Water Home Page
Acid Water and Health: In its natural state, the body is slightly alkaline. It must maintain this slightly alkaline state for our very survival. Our bodies have developed complex mechanisms to ensure that this balance is maintained. Drinking slightly alkaline water is just one extra thing we can do on our path to health.
Are Shower Filters Necessary?: It has been shown that our body takes in more chemicals during a ten minute shower than from drinking a gallon of the same water. Dermal absorption and inhalation of chlorine and other chemicals while showering has now been linked to breast cancer, bladder cancer, asthma and many other ailments.
Chlorine and Chloramine Hazards: OK, so why not just minimize the exposure and shower or bathe less frequently? Well, 30% of all body toxins are excreted through the largest organ of our body–the skin. Bathing every day can be a critical key for those with chronic diseases and for those who want to prevent disease. Not bathing can increase the acid buildup in our body. Disease processes thrive in acid environments.”
Contaminants in Water and their Health Effects: In today’s industrialized society we use over 75,000 toxic chemicals, 2100 of which have already been found in our public water supplies.
Drinking Water: RO systems are recommended by the US Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the most effective ways of protecting residential drinking water.
EPA Fact Sheet on Nitrates: In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
Fluoridated Water: The fluoride added to drinking water is hydrofluoric acid and is man-made. In the hydrofluoric acid form, fluoride has no nutrient value at all and it is one of the most caustic of industrial chemicals. Today more than 60% of US municipal water supplies are fluoridated. In addition, we receive fluoride in our food and many beverages… even some table salts are “enhanced” with fluoride. Today, more and more scientists are now seriously questioning the benefits of fluoride, even in small amounts.
Hard vs. Soft Water: Wells–If you are on a private well, YOU, AND YOU ALONE are responsible for the safety of the water your family uses. You are encouraged to test your water supply, at least, once every two – five years and more often under certain conditions.
Radon in Water: Radon in rocks of surrounding aquifers diffuses into the water, and radon remains trapped in the water until exposed to air. Once the water is exposed to air, the radon can move rapidly to the air, where it becomes a concern because it may be inhaled. Agitating and heating water increases radon movement to the air. Clothes washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters can become sources of airborne radon.
Spring Water: Springs are susceptible to contamination by surface water, especially during rainstorms. Contamination sources include livestock, wildlife, crop fields, forestry activities, septic systems, and fuel tanks located upslope from the spring outlet. Changes in color, taste, odor, or flow rate indicate possible contamination by surface water. To protect springs you can take the following measures.
Types of Water Filters–Which one is best for you? In America we use more than 75,000 toxic chemicals every day and new ones are being developed every year. We are learning the hard way that many of the chemicals we use ultimately appear in the water we drink. Through the natural processes of the hydrologic cycle Mother Earth recycles the same water over and over. She does not create “new” water. As we use more chemicals, the levels of those chemicals in our water supply increases proportionately.
Water Analysis: If your water comes from a well, a spring, a creek, river, reservoir, etc. I recommend you have your water analyzed by a professional testing laboratory. If there isn’t a professional laboratory nearby; your local Health Department may guide you to the laboratory they use. If professional laboratory water analysis is not available in your local area many laboratories accept water samples by mail.
Water Basics: Private Wells and private water systems may have high levels of contaminants. Private water systems may have improperly sealed (or unsealed) well heads and/or unsealed or open holding tanks. The risks here are the presence of algae, decaying plant matter, insects, animal waste products and bacteria. If you live in farming country, live near a feedlot, or near a poorly designed septic system, Nitrates can be a serious problem, as well. High nitrate levels and that of some other contaminants can be seasonal. You may need to test for nitrates more than once during the year.
Water That Stains: My hair is orange, my coffee is purple, my white clothes are ruined, and I have red stains in my sinks and toilets — help! Red stains – are most often caused by iron (rust) in the water. Testing is needed to determine the amount and the type of iron you have. Iron in water may be: ferrous or ferric.
Water That Stinks: You Can Do It Yourself! A water softener can be sanitized by pouring Hydrogen Peroxide or Chlorine Bleach in the brine well of the salt tank and starting the regeneration cycle. Prior to taking this action; check with the seller or manufacturer for a recommendation on the concentration and amounts for your specific softener.