When it comes to happiness and health water works wonders. Water is one of the key factors in achieving great health. It appears as one of the simplest substances and yet may be one of most over looked and under-appreciated molecules in importance for the role it plays towards every facet of life on earth.

Water makes up the largest percentage of our bodies as well as the surface of planet earth and its importance and value is not fully appreciated by most. We are aware we need to drink water to keep ourselves hydrated and maintain our body’s functions and health. On average people need about half their body weight in ounces a day.

Concerns Over Contamination & Pollution

Unfortunately the quality of most fresh waters and oceans has changed radically over the last several centuries. Not that long ago it was a common practice and safe to drink the water from many lakes, rivers, springs and streams around the world.

Unfortunately today there are very few places left where the ground water is safe from multiple forms of contamination and pollution. Even much of the underground water resources are being contaminated, drained or threatened at an alarming rate.

There are agricultural, chemical, industrial and pharmaceutical toxins showing up in many water supplies that can seriously affect and harm your health. Many areas are reporting toxic levels of substances in their municipal waters? It’s frightening!

The following guidelines offers insight on harmful compounds found in water of which you need to be aware.

[colored_box title=”8 Most Common Water Contaminates” variation=”teal”]

  1. Chlorine: Chlorine is considered carcinogenic and is stored in fatty tissues of the body. This can cause cancers and other mutations.
  2. Fluoride: Research has shown that fluoride can cause chromosome damage in cells.
  3. Heavy metals: Aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, depleted uranium, lead, mercury and nickel are just a few of the harmful metals polluting the environment and causing major damage to our bodies.
  4. Herbicides: Wide spread use of herbicides on farms, lawns and highways are causing major pollution for our municipal surface and well water supplies. It has been shown to disrupt the endocrine glands, immune system and organs of the body.
  5. Industrial Wastes: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) and other industrial wastes have found their way into our water supply. Build up of PCBs and mercury and other wastes can be extremely toxic.
  6. Insecticides and Pesticides: DDT, DEET and Pesticides contain neuro-toxins to kill bugs which are harmful to our own cells and can also affect your hormone, immune and nervous system.
  7. Pharmaceutical Drugs: Recent studies have identified alarming levels of anti-biotic, anti-depression and birth control drugs in drinking water from lakes, rivers and streams. The increased use of these chemicals will continue to build up in our water supplies.
  8. Plastics: Plastic containers have been shown to deteriorate and harm the ecosystem as well as leach a variety of harmful substances. BPAs (bisphenol A) and other chemicals are harmful to our health.[/colored_box]

Now that we know these harmful toxins are in the water, the question is what can we do to reduce the toxins and how do we provide safer water for consumption?

What Can We Do?

The answers to these important questions are very complicated and detailed. The first step is we must collectively and individually do everything we can to eliminate and reduce as many sources of pollution as possible. This includes those directly caused and created by us as well as those created by businesses during the process of producing products for our use. This includes everything from the toxic body care products, household cleaners and laundry soaps.

Blue WaterfallWe must also regulate agricultural, industrial and pharmaceutical companies from creating and promoting compounds they know are harmful and toxic to people and the environment. There are too many chemicals being manufactured today that are known to be a health and safety risk with significant long term consequences.

Once we stop the wide spread uses of these toxic substances we must find ways to clean up the toxic wastes that have accumulated and prevent further damage. Then we must utilize technology to clean our water systems and return them back to safe standards

Water is a precious commodity for life on earth and we must do everything within our power to protect all our waters from further contamination and degradation. Our future, health and survival depend on it. Remember that water is needed by animals, humans and plants every day and any toxins in the water will directly and indirectly affect you and every other organism on earth.

Water works wonders so let’s do our part in 2010 and beyond to protect this precious resource from further pollution and begin to correct the damage that has already been done. The quality of our waters will determine the quality of our lives so make all your choices that impact water carefully and wisely.

Our next blog post will share: Living Cuisine Foods