As a water treatment company, we spend a lot of time reading and learning about water issues all over the world. It’s heartbreaking to consider the millions of people in other countries who are forced to deal with grossly contaminated water every single day and have no possible way to obtain clean drinking water. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we are sometimes amazed at parts of our own nation where an abundance of water simply bubbles up from mountain springs. Meanwhile, here in California, we have our own issues with drought, water shortages, contamination, and disinfection. All in all, however, I’m very thankful to live here in the U.S.A. where clean water is very much the norm and our municipal water treatment systems are committed to healthy water.
However, even we tax-paying, law-abiding are overburdening our water treatment systems, simply by living – and living healthy! Many of us, especially as we age, will be taking more medications – cholesterol-reducing drugs, hormone-balancing drugs, arthritis drugs, and so forth. And, even before that point in our lives, it was birth control pills, mood altering medications, and sun screen. Even when used correctly, these products eventually end up in the ground water. Unfortunately, the medicines don’t stay in the ground, they come back in our drinking water, and goodness knows, I don’t need the neighbor lady’s estrogen!
The trouble is, even as good as our water treatment plants are, they are not equipped to filter out every single type of pharmaceutical contaminant. Pharmaceuticals come in every size of molecule and base compound. If they have a large molecule, great, they will be blocked by the existing filters. If not, then we need to worry about adding another layer of filtration. Or, if they have an organic carbon base, then the chlorine that is used to disinfect our water could create a dangerous disinfection byproduct.
Every five years, the EPA creates a new list of up to 30 compounds that previously had no drinking water standards. Five years, however, is a long time as new medications, skin creams, and chemicals are rolling out on a daily basis. And, even after that list is compiled, they must determine how much is too much, create mandates for cities to follow, and then cities must find the funding to monitor and treat the contaminants.
So, while they are compiling their lists and checking them twice, what will you do about your water? We think adding a last line of defense such as a home water filter is the best plan. Many of our customers have come to love our reverse osmosis drinking water systems, the RWI Water Systems drinking water system, and our bottleless water coolers.
We are often in the Bonsall, Carlsbad, Del Mar, and Encinitas neighborhoods, so if you are ready for some water consumer confidence, give us a call! Our drinking water systems are affordable for lease or purchase.
