Water makes up 71% of our planet and up to 60% of our bodies. We all know it’s essential! What you might not know is that water needs to be filtered to ensure it doesn’t contain harmful pollutants — even when it’s coming out of a tap.
THE WELLNESS WOES OF UNFILTERED WATER
In the world of wellness, we often focus on what we eat… but what about what we drink?
Some 400 communities in Australia don’t have access to quality drinking water, and people who live in remote or rural areas are more likely to contract a waterborne disease.
For those that do have access to quality drinking tap water, it’s often unfiltered. This means there could be sediments, heavy metals, and other chemical agents, such as chlorine and fluoride. Small amounts cause little harm, but when you’re drinking water every day (as you should), these toxins can add up quickly.
COMMON CONTAMINANTS FOUND IN UNFILTERED WATER
Beyond germs and bacteria, toxic chemicals and substances can flow into our tap water. Here’s a roundup of the potential effects of tap water contaminants so you can decide what you feel comfortable putting in your body:
FLUORIDE
This one is often in toothpaste (that’s another story) — but did you also know it’s in your water? In the 1960s, Australia began adding fluoride to water to support the nation’s dental health. While fluoride can fight cavities, it’s aggressive toward our health overall. In fact, it’s a common ingredient in rat poison. Frequent exposure to high quantities of fluoride can cause serious side effects, including bone weakness, joint issues, thyroid problems, neurological issues, high blood pressure, acne, and more.
CHLORINE
Like in swimming pools, chlorine kills bacteria and viruses from spreading in water. A small amount of chlorine is added to public drinking water to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses. The problem? When chlorine is combined with water, it can produce chemicals associated with an increased risk of heart problems, cancer, eczema, and asthma.
HEAVY METALS
Due to processing and plumbing, toxic metals such as lead and mercury can be found in traces of tap water. Exposure to these types of heavy metals can cause severe health issues in our hearts, brains, kidneys, and reproductive systems.
PESTICIDES
Runoff from farms, lands, and factories can also pollute our water. Many pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals are endocrine disruptors. They can also seriously damage our kidneys, livers, and reproductive systems.
THE OVERFLOWING BENEFITS OF WATER FILTERS
Okay, so it’s clear these nasties are no good for your health — here’s what you can do about it.
HOW DO WATER FILTERS WORK?
Water filters slow water flow, creating a barrier to trap contaminants and block them from passing through the system. Quality water filters strain the water, capturing up to 99% of any traces of contaminants such as chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, lead, mercury, aluminium, and more. This means cleaner, safer water for you and your family.
BENEFITS OF BUYING A WATER FILTER
Reduced risk of toxic side effects
Better taste and smell
Decreased risk of waterborne illnesses (portable water filters are great for travelling!)
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WATER FILTER
Take some time to research water filters. Here’s what to look for and think about:
The efficiency rating of the product from water quality testing organisations.
The quality and extent of testing, research and industry certifications done by the water filter brand.
The quantity and type of water filter you need: large benchtop systems, jugs, portable water filter bottles, etc.
Check reviews online (that’s a given though, right?!)
MY RECOMMENDATION: Waters Co Australia
When we’re all drinking litres of water a day, we want to know it’s not doing more harm than good. Based on my experience, research, and comparisons, I’ve found that Waters Co Australia has the best water filter selection available.
→ They have a variety of top-quality filter jugs, portable filters, bench top filters, under sink filters, and more. Check them out here!
I’ve been using the Waters Co water filters for the past four years and love them. We originally started with the jug (above) and then upgraded to the benchtop water filter (and now I use both). If you’d love to try these out, you can use my discount code ‘JORDIEPIE7’ for a cheeky discount on any of their water filters. Drink up, my friends! Stay hydrated this summer, knowing you’re drinking safer, cleaner water.