About 60% of the human body is water. That shocking number may seem high but the truth is life cannot be sustained without H2O. In humans, water helps regulate our body temperature (crucial for this Las Vegas heat!), deliver oxygen throughout the body, and lubricate joints. Water has also been shown to help clear up the skin, prevent kidney damage, and aid with weight loss. Since so much of our body relies on water it’s important to pay attention to what kind of water you’re putting into it. The great debate between filtered and bottled water is a heated one, with both sides having some good points. Filtered water comes with a lot of strong perks, but bottled water remains a strong contender as the fan-favorite across the world. Which should you reach for when you’re thirsty? We’ve got our plumbing specialists to weigh in on the pros and cons of bottled water versus filtered.
How Contaminants Are Removed Through Filtering Water
‘Filtered’ water means water which has been altered to remove various contaminants. This can be achieved through different methods. Some filters work through a carbon barrier, forcing water to pass through a physical sieve which pulls out impurities. These filters are usually seen on relatively small scales, such as the well-known brand Brita’s filters. Reverse osmosis filters, a common installation for eco-friendly homeowners, use pressure to push water through a membrane that removes contaminants such as lead, copper, and microorganisms. Even bottled water is filtered in some manner, just packaged and shipped for single use. Home filtration systems are designed to be used repeatedly, but the process is usually the same.
The Difference A Home Filtration System Makes
Whether you opt for a Brita filter or a full house-wide system, filtered water is easily accessible for any homeowner. There is a long list of benefits of having a water filter in your home, not the least of which is better-tasting drinking water. Common impurities such as zinc or chlorine are perfectly safe to drink but not particularly tasty; a water filter would remove that unpleasant taste. Filtered water is often healthier than drinking direct tap water. Think of how many pipes your water passes through to come out of your sink and into your glass. Each glass of water can pass through pipes containing lead or mercury which are both harmful for human health. A water filter will remove those chemicals from the water, making it safe to drink. Potentially the biggest benefit of water filtration is the cost. The average cost for a bottle of water is between $0.40 to $2.00 per bottle, while the average carbon-based filter costs less than $10 and can be used for around three months. That’s a huge saving!
Bottled Water: Is It Worth It?
Bottled water is typically viewed as a safe beverage to drink. After all, there’s only one ingredient! So why do different brands taste different? The truth is: not all bottled water is created equal. Depending on the manufacturer, bottled water can be processed in a variety of ways. Nearly every bottled water is filtered through the same methods a home filtration system would use. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean it’s the same end product. Bottled water has been shown to contain microplastics across the board, which enter your body every time you take a sip. If that wasn’t bad enough, almost every plastic water bottle is made of a compound that cannot be recycled so they end up in our ocean or landfills. Since they take 450 years to degrade, this is a real environmental problem. It may seem like a good choice to grab a bottle of water when you’re thirsty but you’ll end up hurting your body, your planet, and your wallet with each purchase. A water filter, however basic, is undoubtedly a safer bet in the long run. Your trusted plumber can help you with figuring out what the best system is for your needs! For more home remedies or plumbing related tips contact Sin City Plumber.
