What is Drinking Water?
Drinking Water (Potable) is the most important water because it protects your health.
“Potable” water meets the minimum standards set by the EPA for consuming. There are actually thousands of different contaminants, and roughly 80 have limits set by the EPA, although most of those are non-enforceable. The reality is that all water, regardless of well water or municipal needs to be the best quality possible when it directly affects your health. The destruction of household plumbing, fixtures, and appliances is insignificant compared to the damage to Health. Our bodies are over 60% water, and we can only survive 3 days without it. Water allows our bodies to survive, organs to function, muscles to contract, and the brain to operate.
There are many options out there in the drinking water industry, and there are a lot of fads and scams trying to get a share of the multi-billion dollar bottled water business. There is a breakdown below of the major points, but the main goal is to purify the water and add options to your preference. This is the only way to ensure and protect your quality. Reverse Osmosis, distillation, and Deionizing resins are the only feasible methods of purifying.
- Reverse osmosis uses the least amount of energy and provides reliable quality in every situation from an under-sink unit to units that produce millions of gallons per day for cities and ships.
- Distillation requires a lot of energy to boil water, and then the steam is collected.
- Deionizing resins acts like magnets, grabbing everything dissolved in the water. This is practical in a medical or laboratory setting where ultrapure water is required but maintenance is extremely expensive and space is large for a whole house system. There are some countertop pitchers that claim to get the water to Zero but they come with a TDS meter that must be monitored or they will dump all the contaminants after a certain point is reached. They effectively poison you if you aren’t being careful.
We use Reverse Osmosis because it is reliable and can fit under a sink in most situations. The Kinetico K5 can also be connected to a fridge which eliminates the need to buy fridge filters.
There are a few basic categories of water:
Tap water
Also known as “Municipal Water”, has typically the same levels of chlorine as a pool. It also has ammonia in about 30% of municipal systems in America, which is also a common item found in pools. (Especially public pools, left behind by people.) Tap water meets the minimum standards set forth by the EPA, but typically we would like to have a far better grade than the same water used to flush toilets. The source can be rivers and other surface waters that have little protection from pollution. Many cities are implementing reverse osmosis systems but even with perfect water at the beginning it still has to be chlorinated and goes into older distribution systems to get to the houses. Basically it is the homeowner’s responsibility in each home to raise the level to the standards that we should all demand.
Well Water
Well Water is merely water being taken out of a hole in the ground. A well owner is considered a private water source and there aren’t any regulations in place that mandate the quality of any well. Water quality can vary (sometimes significantly) at different times of the year depending on rainfall and other geological factors, and the chance of bacteria being present is over 90% on all wells if regularly tested. The old mindset of “my water is perfect because I have a well” is flawed because the water always comes from somewhere that you have zero control of. ALL Well water needs to be evaluated and tested regularly OR steps need to be taken for the protection of the drinking water. Consider this, if anyone upstream of your water flow contaminates it (pesticides, bleach, fertilizers, motor oil, gasoline, fluoride pellets, etc.) you will eventually have it in your water supply.
Shallow Wells are “dug wells” or “Bored Wells” and are wider holes that utilize Surface-waters to maintain water tables and are very prone to contamination due to runoff and disposal. The water is typically very acidic since the water hasn’t had a chance to run thru mineral deposits and as very aggressive towards metals. Well pumps over 10 years old still contain lead and can be toxic to your health. Bacteria is very common in these due to the way they refill.
Deep Wells are done by Drilling, and go thru rock layers that cannot be penetrated with a Bored well. These tap into underground aquifers and can have source water that can travel hundreds of miles. Most modern wells are done this way and we see them being consistent for long periods of time, and then activity like the earthquake in August 2011 here causes the water to shift, sometimes dramatically. These wells are more reliable in times of drought, but still vary in water level, which can cause seasonal odors, colors, and pathogens. There have been actual homeowners that toss fluoride and chlorine pellets into their well regularly because they “heard it was a good idea”. Intentionally poisoning the groundwater is reckless and endangers the health of every house on that water.
