Facts about NYC Tap Water, Bottled Water, and Water Filtration

Jan. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- New York has long been known to have one of the best municipal water systems in the country. Many residents fearlessly consume and cook with the water straight from the tap. Some New Yorkers shun the 'stigma' of tap water and choose to drink bottled water believing that it is cleaner, purer water - perhaps taken straight from a mountain spring. It may come as a surprise to these people that upon turning the bottle from it's pretty mountain scene to the fine print on the back they find that the water inside the bottle actually comes from a municipal water source.

So which is better... tap water, bottled water or water filtration? Here are some facts to help you decide which is the most healthly water available.

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NYC TAP WATER

Many people drink it regularly because they do not know what it contains and what effects it can have on their health.

FACT:      In November 2010, just a couple of months ago, the DEP (Department of Enviornmental Protection) issued a tap water warning for lead.  The 2010 routine samplings of NYC tap water found  show an increase in the number of samples containing above 15 parts per billion (ppb), the EPA standard for lead in water. Whenever more than 10 percent of the samples exceed 15 ppb, EPA (Enviornmental Protection Agency) requires public notification by the water supplier.

Lead poisoning as defined by Mayo Clinic: "Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over a period of months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children under the age of 6 are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal."

FACT:      If you drink NYC Tap Water there is a good chance you will be exposed to Cryptosporidium and/or Giardi. Cryptosporidium was found in over 80% of Kensico Reservoir water samples tested by the DEP. Giardi Cysts were found in 50% of New Croton Reservoir samples. Cryptosporidium and Giardi are protozoan pathogens which can cause intestinal infections and illness.

FACT:     NYC water is Fluoridated. Fluoride is a controversial additive. Some believe that this additive helps prevent tooth decay; others believe that fluoride contributes to a wide range of health problems such as heart disease. FACT: Fluoride is more poisnous than lead.

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FACT:     Chlorine is added to NYC water supply as a disinfectant. Chlorine is used to combat microbial contamination, but it can react with organic matter in the water and form dangerous, carcinogenic Trihalomethanes. Would you drink the water from your pool?
A number of research studies draw links between long-term consumption of chlorinated drinking water and an increased risk of colon and bladder cancer. There is also growing concern about the long-term health implications of chlorine intake. Another study links chlorine intake to a significant increase in the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women who drank five or more glasses of unfiltered tap water a day

FACT:     There are copepods, tiny crustaceans invisible to the naked eye, in NYC Tap Water. While these crustaceans may not pose a health threat... do you really want to drink in these tiny creatures? According to the Department of Environmental Protection, extracting the creatures isn't possible, claiming that they deliver health benefits to water reservoirs - such as feeding on mosquito larva. "When it comes to delivery, if there is a spike and you are not comfortable with what you see in your water, all we can recommend is a commercial filter, which will effectively filter them out," said DEP spokesman Charles Sturcken. BTW... these crustaceans are not Kosher.

FACT:     There are prescription drugs and other personal use products present in NYC tap water. While NYC.gov advises that the amounts found are not a health concern - you decide for yourself if you want to consume a small amount of prescription drugs with every sip you take... here is a list of what has been found in NYC tap water - Provided by NYC.GOV:

Acetaminophen: antipyretic, nonprescription drug

Butalbital: barbiturate, pain reliever, prescription drug

Caffeine: stimulant

Carbamazepine: anticonvulsant, prescription drug

Cis-Testosterone: reproductive hormone

Cotinine: nicotine metabolite

DEET: insect repellent

Diazepam: antianxiety/insomnia, prescription drug

Estrone: reproductive hormone

Gemfibrozil: antihyperlipidemic, prescription drug

Ibuprofen: anti-inflammatory, nonprescription drug

Lasalocid: antibiotic

Nicotine: stimulant, alkaloid

Paraxanthine: stimulant, caffeine metabolite

Progesterone: reproductive hormone

Sulfamethoxazole: antibiotic


BOTTLED WATER

So perhaps the facts about tap water have confirmed what you expected all along and you are feeling proud to be a bottled water consumer.... here are some facts about bottled water for you to consider...

FACT:    40% of bottled water is actually water from a municipal source... aka tap water (SEE ABOVE)

FACT:    Bottled water contains BPA (Bis phenol A). BPA is a chemical compound found in some hard, clear, lightweight plastics and resins. It's used in the production of various types of food and drink containers including the water bottles.

In a study published in September 2008 in the Journal of the American Medical
Association, adults with higher BPA levels in their urine were linked to higher risks
for heart disease and diabetes. According to USA TODAY: Other Health Risks Associated With BPA in Rodents include: Breast Cancer, Hyperactivity, Sperm Defects, Prostate Cancer & Disease, Impaired Immune Function, Impaired Reproductive Development

In January 2010 the FDA finally shifted their stance on BPA and has classified BPA as a "chemical of concern". The FDA is encouraging the public to limit their
exposure to this chemical. This is a direct quote from the official government update on Bisphenol-A: "... FDA is supporting reasonable steps to reduce human exposure to BPA, including actions by industry and recommendations to consumers on food preparation."


FACT:    The price of bottled water is up to 10,000 times the cost of tap water.


WATER FILTRATION

Filtered water is water that undergoes some form, or multiple forms of filtering. Something that consumers need to consider is that their filtered water is only as good as the filtration system they are utilizing. For example - a single filter system will only remove certain types of substances from the water.

FACT:    The only way to ensure true, pure water is to utilize a multi-stage filtration system. The different types of filters are responsible for removing specific types of contaminants.

FACT:    Water filtration systems can be used to fill stainless steel containers with filtered water for drinking while away from your home. The savings over buying bottled water can be more than enough to justify a water filtration system.

FACT:    Water filtration not only provides cleaner water for drinking but also for washing fruits and vegetables, cooking and preparing mixed beverages, oatmeals, soups, etc.

When considering all of the facts presented by reputable agencies and government bodies the right choice is the obvious choice. These facts are not speculation or opinon and each can be researched individually to prove their validity.

Pure Planet Waters provides NYC residents with  top of the line multi stage home filtration systems which utilize pre & post carbon filtration, TCR, reverse osmosis and UV technology to eliminate all of the harmful contaminants in NYC tap water. visit http://www.pureplanetwaters.com or call 718-676-7900 for more information.

Now you have some facts. The choice is yours.

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Contact Pure Planet Waters today for your absolutely free tap water quality test. Call toll free 1-888-NO BOTTLES for your free tap water test.