When We Drink Water
We Drink UP!
Water is the best choice every one of us can make each day. But is your water safe for drinking? Don’t worry! we are here to help you with a valuable resource for learning & guides for water treatment at home.
The Drink Up Campaign is Improving America’s Health
The Drink Up campaign was launched by Michelle Obama in collaboration with the US Government and the Partnership for a Healthier America. The idea of the campaign is to encourage everyone to drink more water. The reality is that even though we know it’s important to drink water, we are easily distracted and don’t really pay a lot of attention to a lot of the reasons why drinking water is so important.
We need water to live. So many of our body’s natural processes depend on us getting enough water. This is why drinking more water is a big part of the goal to improve Americans’ overall health. With so many pressures on individuals’ health, nowadays it’s more important than ever to ensure that we drink water and stay hydrated.
In this way, the Drink Up Campaign is directed to improving health outcomes for all Americans. It aims to educate people and give them the impetus they need to make this important change in their dietary habits to ensure their wellbeing.
Why do we need to drink water?
Staying hydrated is crucial if we want to make sure all our bodily functions are working properly. From digestion to our mood, there’s not a single aspect of our health that isn’t affected by our water intake. The most obvious area that drinking water has an impact on is our diet.
Drinking water helps to reduce sugar cravings. Since our brain doesn’t distinguish between thirst and hunger, drinking water will keep us satiated in the long run. Often we get hunger pangs simply because we’re dehydrated, and so a glass of water will go much further towards satisfying that hunger than a bag of potato chips. Hydration also helps boost performance when it comes to exercise, which is extremely important to take into consideration.
Once you start hydrating properly, you will find you get fewer migraines and headaches. Drinking water also helps both kids and adults steer clear of digestive issues, including constipation.A healthy water intake also lowers the risk of bladder infections, not to mention helping to prevent the appearance of kidney stones and improving dental health. Drinking water is a great way to reduce a hangover, and it has been found to improve mental health outcomes, including helping to manage anxiety.
Drinking at least 6-8 cups of water per day is very healthy, and it will help prevent many potential diseases or infections. That’s why the Drink Up Campaign is such a success because it shows people that staying healthy is not that hard. It all comes down to increasing your water consumption and making sure that you stay healthy in the long run. As soon make the change and start drinking more water, you will see the difference.
As well as helping to prevent many health problems, you’ll also notice that drinking water allows your body to gain more energy. Give it a try, join the Drink Up Campaign today and start drinking more water – Wait….!!!! But first, make sure that the water you have is fit for drinking. Not all water is the same. The detailed guide below will help you find out what you need to know.
Is my drinking water safe?
Many people, especially those living in the USA, are skeptical about the quality of their water supply. While many big cities have access to quality water provided by local municipalities, rural cities, in particular, can suffer by comparison. Modesto, Brady, and Fresno are the top 3 cities with the worst quality of drinking water. So, is tap water safe to drink in the USA? Let’s find out!
On the whole, the USA’s water sources are among the most reliable across the globe. The public community water systems are the sole providers of tap water throughout most cities in the US. There are two sources; groundwater and surface water. Usually, people get surface water collected from streams, rivers, and other water resources.
Some people also get groundwater, which accumulates underground and is collected through traditional techniques and stored in reservoirs. There are different techniques to ensure that the water is free of contaminants and safe for public use. However, there are still some issues that people face in terms of water quality. So, a question that must always be in your mind is, “Is my drinking water safe?”
According to the research, about 10-15% of people in the USA do not have access to clean and safe drinking water. In 2015, enforcement action was taken in several cities in the USA, with a combined population of more than 77 million people, due to issues with water quality. People most exposed to risk were those living in rural areas or small towns in the USA. The government of the USA is taking decisive actions against violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict regulations, stating that public water supply must not be reliant on private wells. People also take measures privately to ensure a clean drinking water supply, often by using high-quality faucets in their homes, which is the most affordable filtration option as it ensures the elimination of harmful chemicals.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are 316 water contaminants in water, affecting more than 85% of the population directly or indirectly. According to the Safe Drinking Water Act, the water should be safe from any contaminants, and water reservoirs should be clean.
