Water Quality & Home Filtration Resource Center

Nutrient (aka nitrogen and phosphorus) pollution is one of America’s most widespread, costly and challenging environmental problems. It is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the air and water.

Nutrients are chemical elements that all living organisms—plants and animals—need to grow. When too much nitrogen and phosphorus enter the environment—usually from a wide range of human activities—the air and water can become polluted.

Groundwater contamination is due to our everyday activities. It becomes vulnerable, especially where the population density is high and the land use is intensive. In general, any type of activity which releases wastes or chemicals in the environment can potentially pollute the groundwater. Indeed, it is expensive and difficult to clean contaminated groundwater.

Before resolving how to address water pollution, it is best to understand first how ground and surface waters are related. You can manage and fully understood everything if you acknowledge the fact that it is interconnected. If a water supply is near to the source of contamination, then there is a risk. If there is a stream or river nearby, then the groundwater can have a chance to become polluted.

A hurricane can cause widespread devastation during and after it occurs. This guide designed to help you properly prepare for a hurricane and know how to protect yourself during and after one.

Planning and preparing can make a big difference in safety and resiliency in the wake of a hurricane. The ability to quickly recover following a hurricane requires a focus on preparedness, advance planning, and knowing what to do in the event of a hurricane.

Fluoride is basically a compound that is naturally existing and very common to the environment. It is usually found in almost everywhere – water, soil, plants, rocks, and sometimes even in the air we breathe.

According to the aspects of Chemistry, the said chemical is the negative ion of fluorine that is usually bounded to an alkyl group. It is monoatomic and inorganic anion with salts that are usually colorless and odorless. Typically, the said salts have a very distinguishing taste caused by its bitterness.

Moreover, fluoride can also found in our bones and teeth. It is well known to help prevent and even regress the early development of dental decay. Scientists have studied and shown that the chemical asserts the oral health in two ways: when it is taken in, it helps the development of the teeth and makes it more durable and; when it is applied to the enamel or to the very surface of the teeth, it helps rebuild, remineralize, and strengthen the surface of the teeth. It also prevents the acid produced from bacteria that reside in tartars and plaques from demineralizing the enamels of the teeth.

In some ways, fluoride has increased its popularity for a lot of manufacturers. It has become the main medium in creating most dental products due to its oral health benefits. And since a lot of experts have proven its positive effects on people, companies such as Colgate and other big personalities encourage the community to use products with the standard amount of fluoride in order to improve their oral hygiene and oral health.

Furthermore, having good and strong teeth not only make the people boost their confidence and smile more, but also help the government save a portion in their budget that’s allotted for the allowance of the community’s health – instead of spending too much on the maintenance of the people’s oral health, they could just allocate the money on other things and help those who truly need it.  

Arsenicosis or arsenic poisoning happens whenever a person has taken in a dangerous amount of arsenic. Arsenic is a natural chemical which can be found at groundwater at any parts of the world.

Intake can be through absorbing, swallowing, or inhaling arsenic.

If it is not treated immediately, arsenic poisoning can lead to major health issues and even death. Thus, precautions must be taken to prevent those who are at risk.

Arsenic is oftentimes associated with deliberate poisoning methods. But any person can be exposed to arsenic via contaminated groundwater, arsenic-preserved wood, rock, infected rock, or soil. Arsenic in the environment is not dangerous per se. It is rare to have toxic amounts of arsenic found in the environment.

There are reports that arsenic is found in some bottled water in the market. Thus, in this article, we will understand what arsenic poisoning and its effects on health. We will also talk about cases of arsenic in bottled water and the things we can do to prevent it from affecting our health.

Since ancient times, water has been part of the necessities of all the living organisms occupying the Earth. This has then become a symbol that expresses purity and devotion. Because of its antiquity, some cultures, such as Greeks, have created gods that command and control the waters – their place of gatherings was located around the wells.

Yet, regardless of how people in various cultures would consider the importance of water, deep down, we know that we can’t live without it. From the environment we live into the very medium of our own body, we can always find water.

