Research into the use of fluoride to reduce tooth decay started in the early 19^th century. However, it wasn’t until 1945 that researchers had concluded that it was a good idea to add fluoride to drinking water for the benefit of all citizens, and the practice was started on a country-wide basis. Fluoride has no flavor or smell, so it could be added to water without anyone knowing the difference. In addition, fluoridated toothpaste came into vogue in the 1970s in an added attempt to avoid tooth decay. These practices are still being used today, even though the majority of dentists and researchers now agree it isn’t a good idea.

People begin ingesting water containing fluoride as babies, and they continue doing so the rest of their lives. Parents and dentists alike are protesting the continued use of the chemical even though its detrimental effects can be seen in very young children under 1 year old. Throughout life, the fluoride builds up inside the human body and can result in a condition known as fluorosis, a toxic situation that can actually cause breakdown of the outer layer of enamel on our teeth instead of the desired strengthening it has been thought to provide.

The practice of fluoridating water is still being used, because once a policy is established in society, it’s slow to change. However, there is something that we can do in our own homes to make sure that there are no longer toxic build-ups of fluoride in our tap water, and that’s to install some type of water filter that will remove it. That can help you at home, but there are still plenty of ways that you can get too much fluoride outside of the home when you drink water at work, at restaurants, or at school. In addition, bottled water, sodas, tea, and processed foods are all prepared using municipal water sources.

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In 1974, someone finally persuaded Congress that the situation with the nation’s water resources was critical. Coupled with finding the water was filled with a plethora of organic contaminants was the fact that there were no enforceable national standards governing how clean water needed to be in order to be safe. These findings led to the creation of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. This act required the EPA to establish regulations governing the amount of dangerous contaminants that could remain in drinking water in order to be able to call it safe.

In 1986, an amendment to the act stated that the EPA had to tighten the regulations on water treatment facilities to include lead in piping systems, and guidelines for copper were added in 1991. In addition to lead restrictions, the 1986 amendments called for the filtration of certain surface water systems, disinfection of groundwater systems, new monitoring for contaminants, well head protection, and more powers of enforcement. Believing that these tightened standards were necessary, President Ronald Reagan signed them into law.

Since that time, the regulations for safe municipal water sources have been tightened again and again. Even so, there are still many contaminants in our drinking water that either haven’t yet been regulated or for which there is not yet a method for eradicating. When you see the people in other countries who sicken and die because of the polluted water they are forced to drink to survive, we need to realize how lucky we are to live in a country that has recognized the problems and then done something about them. Maybe tap water still isn’t perfect, but 90% of all city water has been proven to be safe for consumption by the citizens of that area.

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Have you heard rumors that the water that comes rushing from the faucets in your home isn’t as pure as you might like it to be? Stories like this abound, and you certainly want to be sure that the water your family is drinking and bathing in is safe and pure. So how can you know positively what the quality of your water is? You can get the water tested. There are labs all around the country that will test your water and let you know how safe it is. This can cost up to $100. If you’d like to find a less expensive route, you can always buy a home testing kit and test your water yourself.

Since the end of World War II, America has seen a boom in technology. Along with this has come an influx of man-made chemicals which have been allowed to find their way into our lakes and rivers. In addition, these substances have infiltrated our ground water sources, so most of the water in this country needs to be purified before it’s offered to the populace for general use. The government has introduced standards that water must meet, but in some cases these guidelines are too lenient, and in others, they just aren’t being followed to the letter.

By purchasing a test kit, you’ll be able to test your water to find out the levels of harmful chemicals and minerals that will undermine your health by leading to heart disease, cancer, and lead poisoning. They can also change the taste of your drinking water and food, corrode pipes and fixtures, turn hair orange, and stain household surfaces as well as clothing. Problems are worse in certain parts of the country, but with the way water moves around, you can see how it would be easy to transport contaminants into water sources all over the country. For example, this can be seen happening in the Gulf of Mexico where the aquatic life is dying due to farm run-offs from Iowa.

It’s true that your municipal water service should be monitoring the water in your area, and you should be able to trust the water you’re receiving from them. However, if you prefer to be on the safe side, you can purchase a testing kit for under $20 that will be comprehensive enough to test your water for lead, nitrates, nitrites, water hardness, bacteria, pesticides, pH, and chlorine. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that your water really is safe for consumption.