How to Test Drinking Water Quality?
Hire A Professional
How to test if water is safe to drink? It’s a common question. If you want to get your house’s water quality checked, then the best thing to do is to hire a professional to perform the checks for you.
There are some home-testing options available, but for the most reliable results, a professional will look closely at all details in your water supply to make an assessment of the water quality. A step-by-step report of all the contaminants (if any) will help you decide what steps you need to take next.
Once you’ve got the results, many professionals will also be able to offer an opinion about the best water filtering decisions to pursue. They may even be able to fit or install the water filter you need to ensure good water quality right then and there.
Lab Test
Labs are well—equipped and use established methodologies to conduct water analysis. The in-house lab testing facility is available 24/7, convenient for users to get their water analysis. There are different tests such as temperature tests, pH tests, salinity tests, as well as tests for electric conductivity and contaminants, etc.
A person can request different water quality testing procedures to get a clear result. Lab tests deliver quick, comprehensive results, and they can help in deciding what kind of filtration method you might need.
Water Testing Kits
Water quality test kits are one of the most common methods to analyze your water quality. There are different kinds of water testing kits, but the most common ones are color disk kits and water quality test strips. A water test kit tells you all you need to know about water in seconds. But the question remains: how to actually use one to determine if the water is safe to drink at home?
To test water quality at home, first, you need to identify the water source. Second, select the best perfect water testing method for you (strip tests are easy for beginners). Make sure to check if the test meets EPA testing standards. It is essential to carefully read the instructions to make sure you are carrying out the test correctly.
Why should you filter your water?
- Removal Of Contaminants
We all depend on water to live. However, if you are getting your drinking water straight from the tap there’s a possibility that it may contain harmful contaminants. These contaminants can cause all sorts of problems, from stomach bugs in the mildest cases to dangerous and chronic diseases in worst-case scenarios. There are many benefits of filtered water, but getting rid of contaminants is the biggest. A person should be cautious with anything they consume, and a water filter is a necessity for your wellbeing.
- Better Taste
It is quite noticeable if the water straight out of the tap tastes nasty. Even if it’s purified by something like chlorine, we can taste the chlorine and other chemicals in the water. If our water tastes terrible, naturally we won’t want to drink it. So to make yourself drink more water, it is essential that we do as much as we can to make it pleasant. High-quality water filters not only purify water but also enhance the taste. If you are struggling with water taste, then it’s a good idea to get your hands on a water filter.
- Boost Immunity
Water is one of the best things we can give our body to help in streamlining its functions. When we consume spoiled or contaminated water, all of those important benefits disappear. Instead, people get stomach bugs, diarrhea, or other illnesses from drinking low-quality water.
To prevent this from happening, water filters are a necessity for homes, especially with kids, whose immune systems are still maturing. Clean water provides a child with all the great nutrients that they need for healthy body functioning whilst cutting out dangerous impurities. Clean water will reward you with glowing skin and a tough, well-functioning immune system to fight off disease.
Types of water treatments
1. Sediment Filtration
Sediment water filters are among the most common types of filters that people use to eliminate solid residue. The Sediment is the solid residue that collects at the bottom of a water supply (such as a river or a reservoir) over time, making the water taste foul. The water quality is compromised when it is filled with sediments or other solid residues.
A sediment filter is like a sieve that helps eliminate heavy and solid particles from water. One thing to keep in mind is that the sediment-water filter is not for removing chemicals or enhancing the taste; it merely gets rid of larger solid particles.
2. Activated Carbon Block (ACB) Filtration
A lot of the purified water that we consume has been heavily treated with chemicals to make it safe. Often these chemicals can leave a foul taste, and can even be harmful themselves if we consume them in large quantities. Mostly in this instance water contains chlorine disinfectants that, despite purifying the water of the most dangerous organic contaminants, deteriorate the water quality. On top of chlorine compromising water quality, it also gives water a foul taste.