With 70% of the planet’s surface covered with water and 75% of the human body consisting of it, we could then say that water is one of the primary elements responsible for life here on Earth. Water moves through the land as it does through the human body; it transports, dissolves, replenishes the nutrients and other organic matter, and carries away the waste material.

For an average adult, their body contains an amount of 11 gallons of water - with just a loss of not less than 3/4 gallon, that person could suffer headaches, weakness, dizziness, nervousness, fatigue, irritability, dehydration, and even a certain level of pathology.

On the other hand, we can’t just keep on drinking random water to replenish our loss. We still have to consider the cleanliness and safeness of the water before being able to drink it. If a person consumes contaminated water, they might experience gastrointestinal problems, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramping, dehydration, and even death, depending on how much they have drunk.

Thus, to ensure the safety of the drinking water, governments, especially the United States, have regulated laws where the sanitation of the water flowing through the pipes must be checked according to the set standards and criteria. Moreover, companies that produce clean drinking bottled water also became a trend and increased through time to have easier access to it.

Tap Water VS Bottled Water

Tap water and bottled water are two of the most common source of clean drinking water today. Although a lot of countries - such as Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Colombia, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, and Denmark – have implemented the use of tap water as a source of the citizen’s drinking water, there are still several places where people don’t have reliable, clean tap water. And according to the study, there are 783 million people who choose to buy bottled water because these are more dependable than the water coming out of their faucets.

Tap water is the water coming out of our taps distributed by the local water provider through the indoor plumbing. This is commonly used by developed countries and is usually safe to drink, yet it is rare to experience water quality problems.

Because of the improper plumbing and lack of maintenance, waters coming out of the taps could be contaminated. This then could cause serious medical problems, especially to those people who might have consumed it. Thankfully, local governments have implemented laws and criteria to protect both the water and the citizens and have regularized check-ups and maintenance.

On the other hand, bottled water is the drinking water packaged through bottles – could be glass or plastic bottles. There are some bottled waters sold as carbonated and categorized as distilled, mineral, or spring. This has become a trend because it is easier to access and could sometimes be convenient, especially for those who like to travel.

Of course, although they may seem perfect, this bottled water does have its downside. Since these products are being imported to different parts of the world, they could also be unsafe due to improper packaging, storage temperature, and expiration. Moreover, since most companies have been selling these products in plastic bottles – since they are cheaper and more flexible than glass bottles – the amount of garbage produced each year has been increasing. This causes pollutions, specifically water and land pollutions, because plastics and glasses tend to have slow decomposition rates, thus causing space invasion to other living organisms. 

Fluoride in Waters

Fluoride is a chemical usually added by local water providers to the municipal water supply to reduce the number of people having tooth decay. Commonly found in food, water, and soil, the chemical is one of the most abundant elements on the planet. It is one of the main media for making mouthwashes, toothpaste, and other more various products.

Since tooth decay is very common in children, local governments have decided to add fluoride in the water because studies have shown that the increase of fluoride level up to certain amounts – 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams - could prevent dental problem cases – the said material protects the teeth by remineralization and demineralization. This then saves the budget for the local community’s health allowance and benefits those who need them.

Furthermore, fluoride wasn’t just added to tap waters but also bottled waters. The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition just recently announced that companies who manufacture bottled water can now add a certain amount of fluoride in their mixture and print it on their labels - since a lot of studies have positively shown the benefits of fluoride.

The famous company Colgate has agreed and supported this claim because they promote better oral health and intend to make people understand its importance.

However, having too much fluoride could also cause some hazards to people. Experts have found out that consuming fluoride for a long time then links to certain health issues. They have proved that the said chemical affects the durability of the person’s bones, specifically their teeth.

Examples of possible health cases are dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, thyroid problems, and neurological problems.

Dental Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis was caused by too much exposure to fluoride. Cases like this were seen on people who have been consuming fluoride since their childhood when their teeth were developing. A symptom of this is having tiny white specks or streaks located in the enamel of the tooth.

Although this doesn’t affect the health of the teeth, it would just cause some discoloration to them. Due to this, doctors have recommended not letting their children intake too much water with fluoride, do not let them use mouthwash, and supervise them when brushing their teeth.

