Water Filter Information

Threats to our drinking water are increasing due to our aging water system infrastructure and increased pollutants invading our water sources. We can no longer take the safety of our drinking water for granted. Some of the more common natural sources of pollution include:

microorganisms; underlying rock; nitrates and nitrites. Human Activities causing pollution include: bacteria and nitrates from human and animal wastes, septic tanks and large farms; household wastes such as cleaning solvents, used motor oil, paint, paint thinner, and pharmaceuticals.

Most of us are familiar with problems caused by E. coli in the water or problems caused by lead poisoning, but not much is heard about problems from hormones or medications that make their way back into our drinking water. Hormones fed through the system can create a variety of problems.

If a water supplier determines that drinking water has been contaminated, they are required to inform their customers of any violations within 24 hours. The EPA uses a generalized standard for measuring contamination of our water which can put some groups in jeopardy. Children and infants, the frail and elderly, and pregnant women and their unborn babies can face a greater risk to infection.

One contaminate that concerns me the most is nitrate. Nitrate is generally found in fertilizer and puts infants at immediate risk when it exceeds the national standard levels. It has been recommended that infants, young children, nursing mothers, pregnant women and certain elderly people use extreme caution.

Although a water filtration system can be helpful, many serious problems can only be found by testing and go unnoticed.

There are many different types of filtration systems available and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Families using well water should read "Alternative Considerations" Consumer Guide (http://www.consumersearch.com/www/kitchen/water_filters/fullstory.html). A general reference for qualities to look for can be found at World Wise(http://www.worldwise.com/watpur.html).

FDA's rules completely exempt waters that are packaged and sold within the same state. The FDA also exempts carbonated water and seltzer, and fewer than half of the states require carbonated waters to meet their own bottled water standards. The NRDC tested 103 brands of bottled water and the results can be viewed at SUMMARY OF NRDCs TEST RESULTS (http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/bw/appa.asp)

(c)2004 Karen Zastudil

Karen is a graduate of of Cleveland State University and is a freelance writer. Visit her website at http://www.womenatthesummit.com - A site of general interest to women. Topics include: Pregnancy, Children, Parenting, Health and wellness, Diet and Fitness, Relationships, Money, Travel and more.

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