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BOTTLED WATER AND FILTERS
3/30
What's in That (Bottled) Water?
Effectiveness of Lead Filters
3/18
Additional Filters Donated
as
the city struggles with the distribution method,
following its failed difficult to administer pick-up
distribution process. On March 5, it was reported that Brita is
donating filters to D.C. residents, yet they appear slated only for
homes with lead service lines, In Arlington, homes that
receive D.C.'s water and that have lead components, solders or
fixtures and do not connect to lead service lines have
elevated lead levels.
Findings In Arlington Imply All DC Residents with some Lead Fixture,
Component At Risk
Where to Get Free Filters if you have
lead service lines
There are two
options that many are employing as an alternative to tap water:
filtered water and
bottled water.
A caution when consuming alternatives to tap water
is that many experts attribute fluoridated (tap) water to preventing
dental caries in infants and tooth decay in young children.
Many criticize bottled water as a tap alternative because it lacks
the same degree of regulation as tap water, and therefore may pose
other problems to those consuming it. (Nothing here or on this
site purports to give medical or technical advice. Please
consult your health care provider with such questions.)
Water Filtration Products
There are two organizations recommended by the U.S. EPA
for assisting consumers in finding appropriate filtration products:
1.
NSF International, National
Sanitation Foundation, is independent and it tests, evaluates and certifies
the performance of filtering devices that remove lead from drinking water.
Look for their seal, which generally is placed on the product and its
packaging.
2. The
Water Quality Association (WQA) also an independent, not-for-profit agency,
it represents firms and individuals who produce and sell equipment and
services that improve the quality of drinking water. They advise on
treatment units for specific uses at home or business. For more
information regarding the certification program, contact NSF at (877)
867-3435, or WQA at (630) 505-0161, ext. 270.
3.
See Consumer Reports for their consumer satisfaction ratings of
filtration systems.
Bottled Water
1. Many are
choosing bottled water alternatives to tap water. EPA notes that EPA
does not regulate bottled water. Bottled water sold in interstate
commerce is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Water that is
bottled and sold within a state is under state regulation. EPA does not
regulate bottled water.)
2.
NSF International also
evaluates and certifies bottled water and ice products.
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