Tag: Water contamination

Over a billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, making proper water sourcing and treatment paramount for global health. The misconception that 'still' water is unsafe is widespread, but the reality is much more nuanced: clean, properly stored still water is perfectly healthy, while stagnant, untreated water poses significant health hazards due to microbial growth and contaminants.

According to a 2022 survey, four in ten Americans distrust their tap water. This distrust leads many to question why do some people not drink tap water, opting instead for bottled or filtered alternatives despite the cost and environmental impact.

According to the World Health Organization, contaminated water causes millions of diarrhoeal deaths each year globally. To avoid this serious risk, it is crucial to know how to tell if water is healthy, and simple home tests can reveal potential issues with your tap water.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), millions of Americans are exposed to heavy metals in their drinking water, often without knowing it. This raises a critical question for many: is tap water full of metals? The reality is nuanced, with contamination levels varying widely based on location and the infrastructure delivering your water.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 2 billion people worldwide live in water-stressed countries, with microbial contamination being a major risk factor for waterborne diseases. This highlights the critical importance of understanding if it is safe to drink still water, a question that depends heavily on the water's source and storage conditions.

Technically, pure water never expires, but the plastic bottle it comes in can degrade over time. Most bottled water companies print a 'best by' date, typically two years from production, to ensure optimal taste and quality, though the water may remain safe far beyond that if stored correctly. However, improper storage can lead to an undesirable taste or even potential contamination.

According to the EPA, iron has a Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level of 0.3 mg/L, set for aesthetic reasons like taste and staining rather than health impacts. However, what happens if you drink water that has iron in it above this level can range from unappealing side effects to long-term health concerns for certain individuals.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while iron is an essential mineral, its concentration in drinking water is typically low, though it can reach up to 50 mg/L in some anaerobic groundwater, sometimes resulting in a rusty, metallic taste. This raises the question: can you have too much iron in your water? The answer is a resounding yes, although the risks are primarily for your home's aesthetics and infrastructure, with health concerns mainly associated with long-term exposure or specific genetic conditions.

Over 2 billion people worldwide use a drinking water source contaminated with feces, according to the WHO. As a result, many people seek out alternative water sources, but can you drink natural spring water every day? The answer depends heavily on the source, testing, and treatment methods.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), iron is not typically a health risk but a nuisance that can affect water's taste, odor, and appearance. Most people need to know if they should drink water with iron, which can come from natural sources like rock formations or corroding pipes.