First things first, this article is going to tell you that tap water contains contaminants like toxic chemicals, hormones and pesticides. Well it’s true, however we’re not scaremongering as tap water in the UK is declared as safe to drink (that is unless it smells and isn’t clear – then you definitely shouldn’t drink it).
As Professor Paul Younger (Glasgow University) told our national news, water coming from UK taps is the most stringently tested in the world. However, since other, more recent news revealed that microplastic contamination has been found in our tap water, we’re wondering if we should be drinking the stuff at all?
Realistically, the chemicals and other nasties present in our drinking water rarely cause us harm. However, regularly ingesting them is anything but a good thing and drinking tap water will always come with a risk, no matter how small. As such, the only way to ensure your water is clean is to purify it. How we hear you ask? Many sources cite that distillation is the single most effective method of water purification, so with this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL reasons to invest in a water distiller.
IT REMOVES REMNANTS OF OTHER PEOPLE’S MEDICATION
In October 2016, Brunel University London published the results of a study, in which it states that:
“Every time you enjoy a cool, clear glass of tap water, you could be drinking a cocktail of other people’s second-hand medications. That is thanks to the fact that today’s pharmaceuticals have been designed to be stable and long-lasting. While that makes their doses reliably consistent, it also means that a substantial amount of the prescribed drugs that people take goes through their bodies and out into waste water. Ultimately, a proportion of these drugs pours unaltered through the sewage filtering system and re-enters our domestic supply.”
Need we say more?
IT REMOVES CHLORINE
Have you ever accidentally guzzled chlorine-filled water at the swimming pool? The unfortunate consequences include stomach ache, nausea and diarrhea. But did you know that tap water is treated with chlorine? Water treatment plants use it as a bleaching agent to remove contaminants and maintain hygiene within the public network of pipes. While drinking water contains considerably small amounts of chlorine and is promoted as safe to drink, there’s really no way of knowing the exact amount of chlorine present in our tap water. So if you’re worried about chlorine, distill your own water.
TAP WATER CONTAINS FLUORIDE
Fluoride; a mineral found naturally in soil, food and water itself is a banned substance in tap water in almost all European countries. In fact, the UK is one of only five European countries that still treat water with fluoride. While this mineral is regarded as great for oral health and can help prevent tooth decay (this is why it’s added to many brands of toothpaste) there still remains controversy about whether it’s harmful to our overall health. However, it’s widely accepted that high intakes of fluoride can lead to a number of problems, including dental fluorosis — a condition found in children, caused by overexposure to the mineral during early life — skeletal fluorosis and neurological problems. Again, if you’re worried about fluoride, one of the best ways to remove it from your water is through distillation.
IT’S EFFECTIVE AND CAN REMOVE NEARLY ALL CONTAMINATES
Speaking of other people’s medication, chlorine and fluoride, as previously touched upon tap water contains a number of other pollutants like toxic chemicals, hormones and pesticides. However, a well-designed distiller can remove up to 99% of the impurities present in our water. This is because it removes the water from the contaminants rather than the other way around and as such, distilled water is said to be the purest form of water available.
On the other hand, it must be noted that the process of distillation also removes all the minerals that are good for us such as magnesium and calcium. However, experts say people get the most of those minerals from food anyway.
DISTILLED WATER IS BETTER THAN BOTTLED WATER
Thinking you still don’t need a distiller and you’ll just drink bottled water instead of tap water? Think again. According to experts, bottled water is no better than tap water – and might even be worse. Moreover, bottled water takes a huge toll on our environment, producing up to 1.5 million tons of plastic waste per year and requires up to 47 million gallons of oil per year to produce.