Test Your Water IQ: How Safe is Your Water?

Water is definitely the elixir of life, and we ourselves are made of 70% water. If you look at human history, those civilizations who have access to the purest water source remain on top of their game, being the strongest of their era.

People today have come to ignore the fact that water is life.  But there is a wisdom in your glass of water.  Research even shows that water is a key to staying young, active, and healthy – hydrating your very cells, bringing essential nutrients to your vital organs.  Water also helps cleanse your body of harmful toxins, balancing your body’s pH levels, aiding in proper food digestion.  You can survive a week without food, but not without water.

The important question:  Is Your Drinking Water Really Safe?

Just when you think a glass of your crystal -clear liquid is safe to drink – think again.  Research shows that 75,000 chemical compounds lurk in your water, even with EPA’s strict safety standards.  We hear many cases of water-borne diseases, killing thousands, across the globe.

The sad fact is that even if your water is treated to stop bacteria, you are still unsafe from many pollutants caused by these factors:  pesticides, acid rain, chemical spills, oil spills, herbicides, toxic waste from landfills, and harmful deposits from your water pipes.  Even your well water is not safe to drink since it can be contaminated with ground pollutants.

According to EPA, or the Environmental Protection Agency, over 90 percent of water systems meet EPA’s standards for tap water quality.  There is always a reason why folks think it wise to boil water before drinking.  People with special precautions and who are suffering immune system weakness brought by other sickness or medication are more vulnerable to Cryptosporidium, a common parasite found in water sources like lakes, rivers, and streams. Boiling your water is the most effective way of killing it.  In fact, news advisories often post this advise whenever there is a suspect of water contamination.

The chlorine used in water may give it a weird taste or appearance.  For this reason, many people choose to buy  bottled water that underwent various filtering technologies.  The FDA sets standards for bottled water based on EPA standards.  Thus, FDA have regulated water as a packaged food under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Here are Helpful Tips on Having Safe, Drinking Water:

1.  Remember that contaminated water doesn’t only affect you by drinking it. You can also get ill when you use this water for making ice cubes, washing fruits and veggies, or for brushing your teeth.

2.  Know Your Label.  Bottled water are more expensive than tap water and you must check the label or ask how the water is treated.

3.  Check the quality of your local tap water and know if it meets the EPA standards for safe drinking water.  You can contact your local water supplier to find out more details.

4.  If you are using water from your well, have the water tested for nitrates and coliform bacteria.  You can also get in touch with your local health department for help.

5.  If you are using water filters for home, make sure the brand you are choosing is certified by ANSI, or the American National Standards Institute, and look for the ANSI/INSF and EPA certifications.

6.  Carbonated water, sparkling water, soda water, seltzer, and tonic water are not regulated as bottled water.  They are considered as soft drinks instead.

It may be a bothersome task to check your water resources, but the benefits will give you more than just a peace of mind.  Be water smart, choose the best, and drink to your optimum health!

For more info on EPA’s Advice on your ground and drinking water, you may visit here.