The water you drink is one of the most important things to think about when it comes to your health. You want to make sure that you’re drinking water that is safe and clean, and that means taking some simple steps to make sure it is. Here are four ways to do just that.
Install A Water Filtration System
There are many different types of water filtration systems out there, and all of them are designed to make the water you drink in your home safe. Some take care of sediment, while others remove chlorine or other harsh chemicals. If you get the right water consultation, you can be advised as to whether to get a whole-house system installed that treats every drop that goes into your home or smaller options like under-the-sink or counter-top models that make showering and bathing safer as well. Here’s how they work:
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective types of water filtration, and it’s what you’ll find in most whole-house systems. It can remove a wide range of contaminants, including lead, arsenic, chlorine, and bacteria. It works by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane that filters out the impurities.
Activated Carbon Filter
An activated carbon filter is another good choice for filtration, and it’s often used in smaller systems like counter-top or under-the-sink models. It removes chlorine, pesticides, and other chemicals from the water that can affect taste and odor, making it safe for you to drink.
Ultraviolet Light Filter
Ultraviolet light filters use ultraviolet light in a special chamber in order to kill any bacteria in the water that makes it through the filtration process. This is a good choice for people who are worried about water-borne diseases, and it’s also effective in killing Cryptosporidium and Giardia, two types of parasites that can cause stomach problems.
Use Bottled Water
If you’re not comfortable with the water that comes out of your taps, or if you’re traveling and don’t want to take the chance of drinking something that might not be safe, you can always rely on bottled water. It’s a good idea to keep a few bottles of water in your car or backpack for emergencies, and you can also buy bottled water for use at home. Just make sure that the bottles are from a reputable source and that the seals haven’t been broken. Here’s how to find the right kind of bottled water:
- Bottled water with the NSF International certification mark on it has been tested and meets strict guidelines with regard to contaminants that can be present in drinking water. These bottles also show you where the water came from and how it was treated for impurities. And they give a number, like “NSF 53,” which lets you know what type of contaminants the filter removes.
- Some types of bottled water, have a plastic label on them. These labels are made with BPA, a chemical that can leach into the water and has been linked to health problems like cancer and infertility. So if you’re looking for bottled water, try to find one with a paper label instead.
- Bottled water that has been heated can lose some of its beneficial minerals. So if you’re looking for a healthy option, try to find cold-pressed bottled water or spring water instead.
Boil Your Water
If you’re not sure whether the water coming out of your taps is safe to drink, you can always boil it for a few minutes to kill any bacteria or parasites that might be present.
To boil water safely, use a stovetop or electric kettle. Place the water in the pot or kettle and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for a few minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool down before drinking.
Add Chlorine Bleach To Tap Water
You can use chlorine bleach to purify water from your taps, but be careful when using it. Chlorine bleach usually contains a combination of chlorine and ammonia, two dangerous chemicals that can cause serious health problems if you breathe in or ingest them. So follow these important safety precautions:
- Always use a dropper to add the bleach to your water, and never use a sprayer. You can find these at your local hardware store or drug store, but make sure you read the directions carefully before you use them.
- Only use chlorine bleach that contains sodium hypochlorite. You can buy this in bulk at your local hardware store. Make sure it contains between four and six percent sodium hypochlorite.
- Keep bleach away from any other cleaning agents or chemicals—they could react and cause a toxic gas to be released.
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to make sure that the water you drink is safe. There are a number of ways to do this, but the four methods described above are a good place to start. So whether you’re at home or on the go, make sure that you always have access to safe drinking water.
Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash.
