Water Filters Guide - What You Should Know Before You Invest In A Water Treatment System

To some "Water, Water, Everywhere!" is a comic story but to others in other parts of the world, it's not amusing. Despite its abundance on earth, water has been one of the scarcest commodities both in quantity and in quality. In spite of advances in technology, drought and water borne diseases are common place globally. Drinking water supplies are exposed to all sorts of contamination sources and therefore causing confusion among consumers about their water quality. On one hand we are lead to believe that drinking water is well treated and safe to drink, on the other hand we can see news reports about few inefficient water treatment plants, or operators who try to manipulate water testing results. Water advisories are common-advising consumers to flush their water before they drink when certain contamination is discovered.

One sort of relief is that EPA indicated in "Water on Tap" report that the "actual events of drinking water contamination are rare, and typically do not occur at levels likely to pose health concerns." But the report says further that "there are growing numbers of activities that can contaminate our drinking water." Drinking water supply (surface and groundwater) can be exposed to such contaminants from combined sewer overflows, sanitary overflows, stormwater runoffs, concentrated animal feeding operations, failed septic tank discharges, and a host of others. These contaminants range from fertilizer, pesticides, pharmaceutical drugs, toxic wastes, oil, adionuclides, and metals. (USEPA, 2003)

Contamination from the source

Drinking water supply is sometimes exposed to harmful contaminants right from the source. Disease-causing bacteria can get into municipal drinking water, well water, or contaminated ice. According to the 2002 CDC report, from 1985 to 2000, 251 outbreaks and 462,169 cases of waterborne illness related to contaminated drinking water were reported. Some of these cases were linked to surface water supply sources that have been contaminated by sewage. Some drinking water contaminations have been linked to Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) and raw sewage discharges into water distribution lines. Forty two percent of water water-borne disease outbreak was linked to Giardia.

EPA identified 59 CSO outfalls in seven states having outfalls within one mile of drinking water intake. Although the Report to Congress did not find any relationship between a CSO discharges from these outfalls and the transport of contaminants to the vicinity of drinking water intake, it says a more complex modeling is needed to do a better study. (USEPA, 2004)

Contaminants from home plumbing systems:

Water can be contaminated by lead in home plumbing systems. Lead contamination can lead to a variety of health problems. According to EPA, "in babies and children, exposure to lead in drinking water above the action level of 0.015 mg/l can result in delays in physical and mental development." While it is rare that lead can contaminate water from the supply, lead can leach to drinking water from corroded pipes in homes that have lead pipes, joints, and solder.

How to obtain fresh tasting and healthy water - The good news is that advancement in water treatment technology has made it possible to remove these water contaminants from our drinking water. Although, technology has not caught up with the pharmaceutical water contamination, most water treatment devices can remove drugs that contain volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). According to the NSF International, although many of the NSF certified water treatment devices are specifically designed to remove pharmaceuticals right now "many of these products can help provide additional protection against wide array of other contaminants." Consumers have a wide selection of water treatment devices to choose from and you don't have to buy bottled water-which can cost you lots of money annually, to obtain healthy water. In fact, studies have shown that some bottled water contains some level of bacteria. This is because tap water and bottled water are not regulated by the same standards and the same agencies.

An NRDC study showed that one third of 103 brands of bottled water tested contained some levels of contamination which includes traces of arsenic and E. coli. (NRDC, 999). Also, home filtration systems can improve the taste or appearance of tap water at a minimal cost. According to an FDA Consumer magazine article "water purified with these products typically costs less than buying bottled water. According to Brita, its high-end faucet filter system provides water for 18 cents a gallon, a considerable saving from $1 or more typically charged for an 8- to 12-ounce bottle of water." (FDA, 2002)

Before you buy a water treatment device Experts recommend that you should find out what types of contaminants are in your water before you decide on which water treatment device to buy. Home water testing kits cost between $9.00 for single parameter to about $99, or more, if you want to test for multiple parameters. The bottom line is the cost of testing your water is less because you don't want to buy or be pressured to buy a certain water filter just because a salesman says it's good.

