Ways to Save Your Family From Toxic Water

According to a recent analysis of EPA data, 21 power plants in 10 different states including Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio have dumped arsenic into rivers and other bodies of water. Records show that power plant landfills have polluted the ground water with toxic chemicals in more than a dozen states. While we have seen a huge increase in the number of people drinking bottled water, this does not insure that your family is protected. Plastic bottles can leach chemicals into the water if they are left in the sun or used multiple times. You can, however, take steps to protect your family.

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1. Get a Municipal water report.

This report must be made available to you by law. This report will show what levels of lead, nitrates and nitrites are in your water. The report will also show what percentage levels are acceptable. When human and animal waste come into contact with water, they show up as nitrates and nitrites. Fertilizer use, run off from chemicals, and erosion may also contribute to higher levels of these potentially toxic substances. The report should also show if there are any levels of mercury, arsenic, and cyanide.

2. Conduct a water safe test in your house.

Even if the source of your water appears to be pure, you will need to test the water in your house to insure that it remains pure. The test will screen for bacteria, lead, ecoli, chlorine, pesticides,nitrates, and nitrites. Even if your water is too high in acidity, this can cause corrosion in your pipes which may cause lead to leach out into your water supply. The home test is very inexpensive and easy to conduct.

3. Use Carbon filtering systems to filter your water

The carafe system is one of the least expensive methods for filtering your drinking water. You may also install a filter on your faucet. Most of these are simple screw on installations and do not require a plumber.

4. Use Carbon Filtering systems to purify your bath water

Most people are aware of the need to protect their children from possibly toxic water, but bath water is often overlooked. Clean bath water is especially important for young children. Bathing in warm water opens up the pores which allows chemicals to get absorbed through the skin. You can purchase an easily attachable shower filter for very little money. You can also add a carbon filtering system to the entire house. This,of course, is a more expensive option.