The most popular brands like Waterdrop and Springwell use activated carbon block filters in water faucets filters, countertop water filters, and inline water filters helps eliminate harmful chemical components. It eliminates chlorine, VOCs, sediments, and other toxic chemicals from water. It also works wonderfully to eliminate foul or bad tastes from water.
3. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filter
A Reverse Osmosis filter is a common type of filter available readily in the market. In this process, water is mostly heavily subdued with large salt molecules, making the water more alkaline. The filter has a thin membrane that lets most liquid pass through it, but larger molecules such as salt become trapped in the light mesh. The pure solvents pass through the Reverse Osmosis filter, making it highly applicable for industrial and commercial use. It helps suspend 99.9% of bacteria from water, but it does nothing to enhance the taste or eliminate odor.
4. Distillation
Distillation is a traditional filtration method that most water filtration organizations use, although it is not common in households. The Distillation helps in eliminating harmful compounds such as lead, nitrates, and ammonia compounds from water.
The boiling process of distilling water also kills most of the harmful bacteria. Distillation units also have condensing chambers, which contribute to cooling the condensed water and storing it in the glass chambers.
5. Ion Exchange
Ion exchange water treatment is widely used to get rid of an extensive range of contaminants. In this filtration process, the water forms a bead-like resin structure—the ions in the water resins are exchanged for other ions of more pure water. The two common types of ion water exchange processes include deionization and softening. Softening is the typical process that most businesses or households use to get rid of hardness (limescale) from water.
The water sodium ions are interchanged with the magnesium and calcium ions, turning hard water into soft water. Deionization is an important process that helps remove inorganics from water. The overall process is inexpensive; hence, many households opt for it as a way of improving their water quality.
6. Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection
UV disinfection water treatment helps you achieve excellent water quality through automated procedures. UV water purification systems help eliminate chlorine, as well as other harmful contaminants. The virtually immediate disinfection is especially convenient as it immediately gets rid of any toxic chemicals. It is a sustainable means of water filtration, as no parts of the system wear and tears quickly. The UV-absorbing compound also removes bacteria from water. However, it does not eliminate the odor or bad taste.
7. Ionization
Ionized water cleaning is also known as alkalinizing water, which most organizations achieve through electrolysis. The ionization process separates the hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water from one another. The overall process helps achieve alkaline water, as acidic water is separated from most toxins and harmful chemicals. Alkaline water helps cleanse the digestive system, has anti-aging properties, and delivers high hydration. Through the ionization process, the water takes on a positive pH balance through the ionization process, perfect for high water absorption.
Water Filter & Treatment System
1. Faucet Water Filter
Faucet water filters are readily available on the market and are the best water filters for long-term use. Each faucet water filter is different, and you should look closely at their specifications to find the one that will best suit your needs. The faucet water filter has a little screen that covers the faucet head. This can sometimes be a carbon filter sling with the reverse osmosis mechanism.
The carbon filter is able to trap dense chlorine molecules and sediment. The reverse osmosis filter also removes other contaminants such as zeolite from the water. On average, a family needs to change the filter at least twice a month, but this also depends on the kind of filter and extent of use.
2. Water Filter Pitcher
The water filter pitcher is one of the most common types of filter. It is a pitcher with a carbon filter that absorbs most contaminants. It has a sponge-like effect that absorbs contaminants such as organic compounds, herbicides, pesticides, and metals such as mercury and copper into the filter, leaving you with purified water.
This kind of water filter does not remove nitrates, viruses, or bacteria. It is possible to buy reverse osmosis units compatible with a pitcher, which helps in filtering out bacteria. However, reverse osmosis water filter pitchers are expensive.