For infants, it is advised to let their mothers breastfeed them because this doesn’t just make the babies strong but also protects them from fluorosis.

Skeletal fluorosis

Another case caused by being exposed too much to fluoride is skeletal fluorosis. Similar to what happens to the teeth, fluoride could cause breakage and damage to the bones and joints. Through time, the bones could harden and become less elastic, causing an increase in the probability of having fractures. Moreover, if the bone tissue accumulates and the bones thicken, the person may not move easily caused by impaired joint.

Thyroid problems

In some cases, people tend to experience having thyroid problems caused by excess fluoride; specifically, this could cause damage to the person’s parathyroid gland. If not immediately treated, this could result in hyperparathyroidism – uncontrolled secretion of the parathyroid hormones – and depletion of the calcium in the bone structures, causing higher blood concentrations in the blood.

Furthermore, having a low amount of calcium concentrations in the person’s bones could them more vulnerable to fractures.

Neurological problems

Some studies prove that people who have consumed fluoride before their birth could be at great risk of having poorer cognitive outcomes.

Experts have long-term studied women who were pregnant together with the amount of fluoride they consume. After 6 to 12 years, it was found out that the children of this said woman tend to have lower scores on IQ tests. This then made the experts theorized that fluoride could indeed be hazardous to children’s development.

Also, fluoride could contribute to many health problems, according to the International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). This organization imposes not to use or add fluoride in the water or any other products. 

Such examples of their findings to people are skin problems, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, cardiac insufficiency, myocardial damage, heart failure, reproductive issues, thyroid dysfunction, osteoarthritis, temporomandibular joint disorder, bone cancer, and ADHD.

Recommended Solutions to Fluoride

Due to the complaints and negative results of fluoride consumption, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed to revise the standards for the quality of bottled water and tap water.

They have announced that local water supplier and bottled water manufacturers should only limit their fluoride levels up to 0.7 milligrams per liter. Based on the findings in the experiment conducted by the experts from FDA, they have found that tooth decay would be prevented. At the same time, the risk of having dental fluorosis is lower if the concentration of fluoride on the water only ranges from fluoride to these levels.

Now, new standards and criteria are being recommended, and confusion regarding the inconsistent fluoride levels in the bottled waters have been corrected according to the updates announced by the United States Public Health Service (PHS).

Many manufacturers are now implementing this said regulation. Many still argue regarding the allowable levels because even in this low numerical value, the risk of having a health problem is still probable. Some scientist has contradicted the FDA and stated that although the proposed concentration of fluoride in the water is low, in long term period this toxicity from the said chemical would still accumulate in a person’s body causing the same certain health problems.

They have been imposing to decrease the amount of fluoride – lower than the recommended 0.7 milligrams per liter – being concentrated in the water because the risk of a certain person experiencing fluoride poisoning is still high.

Fluoride poisoning isn’t just caused by unexpected consumption of a huge amount of fluoride but also caused by an acute amount of it. Symptoms of this said case are seizures and muscle spasms, nausea and vomiting, excessive saliva, and abdominal pain. And if this poisoning won’t be treated immediately, this would then develop into some major health problems and even cause death.

These “anti” experts have said that each person has different levels of fluoride tolerance. The levels being blended in the water should consider those who have a lower tolerance than the average. 

If these said persons consumed water having 0.7 milligrams per liter amount of fluoride, they would be more likely to have oral health issues and other medical problems. However, it is true that the number of casualties having dental problems lowered, there is still a small percentage left to take care of.

Thus to fill that percentage, these “anti” persons proposed to the FDA to lower the amount of fluoride. 

Although there are no updates regarding this debate, this major decision still depends on the people; on how clean their water must be. Citizens are now advised to check every label of their bottled waters and ask for reports regarding the updates in their tap waters.

If, for some instances, a person in the family happened to experience some of the said symptoms – may it be acute or not - it is recommended to check on a physician or a doctor so that major complications would be avoided.

Also, do not hesitate to ask for advice from the experts, especially if you have doubts regarding your health and your water supply. Looking for the perfect water for your family would be better, especially when each one of you has health cases to consider.

