Water is an essential part of our everyday lives. The Earth itself is made up of seventy one percent water. The average human body is seventy percent water. Needless to say, without our precious water you and I wouldn’t be alive today.
Since water is a necessary component of life, health and water naturally link together. Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Because your body loses water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, it’s important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. A dehydrated person will not be able to perform tasks on the same level as someone who is hydrated. When you commit to drinking water, many elements of your life will improve.
What Are The Elements of Good Drinking Water?
It’s important to know what are the elements of good drinking water, and we have you covered with this infographic:
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For those that prefer to read, here is the infographic in more detail.
As you can see, not all types of water are good, though. Contaminated water can make you very sick and cause various other health complications. That’s why it’s important to make sure your water is clean and pure before you drink it. It can be hard to detect contaminants with the naked eye, but in this article there are several key things to look for when you are trying to determine whether you drinking water is
Key Factors
When determining whether your water is good for drinking or not, there are a few important factors to consider first.
Contaminant-Free
You should never drink water if you don’t know what’s in it – no if’s or but’s about it. Water is soluble, therefore it has the potential to be mixed in with all sorts of unwanted contaminants. You will be safest drinking water that you know is free of unhealthy microbes and toxins.
pH Levels
How acidic is your water? Your water should always have a pH level between 7.0 and 9.5 because an extreme from either side of the spectrum could have bad consequences on your body. Water that is too acidic, for instance, can upset your stomach and cause ulcers. Studies show that water that is too basic (alkaline water) can lead bone loss. That said, make sure your water has the correct pH level before drinking it.
Good Smell and Taste
If your water doesn’t taste or smell good, that’s not a good sign. Either of these two factors can point to your water being contaminated. For instance, if your water smells like rotten eggs after sitting for ten minutes, it means that you have a high concentration of sulfate in your water supply. If your water tastes metallic, there is iron in your water system. You need your water to taste and smell good so you drink it and stay hydrated as well.
How To Purify Your Water
Purifying your water is super simple. Listed below are several trusted methods that you can use.
Straining
For water that is contaminated with large particles like pebbles, insects, plant matter or dirt, you can strain out the contaminants. All you have to do is line a fine-mesh strainer with muslin, cheesecloth or even a clean dish towel. Place the strainer over a bowl, and pour the water through the strainer to remove particles.
Chemicals
For a more simpler method, you can use water purification or disinfection tablets. These tables are made of either chlorine dioxide or iodine, and kill bacteria in the water. Yes, it is safe to drink afterward.
Heat
Boiling is a great way to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites from water. Fill a pot with water and heat it over a stove or fire. Bring the water to a boil and let it sit at a boil for 10 minutes. Let the water cool before you drink it.
Hard vs Soft Water
You’ve heard about hard and soft water, but what does it actually mean? Is there one that’s better than the other? Believe it or not, there a few key differences that you should know.
Hard Water
Soft Water
How Water Is Tested For Contaminants
The simplest method is the “smell and taste.” To try this, get a glass of water from your tap and cover it. After a few minutes, take the cover off and smell it. If you pick up a faint bleach smell, it’s certain there is chlorine in your water. If it smells like rotten eggs, it’s likely there is bacteria growth.
Another thing you could do is purchase a home testing kit. For about $6 you can buy a kit that will allow you to test for contaminants. If you don’t want to spend any money, there is a free option. Search Google for “local drinking water information,” and find information about the quality of your water that way.
How Much Water Should You Drink A Day?
Water is necessary for our bodies to function properly, therefore, it’s important to keep your body hydrated. Everyone’s needs are different but the average amount you should be drinking every day stays the same. Women should be drinking about 2.7 liters per day and men should be drinking at least 3.7 daily. It doesn’t hurt to drink a little more than the average, but drinking less may land you with dehydration.
