What's the Difference Between Tap Water and Bottled Water?

You would be forgiven for thinking that if you buy water in a bottle it is in some way better for you than the water you get out of your tap. However that depends on the water you buy and where you live. For example I drink bottled water because even the filtered water here in Pakistan gives me very violent stomach upsets. I must say in my defense that I usually boil tap water and filtered water which is equally good, less expensive and less of an environmental problem.

There are several types of bottled water and you need to read the label to find out what is actually in the bottle you are thinking of buying. The sparkling water is natural water which contained carbon dioxide when it sprang from its underground source, this may have been removed but topped up later so that it is more or less as natural as it was before being bottled.

Mineral water should come from bore holes or a spring and a protected (both geologically and physically) source, such as an artesian well or aquifer. It should not have added minerals in it.

These are the main types of water, but there is also purified water which has been subjected to distillation, deionization or reverse osmosis and so on. It has had its natural minerals removed.

There have been several studies undertaken which have discovered that bottled water is only tap water, and these have led the public to be skeptical about buying bottled water. One of these studies was published in 1999 by the natural Resources Defense Council (USA) and the results showed that of the 1,000 samples 25% was the same as tap water, although sometimes this had been further treated. However, we should expect more than purified tap water when we pay for a bottle of water which is advertised as being natural spring water, for example.

Rather than buy bottled water, which is problematic as the bottles are plastic and not easily biodegradable, we should consider installing solid block carbon filters in our home water system. These provide us with the best purified water as most of the harmful substances, such as lead from out ancient pipes, or fluoride, which is added by the local authority which controls the water supply, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Water filters can retain trace minerals but remove chlorine, VOCs and the protozoa which can cause gastrointestinal problems.

If you are not satisfied with the water that comes out of your tap then installing a solid block carbon filter will probably solve the problem. You will not have to pay for bottled water which may, or may not be as natural as it claims to be. You may also be interested in this quotation from the US Environmental Protection Agency in their booklet "Water on Tap: What You need To Know" published in December, 2009: -

"... although required to meet the same safety standards as public water supplies, bottled water does not undergo the same testing and reporting as water from a treatment facility."

So perhaps it is safer to drink filtered tap water after all.

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Posted in: Between,Bottled,Difference,Water,Whats

Bottled Water And The Effects On The Environment

The industry of bottled water has seen a spectacular development in recent years. This trend has lately begun to change because of the economic climate, but also due to the numerous protest movements that have developed against an industry that, in many respects, appears as an ecological and social abnormality.

The global consumption of bottled water has increased by nearly 60% since 1999. In the United States, bottled water is about 200 times more used than tap water. The Americans consume on average 145 liters of bottled water per year per person. Plastic bottles are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a derivative of crude oil.

On a global level, there are over 2.7 million tons of plastic required each year for 40% of the bottled water distributed in the world. Much of this is actually tap water to which minerals were added. As such, it is recommended to change the type of mineral water on a regular basis in order to avoid absorbing excessive amounts of the same minerals.

The increase in consumption of bottled water cannot be explained logically and it is very damaging to the environment. While bottled water is in most cases no better than tap water in developed countries, it may cost up to 10,000 times more when taking into account the energy used for bottling, deliveries and recycling containers. At about $ 2.50 per liter of bottled water, it ultimately costs more than gasoline.

A bottle of water, once in the hands of the consumer, has a very short life. Indeed, the contents are drunk quickly and soon the bottle ends up in the trash in approximately 88% of cases and sometimes in recycling bins. Recycling bottles of water often means incineration, which releases very toxic gases in the atmosphere. A plastic bottle is not naturally degradable. It is estimated that a bottle will take 1000 years to degrade in nature! Unfortunately, bottles often end up in landfills, mostly in undeveloped countries and thus are buried, or end up in the ocean. The bottles will degrade faster in the sea into small pieces, which are swallowed by birds, fish etc., contaminating the entire food chain.

There are a few alternatives you can consider if you don't want to contribute anymore to the destruction of the environment by drinking bottled water. The easiest and cheapest way is to use tap water. Now, don't be suicidal. Use tap water WITH A FILTER!

If you have the money, you can also get a domestic filtration system, either for the whole house or certain areas like the kitchen or bathroom. These will dramatically reduce the impurities in the water that you drink, use for cooking and even take showers with.

For "on the go" water drinkers who want to protect the environment and drink safe water, use Glass Bottles. Glass is perfect because it isn't toxic and it doesn't leak chemicals into the water. You can also try BPA (toxic) free containers but sometimes those have been found to contain BPA.

By turning this into a habit, you will not contribute to the destruction of the environment anymore and you will save money and be healthier too.

