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why filtering your water is crucial for your health (external and internal).. and what filter is best for you! I wanted to share before Black Friday so you can take advantage of sale prices and get higher quality water for less.
I have been in the market for a new water filter (im embarrassed to say that we've been using a Brita) that actually filters out all the harmful toxins in tap water (Especially living in L.A.)
What's in your tap water? Here are the top 10 contaminants in most U.S. tap water and their impacts on your health:
LEAD
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause damage to health even at low doses. Corrosion of household plumbing systems and erosion of natural deposits are major sources of lead pollution in public drinking water. The amount of lead found in the water varies depending on how long the water is exposed to the pipes, the amount of corrosion on the pipes, the water’s acidity and the temperature of the water. Lead in drinking water can cause a variety of adverse health effects.
CHLORINE
Chlorine is a powerful oxidant added to the water by several municipal water systems to control microbes. Chlorine can be absorbed through physical consumption as well as through your skin while bathing. Chlorine can severely dry skin and hair and cause irritating effects to your eyes and nose.
PFA's At least 45% of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have one or more types of the chemicals known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey. These are known as "forever chemicals" that have lasting effect once ingested, which leads to many health problems. PFAS are immune suppressants, so they suppress your immune system and that means any opportunistic disease, including some types of cancer, could take over Can also result in the following health effects: Increased cholesterol levels. Changes in liver enzymes. Hormone disruption and increased risk for thyroid disease.
MERCURY
Mercury is a liquid metal that can be found in various natural deposits. Erosion of natural deposits, discharge from refineries & factories, landfill runoff and cropland runoff are just a few of the ways that mercury can get into public drinking water. Being exposed to high levels of mercury over time can cause kidney damage.
VOCS
Volatile Organic Compounds include a variety of chemicals emitted as gases. Thousands of products contain VOC’s so it’s no surprise some of these elements end up in our drinking water. When water is heated and vaporized, your body can absorb these contaminants.
PHARMACEUTICALS
Pharmaceuticals are synthetic chemicals that are found in prescription, therapeutic and veterinary medication. They commonly make it into the water stream from poorly controlled manufacturing facilities and improper disposal.
HERBICIDES
Herbicides enter the drinking water system by accumulation in public soil and water sources. Most commonly, they enter the water system from rainfall and irrigation which wash herbicides off farmlands and into lakes and rivers. Atrazine, a herbicide commonly used on golf courses, can interfere with the bodies hormonal activity and reproductive organs.
PESTICIDES
Pesticides travel through sewers that run from drains within the home, carrying all wastewater to treatment plants where they remain untreated throughout the detoxifying process. There are hundreds of different compounds with few tests and studies on how these contaminants may impact our health.
CYSTS
Cysts are a microbial parasite that can be found in lakes and rivers and can enter the water through sewage, leaking septic tanks and runoff from feedlots. Many cysts are resistant to the water disinfection process making cysts a health risk in tap water.
MTBE
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether is used in gasoline throughout the country to reduce carbon monoxide and ozone levels from auto emissions. MTBE can leak into water through seepage of underground storage tanks, pipelines, spills, and discharge from water engines into lakes and rivers.
The safest way to ensure that these toxins do not make it into your body is to have your water tested to determine which contaminants your tap water may contain. Once you have identified the contaminants present, you can select a water filtration solution that is best for you.
Scary stuff.. I know! Your water is vital to your well being- but contaminated water is a key source of disease in your body.
Can i just drink bottled water?
Plastic bottles give their own bout of problems to consumers. Research has found additives such as BPA and phthalates can leach into drinks stored in these containers. This is especially true when exposed to heat or used for a long period of time. The plastics chemical family of phthalates also is at the top of researchers' list of concerns. Like BPA, phthalates are endocrine disruptors, chemicals that can enter the body through food and personal care products and interfere with hormones the body itself produces.
Although it may feel tough to justify the initial investment of getting a good filter, when your skin clears, your gut eases, and long-term you are free of many american diseases, you'll be so glad you did.
BEST OVERALL:
- Reverse osmosis water filtration system. Has been proven by EWG (Environmental working group) that a reverse osmosis system combined with a carbon filter is most effective at removing water contaminants. I am going to buy this this under-sink RO carbon option that is currently on Black Friday sale for only $159 - APEC water systems or this Aquatru reverse osmosis filter with carbon - otherwise my third choice would have been the countertop Berkey listed below.
These pitcher filters remove 100% of PFA's in a study by EWG:
pitchers from "Clearly Filtered" ($100) and "Zero Water" ($24) blocked 100% of PFAS tested.
So did the standing travel Berkey filter system.
Epic Water Pure filter was next in line at 98% removal ($66)
The travel Berkey sells for $327, but the filter lasts eight years.
The other recommended pitchers have a lower up-front price but changing the filters can cost hundreds of dollars a year.
I like all of these options because you can take them with you when you move, or go on a roadtrip / extended travel. When choosing one for your household, look at the list of what they filter out and compare it with the list of contaminants above. Also look how long their filters last, and how expensive new filter replacements are.
Other options:
WATER BOTTLE FILTERS: Great for on the go, camping, or extended travel. It's also great if you're not ready to commit to a full water system for your house right now, or live with roommates who don't want to split the cost with you.
This GRAYL water bottle filter has 5 stars on amazon, and is $100. It filters out ALL PATHOGENS: Viruses (e.g. rotavirus, norovirus, hepatitis A), bacteria (e.g. E. Coli, salmonella, dysentery), and protozoa (e.g. giardia, cryptosporidium, amoebae) as well as FILTERS particulates (e.g. sediment, microplastics) and adsorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, flavors and odors.
Berkey also makes a water bottle - and it's only $50 - but be careful to just put water in it. I put lemon and noticed mold growing in the straw which is super hard to clean out, so I had to get rid of it.
Whole house systems:
These are the most expensive option but a great option if you own your house and want clean water from every faucet! I recommend finding a reverse osmosis + carbon system if you can, or try these options:
Let me know what filter you're going to check out! and any others that i missed that you love!
xo
haley
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