A typical water filter device is designed to treat one or more contaminants. Most water treatment devices are certified by National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International. NSF (not to be confused with National Science Foundation) is an independent third party organization that has tested and certified thousands of water treatment devices such as home water filters, softeners, and purifiers to confirm treatment claims. Once you have confirmed what's in your water and have researched two or three water filters, you should confirm claims of treatment by these water filter manufacturers, then, make selection for the best water filter or purifier. If the treatment device you find is not certified, call the manufacturer to find out why. Beware that a treatment device may be tested but not necessarily certified by NSF.

What choices do you have?

Again, your choice of a filter device will depend on what your test confirms. For most, using a water filter may not be an issue but for those with compromised immune systems, it may be a necessity. Different options are commercially available. You may purchase a point-of-entry (POE) water treatment device if you want to treat all the water coming to your house. A POE or a whole house water filter is installed at the water main where water enters the house which will require an experience plumber to install. A point-of-use (POU) device is installed at the points where water will be dispensed around the house. These types of devices come as undersink or under counter, countertop, carafe, showerhead, and refrigerator water filters.

A POE (whole house water filter) can be fitted with activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters in that order. Some come as multiple-stage units fitted with more than one series of activated carbon filter to protect the reverse osmosis filter. Multi-Pure ($629), Apec ($385-$469), Aquasana ($799) are some of the few POE filters that are NSF-certified.

Water softeners are ideal for homes with hard water. You may want to check with your local government is water softeners are allowed due to elevated chlorides discharge from softeners. Most wastewater treatment facilities are not designed to remove excess chlorides resulting in excessive violations of their permits. As a result, water softeners are being banned by some local governments. Prices vary for all types of water softeners.

For POU water treatment devices, countertop or tabletop water filters are available in various shapes and models. A tabletop water filter is ideal for home owners who do not want to tamper with plumbing, and for a tenant whose lease does not allow him/her to modify the plumbing system.

Undersink water filters require some plumbing work. This is ideal for water treatment at a single location in the house. Prices will depend on the models and type of filters in the device.

In conclusion, before you choose an appropriate water treatment device, review your CCR report or have your water tested. Consider the long term cost and health benefits and most important of all is to read the fine print. Research NSF-certified water treatment devices.

To learn about choosing the best water filter system for your home, you may visit the author?s website at Water Filters and Water Purifiers Guide

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Best Drinking Water Filters For Your Home

Tap water isn't the purest water; we all know that. If you're tired of the chlorinated taste and want something better, but don't want to pay the price of store bottled water, why not pick up a drinking water filter? You can find many different types on the market today, from very simple systems that do a good basic job to complex systems that deliver bottled-water quality water to your kitchen sink.

Basic activated carbon filters are the cheapest drinking water filter solution you'll find. These filters are sold at your local grocery store for less than $50 for the faucet connection and initial filters, and replacement filters are very inexpensive. The water from these filters is very good; they work by forcing ordinary tap water through layers of activated carbon. The carbon pulls impurities from the water as it passes through, retaining chlorine and bacteria while allowing purified, better-tasting water through. Your water comes out cleaner, and retains most of the healthful minerals like calcium that make drinking water so good for you.

To eliminate serious contaminants such as lead or high chlorine levels, a reverse osmosis drinking water filter is probably your best bet. These complex but ingenious devices can be installed right under your kitchen counter. Working with a filter that allows only pure water to pass, they slowly eliminate toxins from your tap water, holding purified water in a reservoir that you access through a separate tap on your sink. Though these filters work slowly, they can provide plenty of drinking water for your family each day, even filtering salt from ocean water and eliminating most biological contaminants as well. These filtration devices use as much as ten gallons of water for every single gallon of drinking water they provide, so they aren't ideal for every household.

A reverse osmosis drinking water filter gives you very pure water, often better than store-bought water, for about five cents a gallon in most places. While the rejected water is as much as ten gallons for every gallon of pure water created, it's pure enough that it can go into your gray water storage and be used to water your garden, ensuring there is no wasted water.

