UNTAPPING CLEAN DRINKING WATER |
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(NAPSI)-Keeping drinking water safe has been a top priority in the U.S. for decades. Still, researchers have found traces of pharmaceuticals in the drinking water of 41 million Americans. While the contaminants do not necessarily put people at risk, some experts have called them cause for concern, and they say that many contemporary wastewater treatment plant systems (WWTPs) were not intended or designed to accommodate these materials and many others. For instance, some water contains Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs). EDCs are harmful chemicals that have an adverse effect on living organisms. PCBs and DDT are two of the most commonly known examples, but this class of chemicals also includes pesticides, solvents, pharmaceuticals, refrigerants, herbicides and certain metals like arsenic and mercury. Tracking Health Effects Generally, all people have traces of some hazardous chemicals in their bodies; however, doctors say that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of low-level exposure on humans, since many studies have focused on the damaging effects of EDCs on wildlife. Keeping Your Water Clean One new technology, the Clean Water Scientific, Inc. AquaClens at Home, is designed specifically to rid tap water of EDCs and other compounds through a patented process using UV and ozone technology. It works by transferring oxygen or ozone into the water through the use of micron-sized bubbles. That process helps remove contaminants and purify the water. The units can be installed in homes or used commercially and could help improve the overall water quality of your home and business. The Bottle Debate So is bottled water the way to go? Many Americans drink the water, assuming it is cleaner or safer than most tap water, but the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reports that’s not always the case. The group tested 103 brands of bottled water. Most were found to be of high quality, but about a third contained levels of contamination. The NRDC says bottled water regulations are inadequate to guarantee purity or safety. For example, bottled water is required to be tested less frequently than city tap water for bacteria and chemical contaminants, meaning that for many people, it may be best to stick with the tap. For more information, visit www.cleanwaterscientific.com. New technologies can help purify tap water. |
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