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The Dangers of Unfiltered Drinking Water

Most drinking water filters are still designed to remove odor and improve taste. But, more and more people are looking for a drinking water filter that will remove pesticides and other contaminants that resist the efforts of treatment facilities. As technology has advanced in the area of home or "point of use" treatment, it is now possible for practically anyone to afford a product that can do that.

Since the addition of chlorine by public utilities has removed the threat of most bacterial contaminants, the threat we now face is mostly chemical in nature. Typically, it is a threat to our long term health that is of concern. Almost all drinking water filters remove the chemical chlorine to some extent, but other contaminants may still be present.

Scientists and researchers agree that "prolonged exposure" to even low levels of chemical contaminants, which will pass EPA standards, increases the risk of heart disease and cancer. THMs, by-products of the chlorine disinfection process, have been linked to breast cancer, in numerous studies. You might think that a drinking water filter that removes chlorine would also block THMs, but that is usually not the case.

When you go to compare drinking water filters, you should look for product performance data sheets. They are required to be included with the company's other brochures in a few states. But, in the majority of the U.S., it is strictly voluntary.

For example, a drinking water filter manufacturer that does not operate in Massachusetts or California is not required to provide evidence of certified performance. If the company you are considering seems to be avoiding those states, then it's best to avoid that product.

Drinking water filter performance sheets will list chlorine, THMs, lead, MTBE, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides and other chemical contaminants that are causing problems around the country. Only the best drinking water filters can remove all of these and yet still be affordable.

Cryptosporidium cysts are another problem. A cyst is a stage of life of a parasite or other microscopic creature. It is similar to an egg, in that a hard shell surrounds the developing cell. Cysts are particularly resistant to chemical disinfection and can only be removed by a drinking water filter that includes a micron filtration stage combined with a carbon block.

If ingested, these cysts infect the digestive tract causing gastrointestinal illness with symptoms similar to what we usually call the "stomach flu". In children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, a cryptosporidium infection can cause death. Over 100 people who lacked drinking water filters in their homes died during an outbreak in Milwaukee several years ago.

Treatment facilities, no matter how advanced, cannot guarantee the absence of cryptosporidium, since it is resistant to chlorine disinfection. So, many health experts recommend a drinking water filter, particularly for young children, the sick and elderly.

The government is trying to protect us from the risk by requiring that reservoirs be protected from farm run-off, the biggest source of contamination. But, the only way to be truly safe is to invest in drinking water filters that are certified to remove at least 99% of all cysts. Though relatively inexpensive, they are of great value to your health.