Since water is a part of our lives and is necessary, it is better to make sure that it is safe and clean before consuming it. 

Humans can live for 3 weeks without food, but only 3 days without water. Therefore, water indeed is essential. But, what if your water was poison? This is exactly what happened in Flint, Michigan about three years ago. The city has a population of around 99,700 and located 70 miles north of Detroit. 

According to 2016 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, among U.S. cities with at least 65,000 residents, Flint has the nation's highest poverty rate. An estimated 58% of the residents under age 18 live below the poverty line compared to a national average of 18%, which ranks first in the childhood poverty base from Michigan's 2016 median household income data.

The trouble began about 3 years ago when the city decided to switch from Detroit’s water system to the Flint River. But the new system wouldn’t be ready for two years. For the meantime, to save and cut costs they switched to the Flint River water. And that decision turned out to be a mistake.

Foul smells, bad tastes, and discolored water, that’s what came out of the tap in Flint, Michigan. When residents’ drinking water was pulled from the river. When the residents noticed that the tap water looked and smelled strange, it was later found out to have a dangerous level of lead. The worse thing was, the state knew about it and did nothing.

A high number of children had abnormal levels of lead in their blood. This even doubled after 18 months. Even though the water failed tests several times after the switch. The residents were not alerted. They informed only for about nine months later about the problem. Families have been suffering for months without clean water. They had to find alternative sources.

What caused the Flint Michigan water crisis? Follow the timeline of where it all started and know where the situation is at present.

We realize that many people conduct extensive research before purchasing our products. Because we are confident about the effectiveness of our products, we prefer people to find as many reviews and feedback as possible from people who have purchased our products. 

At the same time, we are also aware that when people research our products, they may encounter some posts on the web referring to a "Berkey Water Filter Scam."

GenX is a name for chemical process or a technology which is used to develop advanced polymers. Such high-performance products are used in laptops, cable wires, non-stick coatings like Teflon, food wrapper coatings, cellular phones, and various applications.

GenX has replaced the use of the perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA and it has been used since 2009. PFOAs have four to five years half-lives to humans. Meaning, it takes four to five years before half of the compounds can be eliminated in the body. On the other hand, the half-life of GenX in humans have not yet been established.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet developed a standard water regulation for such contaminant. Also, there is limited information with regard to this chemical in the water. However, it is sure that in the years to come, the EPA can be able to determine the possible health risks and safety standards for this.

As such, in this article, we will introduce further what GenX is and what are its possible health risks for humans. Also, we will discuss some of the studies conducted with regards to the GenX concentrations in the water.

It is normal to be thirsty since it’s the body’s way to survive. Indeed, water is an important nutrient in our body and we need it just like any other being. Water can aid in our digestion and regulate body temperature. It is essential in the disposal of body wastes to be healthy. Furthermore, the brain must acquire water to produce neurotransmitters and hormones.

Water makes up around 65% of the body liquid and it is considered as an abundant molecule. As your body uses the water from outside sources, it will use the water in the fat cells to quench the thirst. This is the same mechanism used by camels to survive for many days under the scorching heat of the sun. They extract the water stored from the body fats. However, the human body does not have this much storage capacity just like the camels do.

After one week of not drinking water, your body will stop to sweat. Then, the body temperature will increase. It will be impossible to facilitate digestion because of lack of intestinal juices and saliva. Thereafter, blood pressure will decrease because of reduction of blood volume.

With this feeble body issue, death is possible. Without water, you can disrupt the body’s balance to gain and lose body water. Survival rate can be minimum due to sweating and urinating.

As such, in this article, you will learn the facts about how long can a human survive without water. We will discuss the facts and science behind this myth. Moreover, we will tackle the fad about water diet and why is it getting popular today.

Most of us don’t think about the water we drink. We turn on a tap, fill a glass, and drink. Is the water you're drinking safe, or would bottled water be safer? What can you do if your tap water suddenly becomes contaminated?

