I'd like to encourage you to think for a moment about something essential to life that most people take for granted -- water.

 

Did you know that the water you consume every day could be the hidden culprit behind health issues ranging from thyroid problems to the presence of low-level pharmaceuticals in your system? In an interview with Lara Adler, The Environmental Toxins expert, she shared thata the World Health Organization says water sanitation is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 20th century. Your water may be more challenging than you think. That's why I've put together this post to empower you with knowledge and actions to ensure the purity of the water you're drinking.

 

 

Sure, we may not live in a third-world country, but that doesn't mean our tap water is without its problems. You might be surprised to learn that various contaminants could likely lurk in your water, from heavy metals like lead and arsenic to chemicals like atrazine found in 94% of U.S. drinking water.

 

Even in remote, pristine areas we can find polar bears in the Arctic that have flame retardant chemicals and nonstick chemicals in their bodies. Clearly those chemicals are ending up in those animals because they're traveling through the air system and possibly even contaminating an aquafer that we might normally think of being pristine.

 

The issue becomes even more for people who live in communities located near industrial areas or military bases. These locations are more likely to be exposed to a slew of additional contaminants such as perfluorinated chemicals.

 

 

You might be tempted to turn to bottled water, but here's the harsh truth: it's often no better than tap water. Sometimes bottled water is even worse because it's not really from a pure spring-fed source, but instead from municipal water. Plus there's the question of environmental wastefulness with bottled water.

 

A more reliable solution lies in effective water filtration systems at home. But before you rush out and grab the first filter you see, consider this: not all filters are created equal, and what works for one household might not be right for yours. From the age of your house and its plumbing to your geographical location, various factors play a role in determining the right filtration system for you.

 

 

You don't need to become an overnight expert in water filtration. But a basic understanding of your home's water quality and the available filtering options brings a newfound power to make informed decisions. Simple steps, like reading your water quality report or even opting for an inexpensive water test, can unveil what's really flowing from your tap.

 

And if you need help? There are resources available that can guide you without breaking the bank – because protecting your health should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial standing. Armed with this knowledge, you can pick the filtration strategy that suits your unique needs. Layering different types of filters or choosing a point-of-use filter are just a couple of the possible strategies that might work for you.

 

 

The goal here isn't to scare you into action; it's to gently guide you toward the realization that with a little bit of effort and understanding, you can significantly improve the quality of your water and, by extension, your health.

 

So, let's raise a glass (of purified water) to take control of what you drink and the peace of mind that comes with it. After all, you go to great lengths to ensure the purity of the food on your plate. Shouldn't you pay the same attention to the water in your cup?