by Sophia Marcel

I read an interesting article written by Janelle Sorenson, in the May issue of Martha Stewarts publication of Body + Soul on what’s in the water flowing from our faucets.

Our waterways may not be as thick with oil and sludge as they were before the Clean Water Act was passed in the 1970′s, but today’s threats are more insidious, because they are invisible. The chemical traces of modern day consumption and convenience from pharmaceutical and personal care products to solvents, repellents, and more are now in our waterways. With hundreds of new chemicals created every year it’s impossible to know exactly what impact this will have on our planet.

Last November, the Environmental Working Group (EGW) released an analysis of nearly 20 million drinking water test results that identified more than 300 pollutants in tap water, more that half of which aren’t subject to any regulation. Eighty Seven of the regulated contaminants found had levels above health guidelines, including radioactive radium-226 and nitrate from fertilizer runoff.

Water is the most important fluid you can put into your body so it’s worth paying attention to what you are drinking. If you drink tap water, you should visit the EPA’s Safewater site to see if your community’s Consumer Confidence Report is available. You could also visit the EWG’s tap Water Database  and enter your zip code to see what’s been found in your water.

You should keep in mind that bottled water is not necessarily safer than tap.  It’s a fact it’s been estimated by the EWG tat 25% of bottle water is tap water.  Bottled water is subject to fewer regulations than tap water. And the billions of plastic bottles contribute to the pollution that contaminates our drinking water.

Best thing you can do is find a filter. There are several to choose from I personally use the PUR water pitcher.  It has a flashing green light that tells you when it’s time to change the filter.  If you need help in deciding which one is best for you can visit EWG’s water filter buying guide.

The United States still has some of the best drinking water in the world and you could help keep it that way by doing your share and not ever flush medications, cleaning agents or pesticides down your toilet or sink.

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