It is safe to say that water is the most important element for human survival. Our bodies are composed of nearly two-thirds water, and we can only live a few days without it. Every system in our body depends on water, from regulating our temperature and digesting food to circulating blood and transporting oxygen to our cells. The functions of all bodily organs are dependent on water.
Water is so essential to life that you could almost say we are creatures of water. And yet, many people do not appreciate the importance of clean drinking water until they don’t have access to it or it becomes contaminated.
How to Obtain Clean Water
Clean water is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for good health. The good news is that there are various ways to obtain clean water for drinking and other uses.
Utilize Water Filtration Devices
If installing a whole-home filtration system isn’t feasible or practical for you, there are also various portable water filtration devices available. These include water bottles with built-in countertops and faucet filters. These water filtration systems can remove contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and bacteria from your drinking water. They are a great option for those living in less-than-ideal tap water quality or for travelers who want to ensure access to clean drinking water wherever they go.
Install a Home Water Purification System
Installing a water purification system in your home is one of the most effective and convenient ways to ensure that you have clean, safe drinking water every day. Various options are available, including reverse osmosis and whole-house filtration systems.
The reverse osmosis system is a common choice for many households. It filters water at the molecular level, removing contaminants as small as one micron (one millionth of a meter) in size. This type of filtration can remove contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and mercury from your drinking water.
Whole-house filtration systems filter all the water from your home, not just what you drink. These systems can remove contaminants that affect the taste and odor of your water and those that can be harmful to your health.
Boiling Water
Boiling is one of the oldest methods of purifying water and is still effective in removing harmful microorganisms like bacteria and protozoa. Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute to kill any harmful organisms before consuming it. This method can remove most bacterial and viral contaminants, making drinking water safe. However, it will not remove chemical pollutants such as lead or mercury.
Collect Rainwater
Rainwater is a natural source of clean water. It can be collected for various purposes, including drinking, washing, and watering plants. However, it’s important to ensure that the collection container is clean and free from contaminants before collecting the rainwater. Also, check local regulations, as some areas have restrictions on the use of rainwater.
The Benefits of Clean Water
Aside from the obvious benefit of keeping us hydrated and alive, clean water has numerous benefits for our health and well-being. Here are just a few:
Prevents Disease and Illness
One of the most obvious benefits of drinking clean water is that it helps prevent disease and illness. Unfiltered or contaminated water can contain harmful microorganisms like bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that can make us sick. Drinking clean water helps keep us healthy by protecting us from these harmful organisms.
Promotes Overall Well-Being
Drinking clean water not only helps protect us from disease and illness, but it also contributes to our overall sense of well-being. Clean water is essential for maintaining good health, both physically and mentally. It helps regulate our body temperature, digest food properly, and circulate blood throughout our body. And it’s not just humans who need clean water; all animals do too. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of death in pets.
Protects the Environment
Using clean water not only benefits our health and well-being, but it also helps protect the environment. Contaminated water can harm plants and animals, disrupt ecosystems, and contribute to pollution. Using clean water sources and properly disposing wastewater can protect the environment and preserve natural ecosystems.
Saves Money
One of the lesser-known benefits of clean water is that it can help save money. Unfiltered or contaminated water can contain harmful microorganisms like bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that can make us sick. Drinking clean water helps keep us healthy by protecting us from these harmful organisms. Not only does this protect our health, but it also saves us money on medical bills and misses work days.
By taking steps to obtain clean water for our daily needs, we can improve not just our health but also the health of our environment. Clean water is essential for all living beings and should be accessible. It’s time to value and prioritize clean water in our lives and take action to ensure its availability for generations to come.