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Posted in: Bottled,Effects,Environment,Water

The Misconception About Drinking Water

Every biologist and scientific chemist would all agree that the human body is made up of mostly water. With that being true, why do we need to drink more water and how much is truly enough?

In today's modern era we see more people carrying around their bottled water than ever before. Everywhere you look, you are bound to spot someone in range either drinking water or carrying it to be consumed shortly. That's a really good habit, but...

There are some misconceptions about drinking water and the right amount we should take in on a daily basis. The Institute of Medicine reported for years that we should all take in a minimum of eight glasses daily. Next it was said men should drink so many cups, while women drink another number of cups. Then the reports changed down the road and reported that our consumption should be measured according to our own body weight. Drink in ounces half of what your body weight is.

Most American doctors will tell you to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. Who do we believe? Which measurement is correct? Nutritionist will clearly tell you to use your thirst as your GPS. Whenever you feel thirsty, take a drink of water and you will probably take in enough daily.

We must keep in mind there are also a variety of other things that calculated as your water intake, simply because they have a high water content. These would be foods such as certain fruits, and vegetables that are based very high in water.

Other drinks such as tea, coffee and carbonated drinks can be counted as fluids, although they are not very dependable in quenching the body's thirst for water. You can be certain that nothing hydrates the body as quickly as a glass of water.

Anyone who follows the food pyramid way of daily eating should also be fine with their daily consumption of adequate liquids. The only thing left to do is add enough water that is right for you and your body. It's important to never force yourself to become overly full from water alone. That increases the chances for the body to have too much water. People never consider this happening.

So, what is considered enough and how can you really know? One sure way to measure if your body is getting enough fluids is to monitor your urine. When the color of your urine appears to be of a light color to clear, you are most definitely well hydrated. When the urine appears darker, say (gold to darker) is when you should become alarmed, for it is then too concentrated and you need more water.

I've had a medical doctor from Miami once tell me that I should only drink about four to five glasses of water per day. The next thing he said to me was shocking, he said I should only urinate a minimum of 2 to 3 times a day! He continued by saying peeing every hour is not good for the body, it is too much work for the kidneys. Like I said there are much misconception about drinking water.

My question remains, "who do you believe?" I don't know about anyone else, but I intend to take the advice of the nutritionists and let my thirst be my guide. I intend to use common sense and eat enough fruits and vegetables daily, along with salads and other food based high in water and nutrients and still drink a minimum of six and or a maximum of eight glasses per day whenever feasible.

This may be a good guide for you to follow as well, for doing so you will find your own truth about how much water your body desire and clear of any misconception about drinking water.

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Posted in: about,Drinking,Misconception,Water

Why Do Humans Need Water?

Humans have evolved to be totally dependent on water. It makes up a large part of our body and we also need it for cleaning, washing, irrigating our crops and keeping our livestock healthy.

Without water, put simply, we would cease to exist.

Your body is more than 60% water. Water is vital for regulating temperature, transporting nutrients, and eliminating waste. It is also vital for sending electrical messages between cells so that your brain can control your body. It also acts as a lubricant.

This vital resource is lost from the body through sweat, urination and breathing. It needs to be replaced to stop you dehydrating. If cells lose too much liquid they simply shrivel and die.

Dehydration is dangerous and can be a killer. You can live longer without food than you can without water. Without anything to drink, you will die in a matter of days. Symptoms of dehydration include feeling thirsty, muscle pain, headaches and constipation. If you are exercising or in a hot environment you may be losing water quicker than you think and replacing it can in some cases be a matter of life and death.

The best way to rehydrate is by drinking water. You can also rehydrate by eating food or drinking other drinks. Remember that soft drinks contain extra sugar though and caffeinated drinks shouldn't be overdone because excess caffeine is bad for you.

If you are in the unfortunate circumstances of a life and death situation, you need to get something to drink fast. In hot weather you may actually need more than a gallon of water a day to stay healthy so finding clean water is a survival priority. In cold weather you may also be dehydrating quicker than you think because cold air holds less moisture so it dehydrates you as you breathe.

If you don't have clean, fresh water to hand, berries can give you enough to survive. Avoid salty products and meat because they need water to digest and will replace less than they take from you to process. Always pack plenty of water and if you are going into the wilderness, make sure you have a method of catching and storing water and a way to purify water from suspect sources (such as iodine tablets).

Water is very important for the human body and we need to drink it regularly to maintain health. Whether you choose to have it from a tap, the office water cooler or bottled from a spring, water is essential to life and health, so don't take it for granted and don't forget to drink plenty of it.