Drinking Water options include the following:
- UV Sterilization to eliminate the danger of pathogens without chemicals or any alteration of the water taste. This method does NOT make the water better aside from the filtration of 5 micron it employs,
- Carbon filtration is used to make the water taste and smell better, as well as filtering out some contaminants like Iron, VOCs, Chlorine. The dissolved contaminants are still present in the water but the taste-test seems to convince folks that the water is pure. An example is the fridge filter, and you can easily test the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) against the tap water to see that there is no difference.
- Reverse osmosis reduces everything in the water to almost zero except gases. All professional systems include carbon treatment for the gases so the final delivered water is reliably pure. This is the ideal water for cooking, drinking, cleaning, and can be added into additional processes like mineral filters which can raise the pH and provide a different “Mouthfeel”. A comparison to bottled water is that Carbon filtration is “Spring Water”, and Reverse Osmosis is “”Purified”, and Reverse Osmosis plus a mineral filter is “Purified with minerals added for taste”.
Regardless of your personal preferences, Please do something to invest in your health with a drinking water system.
Your Contractor has selected the Kinetico products because they have the following advantages for you:
- Best warranties in the industry, with 10 years on most products with no pro-ration and they are fully transferrable to the new owner if you relocate.
- Over 50 years of manufacturing in the USA since they were invented in 1970, and the Advanced Water Systems Dealership has been fixing water since 1986 as their exclusive Authorized Dealer for this area.
- Products that are the most efficient in the industry, with options that are customized for each application.
- Pricing that is transparent and very competitive, not based on "How much can we get".
- Local Dealer office ensures fast and professional service, and dedication to customer satisfaction is evident on any Google search.
- Dealership is currently the largest in the world as of 2021, ensuring the promises and warranties will be honored forever.
Please let your Contractor know if you have any additional questions or concerns with your water, and for more information on specific products please visit us at: https://kineticorichmond.com/products/
Harvard Medical School suggests that the ideal daily water intake for healthy men is around 16 cups (128 ounces or 1 gallon), while for women, it's approximately 12 cups (96 ounces or 0.75 gallons). This amount includes all sources of water, not just drinking water, meaning that on some days, you might only need four to six cups of water. This is because other sources, like coffee, tea, juice, and even water-rich fruits and vegetables, contribute to your overall hydration.
Several factors may require you to adjust your plain water intake, including:
Physical Activity: Engaging in exercises, especially intense or prolonged activities like marathons, increases your need for water and electrolyte replenishment due to sweat loss.
Ambient Temperature: Hot weather can increase your thirst and necessitate a higher water intake to stay hydrated.
Health Conditions and Medication: Certain health issues and medications can either necessitate increased water intake or limit it. For example, conditions such as thyroid, kidney, liver, or heart diseases, and medications like NSAIDs, opioid painkillers, and some antidepressants, can affect your body's water needs.
Age: As people age, they may not feel as thirsty even when their body needs hydration. This is particularly crucial for older adults who may be taking medications that can cause fluid loss.
For more detailed information, you can read the full article here: Harvard Health Publishing
Specification:
K5 Reverse Osmosis
Dimensions: h 19″ x w 5.9″ x d 15.5″
Storage Tank Dimensions: 18″ x 7″
Inlet water pressure: Min 30psi, Max 120psi
Warranty: 10 years on all parts including Reverse Osmosis membrane
ADVANTAGES OF HYDRATION
Hydrating with water is crucial for maintaining optimal body function, as highlighted by the Harvard Medical School Special Health Report 6-Week Plan for Healthy Eating. Water plays several vital roles, including:
- Delivering nutrients and oxygen to cells
- Clearing bacteria from the bladder
- Supporting digestion
- Preventing constipation
- Stabilizing blood pressure
- Softening joints
- Shielding organs and tissues
- Managing body temperature
- Balancing electrolytes (such as sodium)
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR DRINKING WATER
When deciding on your source of drinking water, there are multiple factors to weigh:
- Do you prioritize taste above all else in your drinking water?
- Are potential contaminants in your water a concern for you?
- Are you looking for a more eco-friendly water solution?
- Do you face any specific water issues in your home?
- Which option offers better cost efficiency for you?
- Comparing bottled water and in-home water filtration systems can help determine the most suitable choice for your needs and preferences.
Can Lack of Water Lead to Headaches?
Indeed, not drinking enough fluids can lead to headaches. Certain individuals may be more susceptible to experiencing headaches due to dehydration, but these can be prevented with adequate daily fluid intake. Dehydration headaches may be felt all over the head or in specific areas, such as the front or back, and are less commonly one-sided. Activities like bending forward or even walking can exacerbate the headache.
