The summer seems to be flying by and I hope that you are enjoying yours.  As we enjoy the July 4th holidays, I am mindful of the severity of the drought here in Central Texas as our traditional fireworks displays are cancelled around us.  Rain has been as scarce here as it has been prolific in other parts of the country.  As I carefully water the backyard flowers that help create my home sanctuary, I am reminded how crucial water is to our very survival. 

Water, Water Everywhere, but Not a Drop to Drink

We need not just water, but clean water.  The flood victims of Minot, North Dakota may be watching their homes and neighborhoods destroyed by floodwaters and still are in need of Red Cross deliveries of clean drinking water.  We are all aware of the necessity of safe drinking water, but how do we know for sure?  We buy bottled water to the tune of $4 billion a year in the U.S., with no assurance that it is any less contaminated than tap water.  In fact, about a quarter of bottled water is simply tap water in a bottle.  Not to mention that bottled water is at risk for contamination from the plasticizers and chemicals that make up the bottle it’s stored in.  Did you know that...


The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 covers only 91 contaminants, yet an
estimated 60,000 chemicals are used within the United States. 

We can be sure that many of those chemicals find their way into our streams, rivers, lakes and, finally, into our water supplies. 


So What Are We To Do?
One of the most cost effective ways to insure a safe water supply in your home is to have a home treatment system.  "Point-of-use" systems treat water at a specific location in our home; usually in the kitchen.  
    Activated Carbon Filtration uses replaceable carbon cartridges that help remove pesticides, solvents, lead, chlorine, some heavy metals and microbes.  These can be used in a portable pitcher, under the sink or on the faucet.  Carbon filters are a good inexpensive way to start. 
    Reverse Osmosis systems are found on the counter top or under the sink.  This filtration method removes fluoride, nitrate, bacteria, pesticides, solvents, lead and foul tastes.  RO systems use thin membranes filters and carbon filtration to remove most impurities. 
    Distillation systems remove impurities by boiling water into steam and then condensing it into a clean container.  These can be wall-mounted or located on a countertop.

The Bottom Line
Make your home water supply as safe as possible and drink the recommended 8 glasses of water a day.  Here in Texas where the temperatures can hit triple digits, we know how important it is to stay hydrated.  Don't wait until you're thirsty.  Oh, and buy a stainless steel water bottle and make it your new friend.  Pass the word!