Article By: Carlton Krumpfes

Many water industry experts, including Carlton Krumpfes, have exposed misconceptions held by consumers regarding bottled water. Many customers are misinformed by perceiving bottled water to be safer or healthier for people than ordinary tap water. Fact, bottled water batches have been recalled numerous times. The truth is neither tap-water nor bottled water is favorable for human consumption. At the Food and Drug Administration, only one person oversees the entire department responsible for bottled water. The FDA classifies water as a food and uses the same nutritional metrics which tell the consumer no relevant information regarding the water as the label consists of all zeroes. Pertinent information regarding the water we drink does exist such as: Total Dissolved Solids, PH Level, Minerals Present, Source and Date of Production.

Multi-national corporations like Nestle (the world’s largest owning ice mountain and perrier) have become known as “water hunters” as they dig holes all over the Earth like oil companies to exploit the Earth in the name of profit. Like oil the good is an inferior option, an unwise choice for consumers, and detrimental to the planet. Water bottles are made from (you guessed it) oil! If you really want to go green, give up bottled water today and do not buy a bottle again until our voices are heard.

The plastic water bottles are made from PETE also known as polyethylene terephthalate a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. Acetylhyde is a colorless volatile substance that can diffuse from the plastic water bottle at high temperatures and absorbed into the water. When bottled water leaves the factory acetylhyde is usually not present which the bottled water industry loves to tout. However, by the time consumers receive the bottled water, acetylhyde can be present due to high temperatures as semi-trucks travel through the desert to destinations.

In addition to the scary compound acetylhyde, antimony is also a catalyst in the production of plastic water bottles. The FDA recognizes antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) to be hazardous in levels exceeding six parts per billion. Trace amounts of the antimony toxic substance are present on all water bottles prior to being filled. Commentary published in Environmental Health Perspectives in April 2010 suggested that PETE might yield endocrine disruptors under conditions of common use. Mechanisms include leaching of phthalates as well as leaching of antimony.

Bottled water does not disclose the total dissolved solids or the PH level regarding the product we consume. Water with a PH level below seven is classified as acidic and above seven is alkaline. A number of water experts, including Carlton Krumpfes, recommend drinking water that is alkaline and has a PH level higher than seven. Alkaline water also known as kangen water will boost the immune system, benefit the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis, and can even help with weight loss.

Some water enthusiasts even claim that alkaline water slows the aging process. Almost all bottled water from Crystal Geyser to Ice Mountain and even Evian is acidic and potentially may be adversely impacting the health of their customers. Purchasing an alkalinizing reverse osmosis water purifier is a means of empowering one’s self to save money, help the environment, and drink the best water in the world.

http://www.bottledwaterboycott.com

As many proactive areas are learning, water quality goes beyond safe drinking water. The quality of the water in our communities and the quality of the World’s water are one in the same thanks to the water cycle

Below the Earth’s surface are watersheds that contain and control the flow and access to water underground. Watersheds also include lakes, rivers and ponds where water has either risen to the surface or sits upon a depression in the land. When we use indoor plumbing and stormwater sewers, we are funneling the “excess” water into watersheds. Although some is sent back to be reclaimed by water facilities, more often than not, water of poor quality is released back into nature. So what can you, the average consumer armed with a little environmental awareness, help?

First, what you put down the drain ends up somewhere, and that somewhere is your watershed. That means using non-toxic and biodegradable products in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room are very important.

The top offenders in no particular order are:

• Laundry detergent
• Dish and hand soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Feminine products
• Medicine

With a little environmental awareness and improved consumer choices, we can reduce the severe damage these items have on our water quality

The black abyss beneath the grates on the street lead somewhere, and that somewhere is your watershed again. Stormwater sewers are designed to help guide water to the lower parts of a watershed since asphalt and our built environment are not necessarily made to absorb rain. These drains lead often to wetlands that mitigate the flow and then on to the nearest body of water. You would be shocked to find what lays just beyond the stormwater sewer pipe. A graveyard of plastic along with other forms of litter and copious amounts of yard waste await you. Anything that is dumped in the street and is “magically” washed away ends up in these not so natural landfills. So do your watershed (and neighborhood) a favor and refrain from littering, dumping, or pushing your yard waste down street grates.

