Drinking Water Quality
October 4, 2007 by Greg
One of the dreams I’ve fantasized about for years is having my own water filtration device installed under the sink. While many view this install as purification for taste buds only, it’s really just a side benefit for inexpensively drinking quality water on a regular basis. Often the argument is made to me that if the water tastes fine why go through the trouble.
The health concerns of public water are widely known. The EPA says water municipal water treatment is not ideal.
Although such practices in the United States have resulted in the virtual elimination of waterborne threats such as typhoid and cholera, some public health concerns remain:
- The safety of drinking water may be threatened by pathogenic microorganisms if treatment is inadequate or if the quality of water in the distribution system is compromised.
- Surface water and ground water sources may be contaminated with many different natural and human-made chemicals (e.g., arsenic and pesticides, respectively) that could pose risks. The disinfection process itself leads to the formation of a number of potentially toxic organic and inorganic chemical by-products.
- Some subpopulations, such as infants and children or those with weakened immune systems, are known to be particularly sensitive to the effects of certain waterborne pathogens and chemicals.
- Water supply systems may be vulnerable to deliberate threats that could damage water supply infrastructure or lead to contamination of source or treated water with biological or chemical agents.
Throwing aside the obvious economical and environmental concerns of bottled water, it is not any better of a solution. The Natural resources defense council conducted a 4 year study in which it found most bottled water is either the same tap water or faces similar health threats.
NRDC conducted a four-year review of the bottled water industry and the safety standards that govern it, including a comparison of national bottled water rules with national tap water rules, and independent testing of over 1,000 bottles of water. Our conclusion is that there is no assurance that just because water comes out of a bottle it is any cleaner or safer than water from the tap. And in fact, an estimated 25 percent or more of bottled water is really just tap water in a bottle — sometimes further treated, sometimes not.
The options remaining are either getting water from a local purifier (who is legally obligated to provide analysis of their water) or filtering it yourself. A local purifier is a fine route to go, but personally, I do not need jugs of water taking up space in my home, let alone the typical stands, coolers, and extra containers. Neither do I want the expense of purchasing water, accessories, and delivery.
Before ordering the coolest contraption I can find, the first step is to get my water independently tested. No single water filter will fix all problems with drinking water, so it is important to the know what specific issues I have with my own individual water. Many water filtration companies will provide free testing, but the conflict of interest in this practice is fairly obvious. There are several independent labs who will test your water for a small fee.
Each state individually certifies water testing laboratories. The EPA graciously provides a resource for where to find the testing facilities at their Safe Water Labs page.
National Testing Laboratories is one of the largest water testing facilities and is also certified by my home state of Colorado. They have a variety of kits from extensive 75 point inspections to single contaminant screens. I just ordered the the works package.
For the cynics in the audience, I’ll report back the findings as soon as I get the results.
diet water!
wow - seems like a lot of trouble to go through. get your water independently tested?!
who even does that? probably the same company that sells an expensive purifying device.
how about getting a brita pitcher?
also, im curious what spurred these thoughts? there has to be a good story.
I’ve been curious about filtering my home water supply as well and I can see why you would want to go to an unbiased source for the info, but how will it affect your final solution? It seems that all the products on the market make the same promise–remove 99.x% of yada yada yada. For example, Home Depot doesn’t stock three different types of inline water filters, depending on the nasties that are floating in your water. If all paths lead to the same solution, then what have you gained for the $170 bucks for the Cadillac of the tests? Besides the value of “knowing.”
Vik,
A brita pitcher is definitely a step in the direction. A carbon filter will only remove so much. However, it’s better to have a carbon filter it than your liver. The company that tests your water is independent of the filtering company. Many filter companies offer free testing but this will definitely bias the results in favor of buying their filtering products. Using an independent lab is much like using an inspector before buying a house.
Scott,
Like most products Home Depot carries, they are consumer catch all grade of water filters. There aren’t water filters that catch everything by default. It’s kind of like going to the doctor and saying, “I don’t know what I’ve got, just give me a pill for everything related to a cough.”
There are many water filtration companies that offer options tailored to specific issues. Getting your water tested before hand let’s you talk to them directly and say, “I have high levels of chlorine and arsenic in my water, what are your available options?”
There is an organization in Ann Arbor, MI that rates these companies. I’ll post more about this after I get the results and start shopping for a filter.
Also, I have to admit, there is a significant advantage of “just knowing” for me. I’d like to confidently state, “I had high levels of x in my water which after continued consumption would likely lead to problems y and z.”