Ultraviolet drinking water filter systems are often added at the end of reverse osmosis filters and other types of water filters to eliminate living contaminants like bacteria from your water. These work by shining powerful UV light into your water, killing everything in the water before it reaches your faucet. These are particularly good additions to reverse osmosis water filters; biological contaminants are one of the few things that can get through these filters, and a single plasmodium can contaminate your entire reservoir.

Ceramic filters are a type of drinking water filter that use diatomaceous earth, a natural silicon filter commonly used in commercial water treatment. This filter works similarly to an activated carbon filter, capturing your contaminants before they reach your faucet, and the resulting water is at least as good as that from an activated carbon filter.

Use your own needs and budget to determine which type of drinking water filter is the best choice for you. Osmotic filters are perfect for people who spend a lot of money on grocery-store bottled water, while those seeking just a little more filtration in their tap water will do well with ceramic and carbon drinking water filters.

Trent Barrett is a consultant who writes for Home water purifiers You can visit their homepage to learn more about home water purification systems

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Without Countertop Water Filters - Are You Drinking Clean Water?

Hold it! Is that tap water as pure as you expect? You should be genuinely concerned about the quality and cleanliness of the water you and your children drink daily. This concern is justified as water-borne diseases in this day and age are still threats to health.

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Water consumers are not always fully aware of the risks from water-borne contaminants. Water sources vary; thus, doubts over the 100% pureness about the tap water you're drinking are justified. The installation of countertop water filters can ease your mind and assure you that your family is not drinking all the unseen impurities that come from tap water.

You should be receiving the annual water quality report from your water supplier, but make sure that the report includes information as to water source and the presence and type of contaminants in the water. The chlorine level should also be indicated to alert parents of children with allergies.

But tap water is no longer safe to drink, unless you have installed countertop water filters to filter harmful contaminants and bacteria. Imagine water traveling miles in those pipes that have been there since you can remember. How secure are these from the infiltration of germs?

The harmful substances in tap water range from plead, microscopic parasites, E. Coli, fertilizers, and sewage spills that seep into the water reservoir. The idea of it is bone-chilling.

How Countertop Water Filters Work

If you're a mom with young and not-so-young children, your concern is their health and safety. Act on it by having the convenience of fresh and clean water anytime without the hassle of worrying about water-borne germs that lead to various ailments.

Some individuals may opt for bottled, mineral, or distilled water, while some will prefer the convenience of water filters attached to the tap. Water filters come in various designs and filtration processes. Before water reaches the glass, it undergoes six stages of water filtration using the Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) process.

The KDF process renders the contaminants in the water into harmless components, dissolves chlorine, removes lead, and inhibits bacterial and fungal growths. The water filters have incorporated with scale reduction and bacteria control.

With this filtration technology, you are assured that your drinking water is several times purer than plain tap water without those convenient water filters.

Water for Health and Life

Water is essential for life and good health. Water plays an important role in your and your family's health. If you've heard old folks telling you to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water, there's some wisdom to it. Water hydrates the body, aids in digestion, and flushes out toxins. Drinking enough water everyday eases symptoms of arthritis, headaches, indigestion, congestion, brittle nails, dry skin and dandruff, muscle pains, and respiratory infections.

Clean Water Anytime

Considering the expense and the inconvenience of ordering or waiting for the delivery of your designer water, think about having water filters in the home. There is no drinking water shortage with countertop water filters in the home. You are also assured of good tasting food and beverages when using purified water for cooking and mixing fruit juices and other health drinks.

Convenience from countertop water filters and clean water for health - make the empowering choice for you and your family.

Use countertop water filters to ensure that your family is drinking safe and clean water everyday. Visit WaterFiltersForAHealthyLife.com today.

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Consumers Mislead By Water Filters

I am writing this article, not to promote any brand or particular water filter,

but to hopefully give the average consumer enough valid information so they can

make an educated buying choice when shopping for a water filter.

