Instant Hot and Cold Water Filtration

Most people know that our bodies are made up of 70% water, our brains are almost 80% water (I think my stockbroker’s brain is 100% water). Clean healthy water is the backbone of a healthy lifestyle. So how much attention should we pay to what’s in the water that we drink and cook with? The answer might surprise you.

Charles C. Johnson Jr, Assistant Surgeon General of the United States said it best

" Everything that man himself injects into the biosphere - chemical, biological or physical - can ultimately find its way into the earth's water. And these contaminants must be removed, by nature or by man, before that water is again potable"

The Role of The Government

On March 9th, 2007 the House of Representatives passed a water quality bill that authorizes the Federal Government to provide $20 billion in loans for water-pollution-abatement projects to assist communities in meeting water quality goals. Why is this important? In some areas of the country, our local municipalities are using sewer systems that were built over 100 years ago, some even go as far back as to when Abraham Lincoln was president!

Many cities often have periodic jumps in contaminant levels when they internally test their water, indicating that the obsolete plumbing and water treatment facilities still used are not adequate to handle contaminant spills. Once a spike is detected you hope that immediate action is taken to protect our water, but this is not the case at all. Spikes above the EPA's standards don’t always spark action, instead the average water quality level is taken over a period of time and if this average is acceptable, it is not considered a violation.

For the most part the water you get to your tap is acceptable by your local municipalities standards. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the amount of pollutants that are allowed to find its way into our water supply. But what is an acceptable amount of pollutants that are allowed in the water we drink and cook with every day? What’s acceptable to the Federal Government may not be acceptable to you.

There is much research available that suggests our water is not as safe as we would like. Since the 1970s when sampling for contaminants began to rise, literally hundreds of man made chemicals have been identified in not only groundwater but in our drinking water supplies.

Where are the Contaminants coming from?

The discovery of chemical contaminants in drinking water can be directly attributed to many sources, including the improper disposal of household products and cleaning solvents, poorly designed and maintained land-fills, old dilapidated underground storage tanks, discharge from commercial businesses and industries, and increased pesticide use from farms and agro-business during the past 50 years.

Numerous studies show that tap water can contain numerous contaminants, most common being, lead, pathogens, pesticides, harmful by-products from chlorine treatment, arsenic, radon, and even toxic chemicals are being detected. Right now you might be thinking about the last water municipality report that was sent to you. It paints a completely different picture. So what’s the truth? If you choose to do research on your own, you will find a answers to the question "how safe is my drinking water" that range from Warning: Do Not Drink…Ever!, to The Best Water On The Planet! And everything in between

Trust, But Verify

Damon Runyon said it first, but Ronald Reagan may have said it best, "Trust but Verify" If you are at all unsure about the quality of your water you can take action, get your water tested regularly at an independent laboratory. Many universities will perform this service for no or very low cost, there are also services available around the country where you can send your water for independent testing. Of course these tests will do nothing to help you measure the periodic spikes in contaminants found in water. The other alternative is point of use water filtration.

Filtered Hot and Cold Water Dispensers

There are many hundreds of products available to abate the concerns of water quality in our home. Most simple among them is a filtered water dispenser installed right at the point of use, your kitchen sink. The convenience of these systems is unsurpassed by any appliance in the home. Cool filtered drinking water from one handle and water heated to 200º for cooking from the other, instant hot and cold water dispensers are becoming more and more common in the home. Easy to install and use, the convenience, elegance and peace of mind these systems provide will quickly turn it into one of your most important home appliances.