Water Filters. Do you need one? 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.
Springs producing spring water 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.
Radon is produced by the radioactive decay of radium in the ground. Granites and other rocks may contain high concentrations of radium and produce significant amounts of radon. Aquifers in these rocks accumulate the radon, increasing the concentration in the water. The highest radon concentrations in water are found in ground water supplies. Radon is more common in smaller ground water supplies . . . those serving 25 or fewer people.
Hard vs. Soft Water: 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.
Nitrates and nitrites in our drinking water: 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.
Common Drinking Water Contaminants: In today’s industrialized society we use over 75,000 toxic chemicals, 2100 of which have already been found in our public water supplies.