The precise mechanism behind dehydration headaches isn't fully understood, as the brain itself lacks pain receptors. It's speculated that such headaches might be caused by the activation of pain receptors in the meninges, the brain's protective covering, as dehydration causes fluid to shift away from the brain, potentially pulling on the meninges. Another theory suggests dehydration may amplify the body's sensitivity to pain.
Typically, drinking 16 to 32 ounces of water should alleviate a dehydration headache within a couple of hours. For more intense or prolonged dehydration, more fluids and rest are recommended until the headache subsides. Severe dehydration, especially if accompanied by vomiting, might require rehydration through intravenous fluids. Not staying hydrated can also prolong migraines or other types of headaches. Even with nausea, it's advised to try and sip fluids gradually once symptoms start.
Alternative Hydration Sources
Water isn't the only fluid that can keep you hydrated. Any drink that contains water contributes to your daily hydration needs. Milk, for instance, is often highlighted for its hydrating properties.
Contrary to popular belief, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks do not necessarily dehydrate you, as they still result in a net gain in fluid intake over the day despite increasing urination.
However, water remains the preferable choice for hydration for several reasons. Sugary beverages can contribute to weight gain and inflammation, potentially increasing the risk of diseases like diabetes. Excessive caffeine can cause restlessness or insomnia, and it's recommended to limit alcohol to one drink per day for women and up to two for men.
Drinking Water Options
- Filtration
- Reverse Osmosis
- Water coolers
- Rentals
- Minerals added
Water Drinking Solutions in Richmond, VA
Options include filtration systems, reverse osmosis technology, water coolers, and rental services, with the option to add minerals to enhance taste. The bottled water market is vast, generating an annual revenue of $12 billion. The appeal of quick, accessible, and tasty water is undeniable. However, high-quality filtered tap water not only costs less but is generally healthier than bottled alternatives. Transitioning to a system like the Kinetico Water Filtration System can lead to significant savings—potentially hundreds to thousands of dollars annually.
Bottled water incurs costs from plastic use, production, transportation, and the distribution process, which cumulatively inflate its price for consumers. These additional expenses are absent with a home water filtration system.
Consider the staggering fact that bottled water can cost nearly 2,000 times more per gallon than filtered tap water. Investing in a home water treatment system benefits not just your health and palate but also offers considerable financial savings over its lifespan.
Popularity of Bottled Water:
Espite its high cost, bottled water's appeal lies in its taste, perceived quality, and convenience. The consumption of bottled water in the U.S. is on an upward trajectory, with Americans spending billions annually and drinking millions of gallons. The preference extends to home use as well, particularly where municipal water quality does not meet consumers' standards. On average, an American drinks 40 gallons of bottled water yearly, with about 15% relying exclusively on bottled water due to dissatisfaction with tap water's appearance, clarity, and taste.
A Financial Perspective:
The price tag on bottled water can exceed $6 per gallon, leading a family of four to spend upwards of $1,000 a year—surpassing even the cost of frequent coffee purchases. In contrast, the annual expense of a home drinking water filtration system is about one-seventh of this amount. This calculation includes the cost of filters and reusable bottles for on-the-go hydration. Moreover, switching to a filtration system is an environmentally conscious choice, reducing plastic use and waste.
DON’T Drink Tap Water- Call Us Today!
While tap water in itself is cheaper than both the other options it doesn’t come without its own set of risks.
Consuming unfiltered tap water could pose significant health risks and potentially lead to long-term problems. Some of the concerning substances that might be found in tap water include:
Some contaminants enter the water supply naturally, while others result from pollution and toxic waste. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established safety standards, millions of people are still exposed to water that fails to meet these criteria, containing dangerous chemicals and posing serious health risks. Even when regulatory violations are quickly addressed and remedied, the damage from prior exposure or consumption can be irreversible. Instances of illegal toxic waste disposal and other violations have led to legal actions and significant health crises in communities, including widespread cancer cases.
It’s crucial to test your water and use a filtration system to safeguard the health and well-being of your family. Water treatment solutions can eliminate up to 99.9% of harmful contaminants, ensuring your water is safe and tastes great.