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