How safe is your water????

Over eight BILLION gallons of bottled  H2O were consumed in 2006, but more and more bottled water is coming under scrutiny....is it really healthier than tap water?  According to many environmental experts, bottled water is the scam of the century, being no better regulated than tap water and certainly no safer, despite the clever marketing employed by some companies.

Some bottled water really does come from pristine sources, but over 25% comes from a municipal supply.  Aquafina and Nestle will begin reporting on their labels this year that the water is from municipal sources. Dasani acknowleges on its website but not its label that its water is local.  Labels can be misleading or downright deceptive in many cases.  Most people are aware of the nutritional importance of remaining well-hydrated, but since bottlers are not legally required to disclose the source on the label most people are surprised to find out that they are drinking glorified tapwater.

In addition to overpaying for something they could get from their taps, some bottled water may be downright hazardous to consumers.  The Natural Resources Defense Council a non-profit organization has found that at least one third of tested brands contained bacteria or chemical contaminants including carcinogens, in levels exceeding state or industry standards.  Since a report in 1999, no major regulatory or labeling changes have been made and bottlers have not altered their procedures.  The NDRC found that a few brands were contaminated with phthalates, which disrupt the endocrine system, meaning they block or mimic hormones having far reaching impact on our genetic health, and the body's normal functions.  There are also concerns regarding the constant exposure to plastic bottles to human beings as well as to our planet.  So what is a consumer to do?

Get a copy of your water quality report once a year from your local water utility company.  Look for the overall passing grade and also that contaminants have not exceeded maximum levels even for a short time.  If you have well water get tit tested annually.  For more information, visit the EPA's safe-drinking-water.org.  Carry your drinking water in a reusable stainless steel container. Two to try are: Klean Kanteen, and New Wave Enviro. Think twice about the office water cooler, if it's made of polycarbonate it can leach a chemical called BPA which causes neurological problems among other things.  Shop smart: find out where the bottled water source was, where it was bottled and exactly what is in it, avoid drinking plastic bottled water that has been subjected to high temperatures...such as your car, use glass when possible, such as Eden Springs, Voss, Perrier or San Pelegrino.