3. Countertop Water Filters
Countertop water filters are some of the best-selling water filters in the market. There are many water filter products available in the market, but nothing beats countertop water filters. A countertop filter comes with a diverter faucet tube, which plugs into the faucet. Once it’s connected, the water from the faucet travels to the filter. After filtering through the cartridges, it returns back to the faucet. The filtration process eliminates bacteria, foul odors, and foul taste from the water.
4. Under Sink Water Filters
The under sink water filters helps people to obtain high-quality water with maximum convenience. Under sink water filter installation requires no drill, as it is simply connected to the original faucet. The water comes out of the faucet and travels to the filter through a flexible pipe.
The filtered water then travels back to the faucet after the elimination of bacteria and harmful chemicals. There is a special pipe for the filtered water, separate from the hot and cold water. You can also opt for carbon filters with this kind of system, which helps keep sediments at bay.
5. Whole House Water Filter System
People look for water filter systems for the entire home as the ultimate solution to their water issues. A whole house water filter is installed at the entry point of the house’s water supply. The entire house gets filtered water, including your water heating system as well. The next-generation filters, including carbon and reverse osmosis filters, deliver top-quality water. The carbon water filter system specifically targets the removal of chloramines from water. If you’re thinking for a whole-house system, make sure that the model you are interested in is certified by NSF.
6. Inline Water Filters
Among the many different types of water filters for the home is the inline water filter. An inline water filter sits under the sink and filters the water coming through the pipes. It is one of the water filters that remove bacteria and sediment.
Apart from removing bacteria, an inline filter also removes chlorine, which is often the biggest issue for people. They come in a compact size, and you can easily fit them directly on the waterline. The inline water filter is the best-selling filtration product in the USA and the UK. It also helps in removing foul smell from water and maintaining a good taste.
7. UV Water Purifier
A UV water purifier is one of the best filters available in the market. The UV water sterilizer uses the germicidal UV light to kill the nucleic acid of bacteria’s DNA. Any microbe, fungi, or bacteria is unable to multiply when their DNA gets damaged. A UV purifier targets the pathogenic bacteria production by emitting a 254-nm wavelength. The wavelength is enough to destroy the bacteria and limit its production in water. While this is an excellent option for neutralizing organic contaminants, remember that a UV purifier does not remove sediment, solid particles, or a foul smell from the water.
8. Refrigerator Water Filter
You can find excellent refrigerator water filters in the market; most brands provide an in-built facility. Typically with this kind of model, the carbon filter has a mesh lining that can eliminate sediment, nitrates, pesticides, and other harmful contaminants from the water. However, it is essential to keep changing fridge filters for a better result.
9. Filtered Water Bottles
Water bottle filters are extremely popular and they have many benefits. They’re an affordable option if your emphasis is on finding a solution to provide yourself with clean drinking water not just in the home, but wherever you are. Some filter water bottles filter water as you drink, and some bottles filter water as you pour. However, both the water bottle filters have the same mechanism. Self-purifying water bottles have an active carbon lining, which releases a slight positive charge as well. Hence, all the heavy, negatively charged chlorine and metal particles are filtered out. The filter water bottle also helps in removing foul odors from the water.
10. Reverse Osmosis System
Reverse osmosis is a kind of filtration system more often used in large-scale organizations or industrial contexts than at homes. A reverse osmosis filter has a small membrane which filters out most contaminants and releases pure water. On the other hand, it does not remove any kind of bacteria or viruses.
11. Ceramic Water Filter
Ceramic water filters have millions of minute pores, which trap bacteria, microbes, and sediment. The filters also help remove chlorine, VOCs, heavy metals, and pesticides. Ceramic filters do need to be replaced relatively frequently, and people generally use them under the sink, directly on the line, and as countertop units.
Final Words
Drinking water is the basic necessity of our lives. The Drink Up campaign was launched by Michelle Obama in collaboration with the US Government and the Partnership for a Healthier America.
The Drink Up campaign was a social marketing campaign undertaken to encourage healthier behaviors and decrease the prevalence of childhood obesity by encouraging the US population to consume more water.