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<\/span><\/p>\nThere are many reasons for dirty drinking water. An aging infrastructure can contribute to the problem. Old lead plumbing pipes or joints can leach a good deal of lead into the water system, or those same pipes may develop cracks underground.<\/p>\n
Areas heavy in agriculture are often subject to huge amounts of herbicides and insecticides in their ground water as well as possible contamination from animal feces and by-products. Manufacturing, industrial areas and mining concerns may infuse chemicals into the water supply.<\/p>\n
Health Effects of Drinking Contaminated Water<\/h2>\n
A common sign that you may have had some bad water is cramping in the belly and bowels. Frequently, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea may develop after ingestion of contaminated water. Headaches and fatigue brought on by dehydration (yes, water can dehydrate you) and even death can result from bad water.<\/p>\n
Here are some common contaminants and the symptoms they can have on human health.<\/p>\n
| \n Viruses<\/strong> – Aadenovirus, Astrovirus, Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, Norovirus, Caliciviruses, Enteroviruses, Coxsackieviruses and Polio<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Microbial Pathogens<\/strong> \u2013 Hepatitis A, Salmonella, E. Coli, Coliform, Legionella Pneumophila, Giardia Lamblia, Campylobacter Jejuni<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Parasites<\/strong><\/p>\n Arsenic<\/strong><\/p>\n Lead<\/strong><\/p>\n Fluoride<\/strong><\/p>\n Radon <\/strong><\/p>\n Dioxin<\/strong><\/p>\n Radium<\/strong><\/p>\n Nitrates<\/strong><\/p>\n Pharmaceuticals<\/strong> – Commonly include beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, anti-depressants, diet pills and heavy drugs like Hydrocodone and Oxycodone<\/p>\n Herbicides<\/strong><\/p>\n Pesticides <\/strong><\/p>\n Chlorine<\/strong><\/p>\n Petrochemicals<\/strong> – Waste products from industrial sites, manufacturing plants, fire training areas, wastewater treatment facilities<\/p>\n Fecal Matter<\/strong><\/p>\n Many of these symptoms can be easily mistaken for stomach flu, a common cold, or the latest bug. But the problem needs to be taken seriously and treated quickly. Symptoms can run from two to ten days if the source is removed and treatment is undertaken, but if ignored, several of them can bring death in as few as 12-18 hours. Be sure to see a medical professional if symptoms include bloody diarrhea or urine, loss of consciousness, or dehydration.<\/p>\n As you can see from the list of symptoms and suspected elements, some of these contaminates slowly cause problems that can lead to serious health issues or even premature death down the road. With continued exposure, people can build up toxic levels of many of these contaminants in a short time.<\/p>\n Water is not health neutral. It is a basic necessity of sustaining life. People who are regularly treated to the pleasure of fresh, clean drinking water enjoy several health benefits. First of all is the taste, in fact, in some small towns in Idaho, the water is so clean, you can actually taste it. The chlorine levels are minimal and undetectable and naturally occurring minerals give the water a sweet, refreshing flavor.<\/p>\n Clean water provides the human body with not only refreshment but also critical hydration. The adult human body is up to 60 percent water. The brain itself is nearly 73 percent water. That is probably why when you get dehydrated one of the first things to go is your critical thinking.<\/p>\n The heart is also 73 percent water, and studies suggest that people who regularly drink a couple of glasses of water at bedtime are much less likely to experience a heart attack or stroke in their sleep. Your skin is your largest organ and requires a good amount of water to stay plump and to flush out toxins and impurities.<\/p>\n In fact, it is recommended that you drink eight 8-oz glasses of water each day for optimum health. Now can you imagine the effect that may have on your body if the water is contaminated?<\/p>\n Drinking two glasses of ice water first thing in the morning will jump-start your metabolism. However, we caution against throwing ice cubes in every drink you have during the day. Your body will use more energy to warm the liquid up to usable temperature than the water can provide, and you will actually not be getting the benefit you are drinking it for in the first place. Cool from the tap is about right for optimum absorption.<\/p>\n The EPA can send you a water test kit if you are concerned about your tap or well. If it tests high in certain elements, a decent water filter<\/a> can remove a good deal of the micro-contaminants right at your tap. You can also find filters that fit your refrigerator\u2019s water dispenser and ice maker.<\/p>\n Running cold water a few minutes before using will help to clear the lead out of water that has been sitting in the pipes. (Heat makes it worse.) Unless you have copper pipes, always fill a pot with cold water and bring to a boil on the stove to reduce levels of lead.<\/p>\n Research bottled water brands to determine whether they contain arsenic or fluoride. Purified water is safe, but may have chlorine and has virtually no minerals left in it so you may see \u201cminerals added to enhance taste\u201d on the label. Natural spring water usually tastes the best and is safer to drink.<\/p>\n |
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