Inadequate sanitation, poor protection of drinking water sources and improper hygiene often lead to sewage and feces-contaminated water. Diarrheal disease from unsafe water is one of the leading causes of death around the world for children under 5. According to the UN report from 2010, microbial water-borne illnesses killed more people per year than war.  

A shower is a magical place where people often think and drown their emotions under the perfect sprinkle of water. It is commonly placed indoors and could have adjustments for spray pressure, temperature, and showerhead nozzle. It also has drainage located down on the floor.      In addition, showers can be easily installed anywhere and have a plastic shower curtain or a glass door.        Showers also differ depending on their complexity. The most common showers have nozzles that reach directly down to the user, while other showers have showerheads connected to a hose so that the...

Is the filtered water better than the bottled or tap water? What are the various benefits of bottled water in comparison with the tap water?

In this article, we will compare the two and discover a scientific answer to our questions. The study done in this article is in America and Europe but it also valid for any other parts of the world.

While malnutrition and hospital food are what we often see in the news, dehydration is also an alarming concern for the elderly. Preventable dehydration whether in hospitals or residential setting can be a sign of poor health care. And while it can be preventable, it is still common especially among the elderly.

Indeed, when you improve hydration, you can also improve one’s well-being. You can bring better service to patients, prevent illness, and reduce the use of medications.

Thus, in this article, you will learn more about dehydration among the elderly. We will discuss the signs and symptoms, risk factors, and effects. We will introduce the treatment methods and tips to prevent dehydration in the long run.

Total Dissolved Solids, also known as TDS, are inorganic compounds that are found in water, such as salts, heavy metals, and some traces of organic compounds that are dissolved in water.

Total dissolved solids in water are among the leading causes of turbidity and sediment in drinking water. Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measure of the combined total of organic and inorganic substances contained in a liquid. This includes anything present in water other than the pure H20 molecules. These solids are primarily minerals, salts, and organic matter that can be a general indicator of water quality.

For a very long time, communities have depended on the municipal water supply as the main source of drinking water. But, these water supplies for the community is contaminated with harmful agents and unknown sediments that result in turbidity in the water.

Distillation is one process for water purification. Is distilled water safe to drink or as favorable for you as the different sorts of water? The appropriate response relies upon a few various factors.

Indeed, camping is a rewarding experience which you can cherish for a lifetime. This is a great way to get together with friends and loved ones while bonding with nature.

Meanwhile, there are various tips to try to be safe during your adventurous long trip. This is true for first-time campers. A kit with food, clothes, and medications are a good start but there are other things to think about.

Check this article to learn more about how to make the most out of your next camping trip by ensuring everyone is comfortable and safe. 

Millions of Americans might be drinking contaminated water containing toxic chemicals which are linked to several health issues. These include birth defects, behavioral problems, high cholesterol levels, cancer, and infertility.

The researchers of the  Northeastern University and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found out that there are 610 sources in 43 states which contained chemicals in the water. The study provides that the water has unsafe levels of man-made chemicals which are known as PFAS chemicals.

In this article, we will discuss more the report of EWG and Northeastern University. We will tackle the PFAS chemicals, what it does to the body, and how can we eliminate it to the water. Moreover, we will introduce the current move of the government authorities regarding the issue. Finally, we will talk about the steps that you can do at home to combat water contamination.

Each year, thousands of Americans are affected by the triggers of seasonal allergies. The common indicators include watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. However, one of the most overlooked symptoms is dehydration.

Drier air and changing temperatures make it hard for the body to be hydrated. As such, drinking water will not only flush the system. It can also eliminate foreign substances like allergens which circulate in the body. 

Indeed, drinking a good amount of water is important to your health. Keeping it hydrated will also bring an end to your allergy issues. As you drink extra fluids, it can help thin the mucus found in the nasal passages and drain the sinus. Drinking caffeine and sodas can alleviate dehydration and not help solve allergies. As such, the goal is to drink at least 60 ounces of water each day. You can do this by buying water bottles, subscribing in water delivery, or installing water filters in your home.

In this article, we will discuss what is dehydration and allergies. Moreover, we will discover the remedies on how to combat dehydration and allergies at your home