The thing about water is that we all know we need to drink it because it keeps us healthy, youthful and hydrated. So if water is the most essential element to life (and not simply human life), bearing in mind a human being can only reasonably go 3 days without water whereas 3 weeks is the limit for no food intake, surely we should be safe in the knowledge that the water which comes out of our tap will cause us no harm.
It seems that this may not be the case! Although generally in the UK, our drinking water from the tap is safe, there are still both old and new issues to contend with. In the case of London water, nearly half the supply is still carried in lead pipes and the lead content is higher than recommended by European regulations.
The new problems being found in drinking water are those which are indicators of the modern society in which we live…much of which are to do with hormones! It is regularly reported in the news about the appearance of gender bending fish. The seeping of the female hormone oestrogen into our rivers has been found to be feminising male fish. This is resulting in reproduction problems. Numerous studies have been conducted in the US and the UK showing how the fish population is affected. This not only occurs in fish but also in humans. The advent of the birth pill has seen the increase of oestrogens in our waters. Unfortunately, filtration processes cannot always remove all the chemical compounds found and the resulting evidence shows that it is possible that the increase in fertility problems in the UK may be attributed in part to our water. Other chemicals which also find their way into our rivers come from pesticides used in agricultural practices.
It is also known that plastic bottles which contain chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) are sometimes prone to leaching the chemical into the contents. As bottled water can be stored for up to two years before it reaches the shelves, the deterioration of the plastic container not only contaminates the water, giving that “plasticky” taste, but it is thought they may be linked to heart problems, reproductive difficulties and diabetes. As some babies' bottles are made from the same compounds and chemicals, it is likely that they would ingest BPA too.
What is known is that some abnormal brain development in babies can be caused by lead in water which is why it is so important that to guarantee the best quality water possible, we use filtration methods which remove harmful chemicals and contaminants in order that water can fulfil our expectations for a healthy life. The most effective way is through using a process of Reverse Osmosis which purifies the water. A unit installed in the kitchen would consist of 3 filters plus a reverse osmosis semi permeable membrane, through which the water passes before it is dispensed through a tap. An ordinary carbon filter will remove the larger particles but the healthiest option is an RO unit which removes the most miniscule of micro organisms, chemicals and heavy metals.
These units are now affordable for most households and businesses to ensure the health and well being of families and the workforce. Unfortunately, the costs of installing Reverse Osmosis industrial processes at source would be astronomical but costs for individual units are accessible and competitive with any other filter unit such as a water cooler or a filter installed under a sink at home.
