The Environment Working Group has released a lot of information about the safety of the water you drink whether it's tap, bottled or filtered. Most of you have probably already heard this, but just because your water is bottled doesn't mean that it's better for you. Here's a rundown of some of the outstanding facts I found:
1. The NY Times cites that only "91 contaminants are regulated by the Safe Water Drinking Act, yet more than 60,000 chemicals are used within the United States." Umm, kind of a big gap, wouldn't you say?
2. The EWG put out a comprehensive research analysis of the drinking water of a hundred cities with populations of 250,000 or more. My hometown ranks a measly 71 in the nation. Not exactly where I'd like to be. Perhaps I can use this as an excuse to move to Honolulu since they ranked a high 6th in the country!
3. The EWG also has a good step-by-step plan to buying the filter that's best for you. I personally use a Pur faucet filter. And when I had people come in and test my water, it turned out that my faucet filter was filtering out more than my expensive shower filter was. Go figure!
Something else I've heard, but I don't have research to back it up--restaurants have to use a certain filter on their soda machines for the water they serve whereas bottled water companies do not have to follow as high of a standard. So many times it's safer (and more economical) to drink the restaurant's water instead of buying a bottle. That said, I've worked in the restaurant industry and have had to clean those machines. Umm, let's just say, I would also advise praying over your water, no matter what the source.
:)
4 comments:
Thanks for the info, Joy. I just installed my Pur faucet filter today (after reading your post last night). If you use Pur and had your water tested, that's all the sales pitch I need. I couldn't believe all the sediment accumulating in the old aerator. Imagine all the gunk I couldn't see that my family has been drinking. Yuck! Thanks for the post.
Thanks for post, I too use a PUR for faucet, what do you suggest for a shower filter, haven't gone that route yet!
Joy, I miss seeing a new Wednesday update on my RSS feed! What's the latest? :)
Lauren, I use a Wellness Water filter. I was a firm believer in the product, but when we did a chlorine test, it didn't prove as reliable as I expected. The PUR filter on my faucet was taking out the chlorine and the shower wasn't. There's a couple of companies that make ionizing filters that I talked about earlier in my blog. They have shower filters that would be amazing, but be ready to pay a lot. Right now it's something on my dream list.
Camille, I know. I'll be back soon, I promise. New things to come!
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