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Health See other Health Articles Title: Bad tap water If you're not filtering the water from your tap before drinking it, you could be putting yourself, and your family, at risk. According to a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), over 100 million Americans have been exposed to toxic drinking water. The study analyzed water quality tests from 201 large municipal water systems in 43 states across the U.S. and found that every single one had evidence of toxic pollutants. The chemicals polluting the water are called trihalomethanes, and they are formed when chlorine reacts with organic pollution like rotting matter from farm runoff, sewage, or dead animals and vegetation. Trihalomethanes have been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, miscarriages, birth defects, small birth weights, and other cancers such as colon and rectal. The EPA marks 80 parts per billion as the upper limit of trihalomethanes in drinking water. Only one of the systems in the study, found in Davenport, Iowa, exceeded this limit. However, previous studies have shown an increased risk of bladder cancer and stillbirth associated with long-term consumption of drinking water with a trihalomethane contamination of only 21 parts per billion. 84 percent -- 168 systems -- of those studied by the EWG reported annual concentrations higher than this level. California public health officials determined that in order to reduce the risk of bladder cancer, trihalomethane levels would need to be lowered to .8 parts per billion, a level 100 times lower than the current EPA standard. “New science makes a compelling case for stronger regulations and a stricter legal limit,” said Renee Sharp, a senior scientist at EWG and co-author of the analysis. But the answer is not in more water treatment, rather prevention of pollution in the first place. The EPA has found that for every dollar spent protecting water sources, $27 can be saved in water treatment costs. “We must do a better job of keeping farm runoff, sewage, and other pollutants from getting into our drinking water in the first place,” Sharp said. “By failing to do so, Congress, the EPA, and polluters leave no choice for water utilities but to treat very dirty water with chemical disinfectants. Americans are left to drink dangerous residual chemicals generated by the treatment process.” In order to achieve cleaner water sources and safer drinking water for American's, the EWG has outlined steps the must be taken: “Reform farm policies to provide more funds to programs designed to keep agriculture pollutants, such as manure, fertilizer, pesticides, and soil out of tap water. Renew the conservation compliance provision by tying wetland and soil protection requirements to crop insurance programs and requiring farm businesses who receive subsidies to update their conservation plans. Strengthen and adequately fund conservation programs that reward farmers who take steps to protect sources of drinking water. Fund more research on the identity of and toxicological profiles for hundreds of water treatment contaminants in drinking water. Reevaluate the measurement of water treatment contaminants so that consumers cannot be legally exposed to spikes of toxic chemicals. Expand source water protection programs to prevent and reduce pollution and to conserve land in buffer zones around public water supplies.” However, until this actions are carried out, the best way to protect you and your family from harmful toxins in drinking water is to use a water filtration system. There are many different types of filters available including pitchers, faucets, and sink systems. To find the best filter for you, use EWG's water filter buying guide. www.ewg.org/report/ewgs-water-filter-buying-guide Remember – drinking plenty of water throughout the day is a great way to stay fit and maintain health, just make sure you're getting the best quality possible. Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: Tatarewicz (#0)
We filter our water twice. I also use Ozonated water and HHO water.
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