Is your drinking water safe?

Though we all know our bodies need water to survive, it’s easy to forget just HOW important it is to our health.

Equally important is the issue of water safety. Recently, a few very concerning reports came out about the amount of toxins in water all over the United States. In this report, researchers from Harvard’s School of Public Health and the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences found that levels of a certain class of chemicals, specifically polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl (or PFASs) — were found to be well above what’s recommended by the federal government in many public drinking water sources.

Results actually revealed that more than 6 million Americans are drinking water laced with unsafe levels of chemicals linked with cancer and other illnesses. Not only that, the authors believe this number could actually be more than 10x higher due to the fact that a third of the country doesn’t have any data.

This report shows another toxin, chromium 6 (think Erin Brockovich), is found in levels above the legal limit in California. So it just goes to show you that it is important to drink properly filtered water – not only when drinking water during the day but when using water for tea and soups as well.

What are the cleanest/safest sources of water?
Information like this can feel very overwhelming, which is why it’s important to tackle things one step at a time. You can start by addressing where your drinking water is coming from and how to minimize your risk of toxicity. We highly recommend drinking only water that has been properly filtered.

1) Home water filter system: We often get asked for a water filter recommendation. In the past, we have been hesitant to recommend one because we weren’t able to find one that “checked most of our requirement boxes.” However, after doing research and learning more, this is the one we highly recommend. The black filter (not ceramic) are the way to go. Choose the size you want based on your household size and estimated use.

2) Portable infusers: Consider getting a water infuser like Epic or a table top like Pur. 

3) Water bottle containers: We strongly suggest moving away from disposable plastic water bottles. Not only are they bad for the environment, but they contain chemicals that can leach into the water. Better options include stainless steel or glass water bottles (many of them now come with a protective cover if you are concerned with the glass).

Let us know: do you have concerns about your drinking water? Are you ready to give up your plastic water bottles for glass or stainless steel?

Believe it or not, something as simple as the cleanliest of your water can not only affect your health but your weight, too. Learn about 5 simple weight loss strategies that have nothing to do with diets right here.