Quality of water

Source: dailycoin.org

Water although it appears to be crystal clear and free of all contaminates maybe be unhealthy. Depending on the source of your water it may contain several contaminates like fluoride, chlorine, lead, mercury, aluminum, insecticides and herbicides.

TAP WATER

Water from your tap will differ based on the municipality but as an overview water from the tap is likely to be the worst of the sources. The most publicized contaminate contained in tap water is fluoride and chlorine. According to municipalities, fluoride is added to the water to help in reducing cavities. Studies indicate that fluoride does have some beneficial qualities but in quantities far below the level added to the water supply. Tests by independent water testing facilities have found fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, insecticides and herbicides in tap water. The detriment of ingesting these contaminates include lowered IQ, thyroid issues, behavioral problems, fatigue, weakness, increased cavities, bone fractures and allergies. Tap water was given a 'F' rating in this article.

PLASTIC BOTTLED WATER

First off studies have uncovered that many brands of bottled water are actually tap water. In some brands they may filter the water to some extent. Water stored in poorly cured plastic can lead to an additional (to tap water) contaminate known as xenoestrogens. These are known to raise estrogen levels which may lead to fibroid, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and cancer. The pH level of bottled water is found to be acidic and the recommended pH level of water should be alkali (between 7.2 to 8.5 pH). Glass bottled water which originate from natural springs have been found to be within this range.

This article rates plastic bottled water which is sourced from tap water a 'F'. But regarding glass bottled water sourced from a natural spring, the rating is an 'A'. The author gives reference to 'Poland Springs'.

DISTILLED WATER

An acceptable rating is given to distilled water with some reservations. It is more acidic due to the lack of minerals. A remedy would be to add in the depleted minerals, one way would be to add in a small amount of Himalayan sea salt.

Distilled water (without adding back any minerals) was given a 'C+' rating, if you add in the minerals the rating is increased to a 'B+'.

REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER

Similarly to distilled water RO water is lacking in minerals. It does well in removing the contaminates.

RO water received that same rating as did distilled water.

SPRING WATER

This would be the creme de la creme of the sources reviewed. Spring water contains essential minerals, it is full of oxygen and the pH is between 7.4 and 8.5. The main problem is obtaining the raw spring water for obvious reasons. A link is provided to find if you are fortunate enough to have a source near you.
findaspring.com.

Needless to say but the author rated spring water with a 'A+'.

FILTERED WATER

Water filtering devices come in all forms. The quality of the filtered water is dependent on the quality of the filter. Due to the various filters on the market just 3 popular filters were addressed. Brita and Culligan were found to have weak performances, they were lacking in filtering out aluminum, copper, arsenic, strontium, cadmium, cesium, mercury, lead and uranium. The Big Berkey System was found to be superior to the other 2. Filter water is an overall good option if there is not a natural spring nearby.

The author gives the Big Berkey an 'A' rating.

Personally, I use the Berkey filter. The draw backs are that it is gravity fed, replacement filters are some what expensive and if you live in California, it can't be shipped to your home. It being gravity fed, you need to think ahead and make sure you keep the top supply filled. It takes some time for the water to filter through to the bottom tank (drinkable water supply). The basic package comes with charcoal filter and you need to buy additional filters to filter out the fluoride. The charcoal filter can be cleaned so you do save some $$. As far as the reason they won't ship to a California address, I never looked into it but I read it has to do with CA laws.

I drink to your health.