It is estimated that 80 percent of home owners in the United States have used or

are currently using a water filter. Many, I am sure, have purchased a filter

that is virtually ineffective and probably costing them an arm and leg in

replacement filter costs.

I have been involved in the water filtration industry for a number of years.

I have yet to find a water filter that produces PURE WATER! I am seeing more

false advertising as of late than I have ever seen before. Just last night for

instance, while watching television I noticed two different advertisements for

the latest and greatest water filters. They both claimed to produce pure water!

Neither one even mentioned being certified by the National Sanitation Foundation.

No water filter removes all of any contaminant, what a water filter actually does

is reduce contaminants.

There are hundreds of water filter manufacturers in the U.S. today, producing

thousands of different water filtration products. Only a handful produce a

water filter that is highly effective as far as contaminant reduction and cost

efficiency.

There is no point in purchasing an ineffective water filter. The old concept,

you get what you pay for, still holds true. Cheap water filters do very little

as far as contaminant reduction and soak the consumer when it comes to replacement

filters. Most high quality water filters effectively reduce a vast number of

contaminants to a high degree. The filter labeling should indicate which contaminants

the filter will reduce.

The labeling should also indicate the capacity rating, A high quality filter will

save you money in the long run. Filter life expectancy and capacity rating

determine how many actual gallons the filter is capable of producing. For example,

a filter that will produce 500 gallons or more as compared to one that produces

only 100 gallons is far more cost efficient.

Recently, while shopping at a local discount store, I took a look at the water

filters they had to offer. They had a number of cheap filters that would do little,

if anything as far as contaminant reduction. Most of these inferior filters are

only capable of reducing chlorine, lead, and particulate matter. Some may go so

far as reducing bacterial cysts depending upon the micron rating and possibly a

few other contaminants. None of the cheap filters are very effective on an over

all basis.

Most of these filters cost less than $50.00. One particular filter that comes to

mind had a $45.00 price tag. Replacement filters for this filter cost $8.50 each.

The capacity rating for this filter is 100 gallons. That amounts to 8.5 cents per

gallon. This particular filter only reduces lead and chlorine according to the

packaging.

Here, my husband and I use approximately 3 to 4 gallons of water per day for drinking,

coffee, iced tea, cooking, and watering our 2 dogs. Considering the amount of filtered

water we use, I would have to change the filter every 25 days. That is 14 replacement

filters a year! At $8.50 each, the annual cost would amount to $119.00. The initial

cost of the water filter plus the 1 year of replacement filters would result in an total

cost of approximately $165.00 for the first year. In just 2 years I would spend more money

than I would purchasing a much better quality system that would effectively reduce a vast

number of contaminants and provide much better, and healthier drinking water.

The drinking water filtration system we use is rated at 1200 gallons. It is hidden

out of the way under the sink and has an independent faucet mounted on the sink, not

hanging off my faucet. It is one of the highest quality systems on the market, reduces

a very wide range of contaminants and is NSF Certified. I have had this filter for a

number of years. If I remember correctly, the initial cost of the system was $320.00.

Once a year I change the filter at a cost of $59.95. That amounts to only 5 cents per

gallon of quality drinking water.

Obviously, dollar for dollar, the real value is in the quality system.

So, how do we determine a water filter's capability? When reading the label, check

to see if the filter is NSF Certified. Never buy a filter that is not NSF Certified.

Manufacturers of quality filters have their filters certified by NSF and are proud

to advertise their certification on the labeling.

Only if a water filtration device is NSF Certified can a consumer be certain that

the product meets strict standards for performance. Tested to NSF Standards does

not mean NSF Certified. Any water filter that claims to be tested to NSF Standards

has not actually been tested and certified by NSF. Here again, this is a prime

example of these companies misleading the consumer.

NSF tests and certifies water filters to do what the manufacturer claims. Not only

that, they also monitor the manufacturing process by doing spot checks. NSF will

come to the factory unannounced and monitor the manufacturing process.

