Water, Water Everywhere

Water, Water Everywhere

By Kitty Hegemann

Water:  the substance without which life would cease to exist on this planet. You can go a long time without food, but after three days with no water, you will die.

Our bodies are 70 percent water.

Water has the chemical formula of H2O, two hydrogen atoms for each oxygen atom.

H2O in the liquid form is water; the solid form is ice and the gaseous form is steam or vapor.

Water is used in almost all processing – from food, to petroleum, to clothing, and even to cars. Water is in everything we drink, from, well, plain water to fruit juice to soda, and it is in the food we eat, too.

There can be problems with too much water. Heavy rains can bring flooding; heavy snow can leave people and animals stranded; hail can damage or destroy crops; and dense fog can make travel impossible.

Too little water results in drought. In areas of the country where there has been high population growth, there are usually water shortage and safety problems. There is not enough water for residents, businesses, and industrial production. Urban areas with a population stress on the water supply must either divert water from less populated areas or build reservoirs to hold water. Although Watauga Lake is a recreation area, it also serves as a reservoir for the Tri-Cities during times of drought (http://www.wataugalaketennessee.com).

When water supplies are provided through a government or company, there are possible safety issues from chemicals, bacteria, and other pollutants. There is a strict process used to make sure your water is clean and safe.

Today many people drink bottled water. The trend began with a French company called Perrier (http://www.perrier.com).  Their water comes from a natural spring and is distributed worldwide. Soon, other companies began selling bottled water and the business expanded. Many people who live in cities drink water that has been treated with chlorine and fluoride. Neither chemical makes the water taste good, so that helped the bottled water businesses grow. People keep bottled water on hand because of convenience, as a safety precaution, and habit. Now you can buy exotically flavored water, plain drinking water, and distilled water. Unfortunately, dishonest businesses have also sprung up, which sell tap water, polluted water, and water in plastic that leaches chemicals into the product.

Health professionals are looking at bottled water. A growing percentage of those professionals are recommending that people skip bottled water, but there are times when that may not be possible. If you are traveling, out shopping, working in the yard, or at work, bottled water may be the safest, most reliable way to keep hydrated.

There is a chemical in many plastic bottles called bisphenol A, which is linked to multiple human health problems (http://www.bisphenol-a.org/human/). Ongoing research is not conclusive. Some research shows most people have significant levels of this chemical in their bodies, and health care professionals warn to limit exposure to it. The recommendations include:

• using glass baby bottles and dishes;
• don't microwave food in plastic containers, tossing out old, scratched plastic dishes and containers;
• don't wash plastic dishes in the dishwasher or use strong detergents, which can speed up wear and tear;
• avoid canned food and drinks with an inside plastic coating; and
• avoid using plastic wraps; some contain bisphenol A, though certain brands don't, so check the brand if you use plastic wraps (http://www.saranbrands.com/faq.asp#1)

(For more information: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/326907_plastic09.html)

There are also environmental concerns about plastic bottles. Plastic is a petroleum based product and uses valuable natural resources. Earth911 gives these statistics:

• Americans buy an estimated 29.8 billion plastic water bottles every year.
• Nearly eight out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill.
• It is estimated that the production of plastics accounts for four percent of the energy consumption in the U.S.
• HDPE and PET bottles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_bottle) showed the highest recycling rates of any plastic bottles types, at 27.1 and 23.1 percent, respectively.
• Less than one percent of all plastic is recycled. Therefore, almost all plastics are incinerated or end up in a landfill.
• Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt light bulb for up to six hours.
• Recycled plastic bottles can be made into products such as clothing, carpeting, detergent bottles and lumber for outdoor decking.
• More than 80 percent of U.S. households have access to a plastics recycling program through curbside or community drop-off centers.
• Producing new plastic products from recycled materials uses two-thirds less energy than required to make products from raw (virgin) materials. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

(For more information: http://earth911.com/recycling/plastic/plastic-bottles/facts-about-plastic-bottles/)

There are a few easy and inexpensive ways to have tasty, clean water available. First, make sure your tap water is safe and tastes good. You should have your water tested if you are on a well system or check reliable reports from your water provider. Second, consider buying a water filtering system. A quick internet search can provide products and prices. A pitcher with filter can cost as little as $20 and replacement filters are $16 for a three-pack. A faucet filtration system can cost less than $30 and replacement filters cost $20 for a two-pack. A home filtration system can start at $1,000. Third, buy reusable bottles and fill them with your tap or filtered water. A set of five bottles cost less than $20. In the long run, you’ll save money and know your "bottled water" is both safe and tasty.

Additionally, Americans drink a lot of soda. That adds up in money and environmental damage. Did you know you can buy soda machines? You use your water with carbonation and flavorings, and you can control the amount of sugar in the drinks. The initial investment can be as little as $80. There are several products available:

• SodaStream (http://www.sodastreamusa.com/)
• Soda Parts (http://www.sodaparts.com/)

Alternatives to bottled water and soda are safer, are environmentally responsible, and save money. If you choose to use an alternative, recycle those old, used plastic bottles. Take them to waste collection and put them in the plastic recycling container.

 

© 2011, Katherine B. Hegemann