Ask any doctor, and he or she will tell you just how important it is to drink plenty of water every day.  The benefits to the human body are innumerable.  However, our drinking water is beginning to hold more and more hidden dangers.  Unlike in the early 1900’s, when farmers did not use herbicides and pesticides, our water today is contaminated with many harmful chemicals.  Typically, people only worry about water contamination when a news story reports that a local water main has broken, or when there is a large spill or leak that threatens drinking water for nearby residents.  However, the dangers of water contamination are much more serious, widespread, and prevalent than most people realize.    

The Ralph Nader Study Group, after conducting a study on public water supplies, reported that there are over 2,100 toxic chemicals in our drinking water that are known to cause cancer.  Gasoline, household cleaners, fertilizers, weed killers, and engine oil frequently find their way into the sewer systems.  But our water is treated before re-entering our water system, right?  Well, technically yes, but the municipal water treatment centers are poorly lacking.  Our water is run through sand, filters, and then disinfected.  Many chemicals seep through those barriers and are unaffected by the disinfectants.  How many, you may wonder?  Well, the Environmental Study Group conducted a study of 29 major U.S. cities and found that in a single glass of tap water, there was one or more pesticide in every city.  In fact, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, nine different pesticides were present in one glass.  Now think about that next time you go to grab a refreshing glass of water on a hot day, or when you make a baby bottle with formula and tap water.  Not a pleasant thought.  

What are the affects of these chemicals in our water?  Well, the U.S. Council on Environmental Quality states that it is the low level of multiple chemicals in our water system that is causing the majority of cancer cases in our country.  The implications for our children are even greater.  An adult’s body is developed and significantly larger than a young child’s.  The National Academy of Science has stated that these chemicals, while harmful to adults, are even more dangerous to children.  Another concern is the multitude of chemicals found in the water.  A Science Advisory Report to the EPA reported that when these chemicals are mixed, their potency is increased by up to 1000 times.  

Studies about our water are on-going, and it appears that the more studies that are conducted, the more substances that are discovered in our water. 

For information about water and our recommended water filters please see our product page