Consumers can go to the NSF website and view the actual certification which will

show exactly what contaminants the filter will reduce, indicate the percentage of

reduction and will also indicate the filter life expectancy. The NSF website is

http://www.nsf.org, just click on consumer and search water treatment devices.

Water purification and water filtration are two different things altogether. Water

purification is the introduction of chlorine or other chemical agent that kills

bacteria in water.

Infared lighting can also be considered to be water purification as its sole purpose

is to destroy bacteria. Water filtration is exactly that, a water filter of some type.

Another thing to look for when shopping for a water filter is which technology is

best for you.

Avoid loose carbon filters as they allow air to be present within the carbon and are

nothing but a bacteria factory.

Most mixed media filters can be effective on a few specific contaminants, but do not

reduce a wide range of contaminants.

Distillation is a process in which the water is heated to the point of steaming.

The steam passes from the container it is heated to another container as the

steam cools.Distillation is highly effective on removing minerals and salts, but is

somewhat limited on removal of chemical contaminants as many chemicals evaporate right

along with the water.

I have found, many people are confused as to the capabilities of reverse osmosis.

Reverse osmosis is a process where the water passes through a membrane which will not

allow certain contaminants to pass. Reverse osmosis can do an effective job on barium,

radium, cadmium, copper, fluoride, perchlorate, minerals, salts and a few other

contaminants but is not effective on a wide range. Many reverse osmosis units include

additional types of filtration technologies. Some of these are very effective

depending on the other additional types of filters used. This type of water filtration

system is usually identified as 3, 4, or 5 stage system.

What I recommend to the average consumer is the solid carbon block filter or the solid

carbon block coupled with reverse osmosis. A high quality solid carbon block that filters

to less than 1 micron is very effective on a wide range of contaminants and does not allow

oxygen to be present within the carbon filter therefore bacteria cannot be allowed to pass

through or be produced within the filter carbon. The solid carbon block alone will not

reduce healthy minerals.

For maximum contaminant reduction, consider a drinking water filtration system using

reverse osmosis technology coupled with a solid carbon block but keep in mind it does

remove the healthy minerals.

In conclusion, always compare the NSF Certification when shopping for a water filter and

avoid the dishonest tactics of unscrupulous advertisers.

Armed with this information you are now a savvy water filtration shopper!

I hope this article helps in your pursuit of a drinking water filtration system. If you

would like more information on drinking water or water filters please see my site at

http://www.supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com

Patti Wilson
Drinking Water Consultant
Supreme Drinking Water Solutions
St Augustine, Florida
http://www.supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com
Email - patti@supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com

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How To Choose The Right Home Water Filters and Water Purifiers For Your Needs

When it comes to home water filters and water purifiers, consumers have many choices. You can choose from leading name brands such as Brita, Culligan, PUR, and Braun. You can go with counter top water filters, under the sink models, or whole house water filters. You can pick from systems that use carbon filters, reverse osmosis water filters, and ultraviolet (UV) light technology. It's great to have so many options, but how do you know which home water purifier is right for you?

Do You Need a Home Water Purifier?

The first question to ask when considering a residential water purifier is whether you even need one. If you have a municipal water source then your water is already treated. But many people don't want to drink the chlorine or other additives that city's use to treat water supplies. And there have been many instances when city water supplies have become contaminated despite treatment procedures.

If you feel secure about your city water supply and enjoy the taste of chlorinated water, then you may not need a purifier. If you're not sure what's in your water, you can ask to see a water quality report that all cities are required to provide.

Although well water isn't treated, it comes from an underground source that can often be cleaner than municipal water. But if you live in areas with farming, manufacturing, and other industries that may inadvertently or purposely dump chemicals into the water table, your water is at risk.

Additionally, well water may contain sediments, such as iron, that can cause discoloration and odor. These sediments can also build up in dishwashers and other appliances and cause malfunctions. Many home water filters and purifiers can help improve the taste and quality of well water. To find out what type of impurities are in your well water, purchase a home testing kit or for more reliable results, have your water professionally tested.

