More About Hazards in Drinking Water A simple test for chlorine can establish the fact the water we drink straight from the tap is probably loaded with chlorine. Chlorine, supposedly used to eliminate most of the harmful organisms, actually can generate toxic chemicals that were not originally present and exacerbates the toxic pollution problem in the water. More than 20 studies have consistently associated ingestion of toxic chemicals in drinking water with elevated cancer mortality rates, although it is extremely difficult to predict the harm of long-term exposure to low levels observed in humans and animals. Chloroform causes cancer and poses risks to the liver, thyroid and immune system. It is the most common of four compounds called trihalomethanes, formed when natural organic matter in water reacts with chlorine.

Children are often more vulnerable because of their lower body weight, growing body organs, and faster respiratory rates. One way to be safe is not to trust the water we drink from public systems, and surely not from vendors for which we pay an exhorbit price per gallon. Filtered water from vendors costs on the average about $1 per gallon whereas using an in-home filter costs about $.05 per gallon.

Suggested Solutions

1) Different technologies are available according to how much of toxics or "junk" you desire to take out of the water.
2) In checking-out the filter or approach you may desire, keep in mind the industry has established two basic standards which apply to drinking water: Aesthetic Effects and Health Effects. These are concerned with taste, odor and chlorine reduction, particulate reduction, chemicals and heavy metals, volatile organic chemicals, turbidity and cysts. The main group responsible for testing and certifying compliance with the standards or to determine just what a device will filter is called NSF International, a not for profit organization devoted to developing and administering programs related to public health.

Technologies Available

Solid Carbon Block filters	These will filter out most everything listed in the standards without removing natural minerals.
Charcoal/Silver & Charcoal filters	Most of these fall under the Aesthetics category, and are typically constructed of porous cellulose fibers and/or activated carbon granules, both of which trap dirt, rust, sand and silt and remove the taste and odor of chlorine and other substances. Sometimes silver nitrate (which is known to be a toxic substance) is addred to the loose granular filters (bacteriostatic filters) to inhibit growth of bacteria that can occur with this type of filter. Addition of silver does not improve ability of the unit to physically remove bacteria or other contaminates, especially chemicals.
Reverse Osmosis	Although these units reduce a wide range of minerals and heavy metals, they are not as effective in removing chemicals or volatile organic chemicals from drinking water.
Bottled Water	This approach is expensive and likely to become contaminated before use. Users must buy, carry and store heavy and cumbersome bottles. Besides who knows what the water is like inside - has it only had chlorine and oder removed, or what? What kind of filters and process was used to produce it?

Questions To Ask

1	Ask for the NSF listing for specific products you are evaluating. Is the product listed under NSF Standard #53 or under # 42, or both?
2	Ask for the product performance data sheet. Many states require these be provided to all prospective customers.
3	Ask about the service cycle (gallons of water treated). How often will the filter need to be changed and what will replacement filters cost.
4	Ask about the range of contaminants which the unit can reduce or remove under Standard 53. Most units certified under 53 are listed for turbidity and cyst reduction only. The number of units that also reduce certain pesticides, trihalomethanes, lead, and/or volatile organic chemicals is very small indeed. Be sure those contaminants with which you are concerned can be removed by the device you are considering.
5	Ask about the product's flow rate. It may be a great filter but if it won't flow nearly what you can get out of your tap without a filter, then perhaps it isn't worth it.
6	Ask if the manufacturer or distributor provides a customer satisfaction guarantee or warranty program.

For more information: call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 and The EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (202) 260-3949, the latter which will tell you which chemicals in the nearby industrial waste site that could leach into your water.

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