safety is problematic. Since testing began in 2004, water utilities have found 315 polluntants in tap water and 49 of these have been found in at least 1 location to be at levels higher than government guidelines. Of these 315 chemicals only 114 of them have set regulated levels by the EPA, which allows 200 to slip into the water supply without a second thought. The consequences of this is a significant risk to the public's state of health.

The challenge to maintaining a safe drinking water supply is that the sources are highly variable and broadly dispursed. Pollutants have been detected from industry, agricultural run-off, water treatment plants and as the result of urban sprawl. The long-term solution is limiting the production and utilization of chemicals that bring harm to humans and the environment and an understanding that our health is dependant upon the health of the eco-system. The short-term approach is to limit your use of these chemicals to reduce their pervasiveness and use a water filter that captures them so your body doesn't have to do that job. The challenge to finding an effective filter is the difference in the toxicants from one water supply to the other and the fact that many are only aimed at reducing exposure to organic compounds such as protozoa, bacteria and viruses.

We have found an outstanding resource in the Environmental Working Group which will help you not only understand the particular concerns in your area's water supply, but will lead you to a greater understanding of how the filtration process works. The EWG is a research based consumer advocacy organization. Their website provides invaluable information starting here with the drinking water database and filter guide. Use this to determine what threatens the safety of your water system and the steps you can take to dramatically reduce your exposure. Water is a non-negotiable nutrient that we all need. It's a sad reality that this is one of the avenues for pollutants to enter our bodies, but with a little education and a lot of environmental advocacy we can reduce the risk and improve health outcomes for entire populations.