What Contaminants Do You Want To Target?

If you've decided you need a home water purifier, the next step is to decide what type of contaminants you want to filter out or protect against. Are you concerned about bacteria and other microorganisms? Do you want to remove chemicals and compounds such as chlorine? Maybe you know your water contains sediments and high mineral content. Or perhaps like many people, you're concerned about all of these things and you want a comprehensive home water purifier/filtration system.

Bacteria and microorganisms

If bacteria and other organisms are your targets, then you want to consider home water purifiers that use UV technology. Of the three most common water purification technologies, UV is the only one that effectively immobilizes bacteria. However, it does not remove sediments, chemicals and other contaminants.

Chemicals and sediments

Home water purifiers that use either carbon filters or reverse osmosis technology will remove suspended solids such as sediments, dissolved chemicals, and many other contaminants. Of the two, reverse osmosis is effective on a wider range of contaminants. However, neither of these technologies is effective at removing bacteria.

For a comprehensive home water purification system, it is important to combine UV technology with one of the other options. A carbon pre-filer is the most common choice. It's also critical that you change your home water filters regularly and follow manufacturers' maintenance schedules. If you don't routinely change the filters on your home water filters and water purifiers, you could wind up creating an even bigger problem with bacteria than the one you may be trying to avoid in the first place.

Where Will You Put Your Home Water Purifier?

Where you want to locate the filter/purification system can also influence your decision. Faucet mount and countertop water filters typically only come in carbon filter technology. You can usually find both carbon filters and reverse osmosis water filters in under sink systems. And both reverse osmosis and UV technologies come in whole house systems. Each of these can also be fitted with a carbon pre-filter for comprehensive treatment.

If your only concern is your drinking water, then you may prefer one of the many countertop or under sink water filters. They are less expensive than whole house systems, ranging from about $20 to $30 for a countertop pitcher or faucet filter to around $200 or $300 for an under the sink model. The under sink water purifiers are capable of processing water much more quickly, and the filters tend to last longer.

If you want to treat your bathing water and keep sediments and bacteria from building up in your appliances, then you will need to consider a whole house system. They start at around $400 for basic models and can cost upwards of $1000 for high-end systems. In the end, your budget may be the ultimate factor in your decision.

Installation and Maintenance

One final aspect to consider when choosing between different home water filters and purification systems is whether or not you want to install and maintain it yourself. Faucet mounts and countertop models basically require no or minimal installation. And the only maintenance is changing the filters, which is a simple process.

Depending on your mechanical aptitude, under sink models and whole house water purifiers may require professional installation and maintenance. Some companies require that their technicians perform all the work. The companies say this is to avoid mistakes and improper setup. Others say it is simply another means of charging more money.

But for those who don't want to deal with the fuss and possible mess, a service plan may be well worth the extra money. In addition, a service plan often covers the equipment if it malfunctions or breaks down.

There are several factors to consider when choosing between the various types and styles of home water filters and water purifiers. The best place to start is with an analysis of your water. Different water purifier technologies target different types of contaminants, and a water test will help you determine which technology will meet your needs. Considering how much we depend on clean water for drinking, cooking, bathing and other daily activities, a home water purifier can be an inexpensive way to provide safe and healthy tap water for you and your family.

About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Water-Filters-N-Purifiers.com, providing consumer information on water purifiers. She uses a system employing whole house water filters to remove iron and other contaminants from her well water. Her gifts of counter top water filters have been greatly appreciated by family and friends.

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Water and Water Filters: How Much Do You Know?

Water is a vitally important component of any valuable and useful nutrition plan.

This statement is hardly earth shattering or groundbreaking and few (if any) jaws

will drop at the sight of it. It is common knowledge that water is essential to our

survival as living beings. Most people are very well aware of this fact, but do they

really know why water is so essential? What does water do in our bodies and why

does it make a difference what kind of water we drink? Is a water filter truly

necessary and worth its price? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and

find out how much you know (or don't know) about that magical, life-giving fluid:

water.

