How Safe Is America’s Drinking Water Supply?
By James Bickerton, published May 26, 2024https://www.newsweek.com/drinking-water-how-safe-america-cyber-attacks-china-russia-iran-1904450 Environmental Protection Agency’s stark warning this week warned the threat to the United States’ supply of drinking water is increasing, with infrastructure targeted by hackers linked to the Chinese, Iranian and Russian governments. Is our water safe? The May 20 alert said that more than 70 percent of the water systems inspected by the EPA failed to meet basic security requirements set out in the Safe Drinking Water Act, with inspectors finding “alarming cybersecurity vulnerabilities at drinking water systems across the country.” Read more…
People Are Tossing Their Seltzer After This Disturbing Study
https://www.thekitchn.com/seltzer-water-forever-chemicals-study-23656399 By Kiersten Hickman, Published April 30, 2024 We see it time and time again. A new study is released about the food we regularly consume or the items we use — like pesticide residue on produce or microplastic particles in our cutting boards — and consumers freak out. Should they stop eating strawberries? Replace their cutting boards? Now, sparkling water has come into question after a study that found the bubbly favorite contains “forever chemicals” has resurfaced. Back in 2020, Consumer Reports conducted a study to test the PFAS levels in 47 different bottles of water, 12 of which were carbonated samples. Many of those carbonated samples, including Poland Spring and Topo Chico, had traces of PFAS in them, ranging from 1 part per trillion (ppt) to around 10 ppt. Known as “forever chemicals” because they are nearly indestructible, PFAS — short for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances — are able to withstand water, oil, grease, and heat. They’re typically used in food packaging, but can also be found in cooking appliances and electronics (even our water-resistant rain gear). Traces can be found in the water we drink, given the ways these chemicals seep into our natural resources through landfills, sewer dumps, and more. So yes, these chemicals can be found in our sparkling water, but they’re also found in a variety of other items we use on the daily. The concern with PFAS that’s causing frantic debate and reactions from consumers has to do with the potential outcome these chemicals can have on our long-term health. Some peer-reviewed research has linked PFAS with increased risk of cancers, developmental effects on children, reproductive issues such as fertility, and interference on the body’s immune system, hormones, and cholesterol levels. Because of this, the Biden-Harris Administration recently announced a national drinking water standard to cap the maximum contaminant levels to 4 ppt. Should Consumers Be Worried About Seltzer? Although there are some studies that have linked PFAS to increased risk of chronic diseases and interference with the body’s immune system and hormones, the truth is that research is still ongoing and there’s not enough evidence to make concrete claims — especially when it comes to low-level exposure of PFAS, such as drinking sparkling water. In reality, PFAS are present in almost everything we touch or consume. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS can be present in our water, soil, air, and, yes, our food. Some of the most common materials containing traces of PFAS include drinking water, food packaging, fire extinguishing foam, household cleaning products, stain-resistant clothing, hygienic products (like shampoo and dental floss), non-stick cookware, and any food that has been exposed to water or livestock contaminated by PFAS, like fish or dairy products. Sometimes even the air we breathe can contain PFAS. This particular study by Consumer Reports refers to the guidelines of The Environmental Working Group, which consider consuming more than 1 ppt of PFAS to be dangerous, while the USDA’s limit is 70 ppt. According to the USDA, at 70 ppt or lower “no adverse health effects are anticipated to occur.” These particular guidelines can vary from state to state. But if you want to focus on drinking sparkling waters with lower levels of PFAs, you can find the list of carbonated brands with PFAs under 1 ppt in the original Consumer Reports study.
Scientists Find Alarming Amount of Plastic in Bottled Water
Scientist find an alarming amount of plastic in bottled water. Watch the new video…
Why Does Some Water Taste Better Than Others?
To get to the bottom of water flavors, you need a basic understanding of different water sources. Here are the main types of drinking water you may encounter and the factors that affect the flavor for each one.
Shower With Vitamin C to Neutralize Chlorine
Our skin is our largest organ. We absorb more toxins thru our skin than anything else.
It has been found that the chemical structure of Vitamin C has the ability to react with the chlorine that is contained in the water we shower with, creating a non-harmful mild hydrochloric acid, which then provides a mild acidic clean water that is ideal for your hair and skin development. Vitamin C is a vital nutrient when…
Alkaline Water – A Brand New Kind of Water, Or Is It?
Alkaline water seems to be in the news everyday. One celebrity is endorsing this brand of alkaline water, or only drinks that kind of alkaline water, or just invested in a new alkaline water business, or has started a new alkaline water company, etc. etc. etc. Latest news has been a Royal only asks for a certain type of alkaline water. If a Royal is doing it, then shouldn’t we all?…
Brita Water Filter Company Accused of False Advertising
A lawsuit filed against the maker of some of the nation’s most popular water filtration systems has accused the Brita company of falsely advertising that its products remove or reduce hazardous contaminants from tap water.
The proposed class-action lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that deceptive advertising has led customers to falsely believe that Brita products filter such contaminants as arsenic, nitrate, hexavalent chromium and certain PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” from tap water.
Brita is owned by Clorox Co., which is headquartered in Oakland. Clorox released a…
Blue Jug of Waco is Sponsoring the 18th Annual Central Texas Turkey Trot
Interested in joining Blue Jug of Waco for the 18th Annual Turkey Trot??? Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/99267/Sponsor/470410
Is Alkaline Water Better Than Plain Water?
The human body comprises approximately 60% water. It’s vitally important, as every cell needs water to function properly, per the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Beyond maintaining the body’s hydration levels, drinking water also helps to flush toxins and waste products from the body, lubricate the joints, produce saliva, and control the body’s temperature, says the USGS. According to the…
A Growing Drinking Water Crisis Threatens American Cities and Towns
Residents of Jackson, Miss., recently experienced a week without reliable water service. And an advisory to boil any water that does flow from faucets in that capital city of 150,000 people has been in place since late July. This is just some of the alarming drinking-water-related news that has surfaced as summer winds down in the U.S. Other reports have told of arsenic in tap water in a New York City….