What can you do beyond consumer choices?

Participate in a local river or watershed clean-up. You can paddle down local streams, or trek alongside the stormwater drains to see just what an impact our industrialized society has upon Mother Nature. As a citizen, you can also support or start-up legislation to promote permeable surfaces for streets and sidewalks that can help absorb the water.

Don’t be fooled by Mother Nature though, she has some safeguards in place to help keep our waterways a little cleaner

Wetlands, although not common everywhere, tend to soak up dissolved toxins through plants such as Cattails. Watersheds in general can tolerate large fluxes in water naturally, so they can help absorb and redistribute the water. So when we direct all of our runoff water back to the lowest points, the lakes and rivers, Mother Nature is ready and waiting to whisk it away. That said, these toxins and pollutant have a source, and that source is our homes.

Through an increase in environmental awareness and a nudge from legislation, we can severely reduce poor water quality for not only us but for the World since we are all part of the same water cycle

With thanks to Just Means / Ethical Consumption

Bisphenol A’s most popular use is in Polycarbonate plastic, which is clear and nearly shatter-proof. It is used to make a variety of common products including baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical devices, CDs, and household electronics.

Studies show that bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor: it is an estrogen receptor agonist, which means the agonists can act like the body’s own hormones, leading to similar physiological effects on the body. A long term low dose exposure to bisphenol A may induce chronic toxicity in humans, and recent studies suggest it may also be linked to carcinogenic effects and produce precursors of breast cancer.

In 2007, a consensus statement by 38 experts on bisphenol A concluded that average levels in people are above those that cause harm to animals in laboratory experiments, and a panel convened by the U.S. National Institutes of Health determined that there was “some concern” about BPA’s effects on fetal and infant brain development and behavior.

What can you do to protect yourself from BPA?

1. Do not heat food or liquid in plastic, or store hot food or liquid in plastic containers – When such plastics are exposed to hot liquids, bisphenol A leaches out 55 times faster than it does under normal conditions, at up to 32 ng/hour

2. Do not use regular plastic baby bottles. Looks for glass (yes, they’re back) or BPA- free baby bottles AND nipples

3. Drink water from glass, or a BPA-free tested bottle

With thanks from Happy Hippy

Tap water:

It’s the cheapest and most readily available water. Some municipal tap water is fluoridated to help protect teeth from cavities, which is viewed as a health benefit by many and a health hazard by others. In the United States, tap water is closely monitored to meet federal safety standards, and is an inexpensive source of water. Most municipal tap water is relatively low in sodium, but if you use a home water softener the sodium content can go up significantly.

Bottled water:

You simply can’t beat the convenience of carrying a bottle of water with you wherever you go. But believe it or not, bottled water is really no different than the stuff that flows out of your faucet. In fact, many major bottled water manufacturers start with municipal tap water! Bottled water isn’t as highly regulated as municipal tap water systems, and some studies have shown that bottled water can contain more harmful bacteria than tap water. If you’re looking for water that comes from a natural spring, choose bottled water labeled “spring water.” In another funky labeling twist, “purified” water is simply water with all the minerals removed. This type of water isn’t necessarily better for us, it just tastes a bit different — and costs about three times more.

Want to know the hard truth about bottled water? Watch this

Mineralized water:

Mineral water must contain no less than 250 parts per million of total dissolved minerals that are naturally present, not artificially added. There is little health benefit to drinking mineral water, but some people prefer the taste. If you have a well, chances are you drink mineral water right from your tap!

Sparkling water is either naturally carbonated or has carbon dioxide added. Contrary to what you’ll hear, carbonation doesn’t cause cellulite or harm your health in any way except perhaps causing you to burp more often. Seltzer water and club soda technically aren’t sparkling water — they’re considered soft drinks and may contain added sugar or salt.

Flavored water:

Flavored waters are marketed to people who dislike the taste of plain water. Many contain sugar, sugar substitutes or artificial flavors, and the calorie content can vary significantly. Read labels carefully to choose calorie-free water, or add a twist of lemon or lime to your own tap water for a healthier taste-bud buzz.

With thanks to Your Total Health