Posted by Healthy Choice Naturals on Tue, Jan 20, 2009
Everyone knows how important it is to drink enough water. It’s one of the most basic and fundamental elements necessary for our survival. It is recommended that every adult drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water each day. But before you take that next sip out of your tap, you may want to learn what is really in the water you’re drinking. It might be hiding a surprising array of chemicals.
A recent study analyzed the drinking water for more than 28 million Americans. The results showed a widespread, but low-level presence of pharmaceuticals and hormonally active chemicals.
The study was conducted at the Southern Nevada Water Authority in Las Vegas. The study screened tap water from 19 US water utilities for 51 different compounds. The surveys were carried out between 2006 and 2007
The 11 most frequently detected compounds - all found at extremely low concentrations were:
- Atenolol, a beta-blocker used to treat cardiovascular disease.
- Atrazine, an organic herbicide banned in the European Union, but still used in the US, which has been implicated in the decline of fish stocks.
- Carbamazepine, a mood-stabilizing drug used to treat bipolar disorder.
- Estrone, an estrogen hormone secreted by the ovaries.
- Gemfibrozil, an anti cholesterol drug.
- Meprobamate, a tranquilizer used in psychiatric treatment.
- Naproxen, a painkiller and anti-inflammatory.
- Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant that has been used to treat epilepsy
- Sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic used against the Streptococcus bacteria.
- TCEP, a reducing agent used in molecular biology.
- Trimethoprim, an antibiotic.
Who Regulates our Tap Water?
The US government regulates the levels of pathogens in US drinking water, but there are no rules for pharmaceuticals and other compounds, apart from one: the herbicide atrazine.
Which states have the most contaminants in their drinking water?
- California
- Wisconsin
- Arizona
- Florida
- North Carolina
- Texas
- New York
- Nevada
- Pennsylvania
- Illinois
Is Bottled Water a Better Alternative?
Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has weaker regulations than the Environmental Protection Agency requires for tap water.
Also, FDA rules exempt waters that are packaged and sold within a single state -- which describes between 60 percent and 70 percent of all U.S. bottled water. About one out of five states don't regulate these waters and carbonated water and seltzer are also exempt.
Even bottled water that is regulated may still be contaminated. The Sierra Club reports that the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) tested 103 brands of bottled water and found contamination exceeding allowable limits in about one-third of the brands, including toxins such as arsenic, synthetic organics and bacteria.
The NRDC also found that about one-fourth of bottled water is actually bottled tap water (some say it's as much as 40 percent).
Choices for Cleaner Water?
The best way to ensure your tap water is as clean as possible is to install a water filter. It can reduce the impurities and contaminants and provide you with cleaner, better tasting water. They are easy to install and can be purchased at any local hardware or home improvement store.
Healthy Choice Naturals