| A recent report from the U.S. Center for | | | | including nausea, headaches, and anemia. Yet, |
| Disease Control(CDC) states, "Drinking water | | | | there are ways to reduce lead intake. Run |
| supplies in the United States are among the | | | | water before use (it builds up in some metal |
| safest in the world." According to the CDC | | | | pipes as the water sits). Do not use hot |
| very few deaths can be attributed to | | | | water from the tap for drinking or cooking. |
| waterborne illnesses in the United States. | | | | Use a water filtration system. |
| Yet the CDC admits, cases still arise, 31 | | | | |
| outbreaks occurred in one recent year alone. | | | | Chemicals are typically added to water at |
| Over 1000 illnesses were attributed to bad | | | | treatment plants. These include chlorine and |
| drinking water and even seven deaths in that | | | | fluorine. It is known that these chemicals |
| same year. | | | | kill many or most of the bacteria and viruses |
| | | | that may be found in ground water. But many |
| The CDC takes efficient and thorough steps to | | | | question what effect chlorine and fluorine |
| ensure clean drinking water for the United | | | | might have on human health. The thought is |
| States. Even so, individuals are cautioned to | | | | that chlorine may react with substances in |
| rely on their own intelligence and common | | | | the water that might have a negative effect |
| sense in securing clean and healthy drinking | | | | on the human system. Here again water |
| water. Over 15% of Americans still rely on | | | | filtration might be in order. |
| private wells and are responsible for testing | | | | |
| and maintaining their own water purity. A | | | | As noted in the CDC report, U.S. water is |
| large number of older homes are also known to | | | | among the safest in the world. Most people |
| have used lead based solder to connect copper | | | | can drink water in a restaurant or from the |
| piping. In many of these older systems lead | | | | tap while visiting someone's home. However, |
| seeps into individual water supplies. | | | | for drinking and bathing in water on a daily |
| | | | basis a whole house water filter is |
| Ingesting lead can have deleterious effects | | | | recommended by many experts. For plain |
| especially for children. Lead poisoning can | | | | drinking water reverse osmosis filtration is |
| cause a reduction in IQ, and retarded | | | | thought to be the method that achieves the |
| physical and mental development. It can | | | | highest purity levels, although it may be too |
| manifest itself in a host of symptoms | | | | slow for some applications. |