Although people are finally realizing the importance of drinking water, most fall short of the recommended eight-ounce servings a day.  Results of a new survey reveal that nearly three quarters of Americans are aware of the recommendation, yet only 34% actually drink this amount, while 10% said they do not drink water at all.

Unfortunately, many of those who drink water are still missing part of the equation–the water they are drinking should be clean, pure and free of contaminants. While there have been numerous discussions concerning the problems associated with our drinking water supply, countless toxins, chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, parasites, viruses and other deadly pollutants continue to flow into our homes every second.  Our government, in some cases, has turned a blind eye to this very real threat to our nation’s health.

Although the United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world, national statistics don’t tell you specifically about the quality and safety of the water coming out your tap. That’s because drinking water quality varies from place to place, depending on the condition of the source from which the water is drawn and treatment it receives.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain small amounts of some contaminants. As long as they occur below the EPA’S standards, they don’t pose a significant threat to health, although people with severely compromised immune systems and children are more susceptible to being adversely affected.

Actually, there is no such thing as naturally pure water. In nature, all water contains some impurities. As water flows in streams, sits in lakes, and filters through layers of soil and rocks in the ground, it absorbs the minerals and other substances that it touches. Most of these substances are harmless. In fact, some people prefer mineral water precisely because minerals give the water a more appealing taste.

Over two-thirds of Americans are spending in excess of six billion per year on bottled water and ineffective home water-treatment systems. It boggles the mind to think that there are over 100 companies selling water devices that promise to improve the water’s taste and odor; yet do little to get rid of dangerous pollutants and contaminants.

In an effort to clear up the confusion and misinformation being disseminated, it’s necessary to look at some of the research done on drinking water, especially bottled drinking water.

Bottled Water

Sales of bottled water in this country have exploded in recent years, largely as a result of a public perception of purity.  This perception is driven primarily by advertising campaigns and marketing strategies, such as packaging labels which feature uncorrupted glaciers and crystal-clean mountain springs.  However, bottled water sold in the United States is not necessarily cleaner or safer than most tap water, according to a four-year scientific study recently made public by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

The advertisements certainly make it look pure and clean, but the truth of the matter is that most bottled water is just tap water with a fancy label. The problem stems from lax regulation for bottled water. Unlike tap water, which is regulated by the EPA, manufacturers of bottled water operate under an honor system (only tested by the FDA once a year).  An FDA survey stated that 31% of the 52 bottled water brands tested were tainted with bacteria.

Despite these very real problems, millions of people are paying several dollars a gallon for bottled water. Because bottled water is defined as a “food” under federal regulations, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Tap water, on the other hand, is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under much stricter standards. The EPA mandates that local water treatment plants provide city residents with a detailed account of tap water’s source and the testing, including contaminant level violations. Bottled water companies are under no such requirement!  Some bottled water brands only differ from tap water in that they are distributed in bottles rather than through pipes!  Yet bottled water is the fastest growing drink industry in the world, estimated to be worth $22 billion annually.

Water makes up more than 70% of the body’s tissues and plays a role in nearly every body function from regulating temperature and cushioning joints to bringing oxygen to the cells and removing waste from the body. Severe dehydration can affect blood pressure, circulation, digestion and kidney function. On a daily basis, not getting enough water can cause fatigue, dry skin, headaches and constipation. Millions of mothers across the country do not realize that giving child water instead of sugar-laden drinks, such as juice or soda, can help prevent childhood obesity.

Because water is essential for life, it’s important to know what’s in your water. Your local water company can provide a list of contaminants they are required to measure (but the list will not indicate what is in the pipes in your home).  To ensure objectivity, use an independent lab such as National Testing Laboratories, Ltd. to test your water.  Call (800) 458-3330 for more information. You may also call your state or local health department or the EPA’s Hotline at (800) 426-4791 for information on labs in your area.

Because it is so precious and indispensable, corporations and people in power have developed a number of strategies to distribute water for huge profits.  We must trust God and pray for His wisdom to be upon those in authority to make right decisions concerning our drinking water.  Do not be deceived by those who care only about profit and do not have a genuine concern for the welfare of mankind.

References:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

National Resources Defense Council

Dr. David G. Williams/ Alternatives

Dr. Joseph Mercola /Total Health Program