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Posted in: Humans,Water

Benefits and Tips for an Office Water Cooler

A water cooler within the office offers a range of benefits. Some benefits help employers more than others. Employees need water for energy, which helps maintain focus. Meanwhile, employers need top-performing employees to meet their production needs. Employers who want to remain proactive and keep their employees energised should invest in an office water fountain. Employees will not have to leave the office for a refreshing drink. For some employees, a cooler provides a place for a mini-meeting. They learn about company changes and know about new employees. Some employees view having access to free, tasty water as a perk.

Employers must decide on the type of water fountain for purchase. The bottled water unit uses a tank, while the bottleless unit attaches a filter to the office's water supply. The bottled water will costs more for on-going purchases. All employers must make another decision when deciding on a water cooler. If an employer purchases a bottled water unit, a cleaning schedule should be implemented. This helps reduce cross-contamination among the employees, employers and office guests. For example, use gentle cleansers, such as bleach with cold water. The bottle should be rinsed out with hot water and allowed to dry before use.

A water cooler can be rented or purchased. Employers want to calculate their overall costs when they make this decision. Different costs include the original purchase or rent. Plus, on-going expenses, such as repairs. Some water cooler companies charge separately for each service visit, while others offer a better service plan. The number of coolers purchased makes a difference, too. For instance, a dental office with a break room and a waiting room can purchase two coolers. These monthly cooler costs are minimal. However, a clothing manufacturing company requires a dozen units and can find its costs much higher.

Employers who decide to rent their water cooler want to remember quality. The need for cooler supplies has created the demand for more companies. Most of these companies offer cooler supplies that last. However, every cooler supply company does not offer the same quality. Employers should find out the history of the products and past quality issues. One way to find information is via the company's website. A good company highlights its quality control and stands behind its product line. Employers who choose well-known water cooler supply companies will get better results, saving money in the long run.

Today's coolers provides options to fit office decor. Employers want to ensure the coolers fit the environment and make their employees happy. Examples of cooler styles include wood, pottery and steel. The style for one office may not work for another office. A hospital environment may prefer wood to help brighten up the break room and lobbies. Wood cooler styles work well with office plants and well-placed pictures. Meanwhile, a food manufacturing company may stay with steel. Moreover, a water cooler comes in different sizes and shapes. A large size can appear overwhelming inside a tiny break room.

For advice, support and information on how to find the right mains fed water cooler or bottled water coolers click here, to find out about a wide range of water coolers.

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Posted in: Benefits,Cooler,Office,Water

Four Healthy Benefits of Alkalized, Negatively Ionized Water

Did you know that most drinking water is actually quite unhealthy? It's true. Most drinking water has been stripped of valuable electrons during filtration, purification and transportation (via pipes) and becomes too acidic for the human body. It is an unfortunate fact that ingesting acidic water (with a pH lower than 7) can lead to severe health problems over time. When it loses electrons, it becomes positively charged, or positively ionized, and requires electrons to stabilize its valence configuration. These positively charged water molecules are actually considered free radicals and in order to stabilize they steal electrons from healthy cells. Drinking positively ionized, acidic water can cause significant cellular damage and premature aging.

On the other hand, drinking alkalized, negatively ionized water is extremely beneficial to your health and overall well-being. Here are a few examples of why alkalized, negatively ionized water is an excellent addition to your everyday life:

• Alkalized water hydrates on a cellular level. Positively ionized water molecules are rejected by our cells' aquaporins-the channels that transport water and nutrients through the cell wall. Aquaporins block free radicals from entering the cell's wall, preventing severe cellular damage. When an aquaporin prevents a positively charged water molecule from passing through the cell wall, it also prevents the cell from hydrating on a cellular level. Even if you are drinking a lot of positively ionized water, your body could be far from hydrated. However, alkalized, negatively ionized water corrects this deficiency. Since alkalized water molecules are stable they do not steal electrons from healthy cells; they do not oxidize and they do not act as free radicals.

• Alkalized water purifies the body. As negatively ionized water hydrates our body tissue, it also pushes out potentially harmful toxins-detoxifying our bodies on a cellular level.

• Alkalized, negatively ionized water balances the body's pH. When water is alkalized it means that it has a pH greater than 7-it is more basic as opposed to acidic. As stated earlier, ingesting acidic water can leave the potentially harmful acidic waste in the body. Drinking alkalized water can help dissolve this acid waste, ultimately rebalancing your body's pH level.

• Alkalized water molecules act as antioxidants. Since negatively ionized water is negatively charged, it can give away an electron and still remain stable. Due to this property, the negative ions act as antioxidants and neutralize free radicals with this extra electron. Eliminating free radicals can prevent damage done to cells and can also prevent the occurrence of several diseases.

Alkalized, negatively ionized water is the healthiest and most scientifically advanced drinking water available.

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Posted in: Alkalized,Benefits,Healthy,Ionized,Negatively,Water