Some Water Basics

Depending upon whom you ask, water makes up anywhere from 60% to 90% of our

body's matter. Not only is water essential for ensuring our survival as human

beings, it is also essential for the survival of the earth and all living organisms on it.

In its simplest, most pure form, water is a molecular compound composed of two

hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Although water contains no calories, it is

absolutely essential for maintaining energy levels, regulating body temperature,

controlling cravings, and cushioning sensitive organs, tissues, and joints within the

body. Water is the substance that ensures that our bodies continue to run; water

also ensures that they run efficiently.

Once water enters the body, it quickly travels through the esophagus into the

stomach where it is digested and sent to the appropriate locations within the body.

Water then becomes the major constituent of blood, ensuring the transfer of all

other nutrients to the organs and tissues of the body. After all organs and tissues

have received their needed amount of water and accompanying nutrients in order to

ensure proper cell functioning, the body then sends excess water to aid in the

transfer of wastes out of the body through the kidneys, bladder, and rectum. In

essence, water is the major means of transport for all substances in and out of the

body.

It is necessary to continuously replace water in the body as such a large amount of

water is expelled from the body each day through simple respiration. While a

person may live for four weeks or more without food, he or she will only live for

approximately one week without water. The exact amount of water one needs to

drink each day to replace water in the body depends upon a number of factors and

cannot easily be calculated. However, most nutritionists agree that eight glasses

(two liters) of water each day is an appropriate amount for most people. This

number may change when a person's level of physical activity and environmental

climate are taken into consideration.

Benefits of Drinking Enough Water

Besides the maintenance of normal bodily functions and the regulation of body

temperature and general energy levels, drinking adequate amounts of water can

result in some significant health and cosmetic benefits. First of all, water has long

been known and recognized as a valuable diet aid. Many cravings for food are often

misdirected cravings for water. Once the body is satiated with the needed drinking

water, cravings are greatly reduced. Water also ensures a general level of health

and fitness by quickly transferring toxins and other harmful substances out of the

body. Water naturally moisturizes the skin and hair, as well, giving them a healthy,

glowing appearance. Water can also serve as a natural protection against several

types of cancer.

When a person becomes dehydrated (meaning he does not have adequate amounts

of water in his system to ensure proper body functioning), the symptoms of

dehydration quickly appear. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:

fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and constipation.

How Important is Clean Drinking Water?

Water is something of an interesting substance. It is a natural solvent; therefore,

wherever water travels, it dissolves and carries along other substances. For this

reason, there really is no "pure" water available in the world. Water always carries

other substances, whether these substances are useful minerals or dangerous

chemicals and biological contaminants. One would be absolutely amazed at the

amount of contaminants a simple water filter removes from "treated" tap water.

While the natural solvency of water is one of its most valuable characteristics (due to

the usefulness of this characteristic in allowing water to carry and dissolve food

nutrients for use in the body), it can also be one of its most volatile and dangerous

characteristics. It is certainly vital to maintain an adequate amount of water in the

body, but to be truly beneficial and effective, that water needs to be as clean and

pure as possible. When water carries such contaminants as chlorine or lead into our

bodies, it can actually become more harmful than beneficial. Water, laced with such

contaminants, can become a cancer-causing agent or a purveyor of brain damage

and learning disabilities.

We cannot simply cut water out of our diet, despite its penchant for carrying

contaminants with it; water is far too essential to our survival. Thus, it becomes our

responsibility as wise and conscientious individuals to clean that water and know

what it contains before we take it into our bodies. We will likely never receive pure,

clean water directly from the tap, but a home water filter can remove several of the

most dangerous contaminants from that water before we drink it. A water filter can

help to ensure that we receive all of the benefits of drinking adequate amounts of

water and none of the adverse health consequences of drinking contaminated water.

Vanessa Lausch is a technical writer for http://www.allaboutwater.org/, an online guide to drinking water.

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