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Floods are being predicted again for the spring of 2010 in some parts of the United States due to record snowfalls during the winter months. Compounding the inevitable property damages caused by flooding will be a lack of fresh drinking water as streams, rivers, and lakes become contaminated. You never know where a flood or other disaster may hit, so it's important that everyone know what to do before drinking the murky, foul-tasting water that's left behind. It's critical that you know the steps to emergency water filtration techniques so that you can keep your family safe.

The most effective way to handle contaminated water is by boiling it. Boiling removes almost all of the pathogens and other contaminants in water making it safe.  If the water is still cloudy after it's been boiled, you can filter it through a clean cloth to remove larger particles and then store it in a clean, covered container.

Unfortunately, disaster conditions that require water filtration in the first place often go hand-in-hand with a loss of utilities which means that you won't be able to boil water. You can try disinfecting the water by adding 8 drops of common unscented chlorine bleach to a gallon of water and then allowing the water to settle. It's still better if after you've allowed the water to settle you filter it through clean cloths until it looks clear. 

In addition to the methods of disinfecting water described above, there are a number of basic filtering devices you can purchase to keep on hand for just such a situation. The simplest of these include filtered drinking straws and sports bottles which allow you to drink almost immediately. There are also larger machines that will decontaminate several gallons of water per day so that you will have enough for cooking and sanitation as well as drinking. Many of these family-sized machines are available for less than $100. 

The human body needs water. That's why you see pictures of people in other countries drinking dirty water even though they know it may make them sick. Their bodies just demand it. Knowing the steps you can use to disinfect water should a disaster situation hit your area could mean the difference between life and death for your family. Keeping water filtering materials in your home at all times, even if they're just bleach and clean rags, is one of the smartest things you can do.
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If you watched the news coverage of the recent Haitian earthquake and its survivors, you’ve undoubtedly seen pictures of the people fighting each other or waiting in long lines to get a bottle of water. That’s because thirst can become a very real problem soon after any disaster strikes. Normal sources of water are disrupted, while others are contaminated with debris and become bacteria-laden. People are faced with the choice between drinking the unsafe water or dying of thirst which is why so many disaster victims get serious illnesses. Without clean water, disease epidemics are a given.
The poor citizens of Haiti weren’t expecting this terrible event to befall them any more than you are expecting one to happen to you. However, it’s a fact of life that disasters do happen quickly and unexpectedly. At any time you could be jerked out of sound sleep by an earthquake, a tornado, or some other type of natural occurrence. If what happened in Haiti should happen to you, would you be better prepared to meet your family’s need for water than the Haitians were? If you’ve purchased some type of emergency portable water purification system prior to the disaster, you’ll stand a much better chance of survival.

By taking the time to read through information online about the number of companies that have shipped portable water purification systems to Haiti, you can see that help was sent as quickly as possible. However, due to airport congestion and damaged roads, it was difficult getting the equipment to where the people so desperately needed it. Although well-meaning people around the world did everything they could to help, it still took time. It was weeks before some of the people got the water they so desperately needed which definitely shows you why the best action you can take is to prepare to take care of yourself and family in the event the unthinkable happens.

You don’t have to go out and invest in an expensive portable water purification system unless you want to. There are plenty of other devices available that will make it possible for you to survive more comfortably. Something as simple as a drinking straw with a filter inside it can get you through in a pinch. A step up might be filtered water bottles. All you need to do is fill them with water, no matter how contaminated, and drink. Doing an online search will help you learn about the many different portable purification systems that are available.

Katadyn is the manufacturer of many water purification products. Among the products they sell you will find the Katadyn Vario Dual technology Microfilter Water Filter System – for just less than $70, this device uses a ceramic prefilter, activated carbon granulates, and anti-clog technology to clean as much as 2 quarts of water per minute. The device weighs only 15 oz. and will purify up to 530 gallons of water without needing a cartridge replacement.

If you’re looking for something a little larger, a good choice might be the Big Berkey Water Purification System. Although it is still small and compact, being only 12” tall when not in use, this powerful little machine will remove bacteria, chemicals, pollutants, and sediment from water as well as the bad taste making almost any source of water palatable. Big Berkey even recommends that you use this system all the time in your home to reduce the number of water bottles your family routinely puts into the landfills.

It’s smart to be prepared, and nothing could prepare you any better than having a ready source of fresh water no matter what the conditions. It will be money well spent, even if you are fortunate enough to never have the need to use it.
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