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Consider an Alternative to Tap Water
If you are considering a drinking water filtration system or are currently using bottled water, it's likely that you must be unhappy with the water available at your tap. Maybe it tastes of chlorine or has an odor, or perhaps you might be concerned about your tap water's overall healthfulness.
If so, you are not alone. Over 22 million households share your same thoughts.
THE GOOD NEWS
The United States has one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world. Thanks to our water treatment plants and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) passed by the Federal Government in 1977.
Through the SDWA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates water quality. The EPA establishes maxium contaminant levels for approximately 83 substances in drinking water, in which the SWDA has identified. Presently, the EPA is also studying 200 additional or more compounds, thought to be toxic, found in drinking water.
THE "NOT" SO GOOD NEWS
Most EPA standards are based on contaminant levels considered safe for the 154 pound adult male. Compounds known to affect children radically different than adults, such as nitrates and lead, have different usually more restrictve standards
The EPA has identified over 700 toxic substances in random drinking water sampling, yet water suppliers are only required to test those as directed by the EPA and SWDA.
Water quality can vary on a daily basis
Pesticides and Chemicals always remain a threat to our drinking water supply.
Water is usually tested at the treatment plant, but some impurities can be picked up on the way to your home as lead and asbestos-cement pipes, which are prevelant in many municipal water distribution systems, can allow for the leaching of contaminants in the water.
Water can also become contaminated right in your home. Some older homes have lead pipes or have lead based solder to join copper piping. Both situations can leach lead into your drinking water.
CHECK LIST TO CONSIDER
Identify your problem and find a product to match your needs. There is no need to pay extra for a product that solves problems you do not have.
The cheapest product is not always your best bet. You may not get the results you desire.
Select a manageble system, that is easy to use.
Make sure the product has a good warranty.
Buy from a reputable dealer even if you are installing it yourself. Make sure filters will be readily available.
