Why Filter Water

People constantly talk about how the aquifer has been polluted and the fact that there are chemicals and pollutants in our drinking water that are not good for us. I agree with this but what about the water we take a shower or bath in? Should we filter this water, too?

The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is a proven fact that what seeps through our skin finds its way into the organs of our body. Your skin can absorb the toxins and chemicals that are in the water. Different parts of the body absorb at different rates. If there is a cut, scrape or other skin damage it will absorb the foreign matter at a greater rate. Chlorine is an extremely toxic chemical that is often added to the water supply. It is harmful to the body when swallowed and/or absorbed through the skin. Chlorine exposure can aggravate respiratory problems; cause skin and hair problems, and harm the eyes. Because chlorine kills bacteria it is added to the water supply and often added to pool water. As it evaporates, the fumes become chloroform. These fumes can cause adverse health conditions. Because of the toxicity of the fumes, taking a shower is a health risk. Taking a bath is less of a risk. Filtrations systems that remove heavy metals and other contaminants render them harmless to the body.

Your local water system has to supply water testing results to you on an as needed basis. Whenever the contaminant level is higher than recommended by the EPA, an alert is issued. Everyone is legally entitled to know what is in their drinking water. If you suspect lead may be in your home plumbing or your city or county lines you have a right to have your water tested. Lead is supposed to be among the reasons cities and counties test the water. The only way to know for certain is to have your water tested. If there is any unexplained odor, taste, smell or color to your water you should notify your local water authority. The water should be tested for bacteria and contaminants at least once a year. You should have your own private water sources tested at least once a year, also.

If there has been a chemical spill or fuel leak near your water supply, you need to have that supply tested at once for contaminants. You can find a state certified lab for testing your water by checking www.epa.gov/safewater. The company will tell you how to supply the samples to be tested. Some will require sterile containers. Some labs will prefer to send out a technician to collect the samples directly.

When choosing a filtration system for your water, choose the one that will remove the most contaminants from the water. Be sure to see if the filter has an EPA approval rating, also.