A recent story in the news about a man dying from a brain eating amoeba from tap water has taken the world by storm. It has also raised the questions: Do you know what’s in your tap water? How contaminated is the tap water in your area? Is it even as safe as we originally thought? 

The quality of tap water can vary depending on the location and the source of the water. In some areas, tap water may contain contaminants or minerals that can be harmful to human health or affect the taste and smell of the water.  Some tap water may still contain low levels of pollutants such as lead, pesticides, or industrial chemicals and more.

Take a look at these tap water pipes: 

Additionally, tap water can sometimes have a chlorine taste or odor, which is added as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and other harmful organisms in the water. While chlorine is generally safe to consume in small amounts, some people may be more sensitive to it than others.  

A new report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that more than 9 million lead pipes carrying drinking water to homes in the United States are probably a significant source of lead contamination. The survey looked at over 3,600 public water systems, and it is estimated that there are 9.2 million lead service lines in the United States, with Florida having the highest estimated number of 1.16 million lead pipes. The Biden administration has announced that $6.5 billion will be provided to states for drinking water infrastructure upgrades, with nearly $3 billion going to lead service line identification and replacement. 

It’s important to note that drinking water from any source, including bottled water, can have potential health risks depending on the specific contaminants present. It’s always a good idea to check the quality of your tap water and take appropriate measures, such as using a water filter or buying water from trusted sources.

I had the pleasure of meeting with my dear friend Paula Silveira of Miami Alkaline Water at their headquarters in Miami to discuss all things water quality. 

She shared with me that tap water can contain the following compounds and contaminants: 

    • Aluminum 
    • Amoeba
    • Arsenic
    • Asbestos
    • Barium
    • Bicarbonate
    • Boron
    • BPAs
    • Cadmium
    • Calcium 
    • Carbonate
    • Chloride
    • Chloramines
    • Chlorine
    • Chromates
    • Chromium
    • Copper
    • Cyanide
    • Cysts
    • Flouride *Yes this is dangerous
    • Giardia
    • Haloacetic Acids
    • Herbicides
    • Humic Acids
    • Iron
    • Lead
    • Magnesium 
    • Manganese
    • Mercury
    • Nickel
    • Nitrate
    • Nitrite
    • Perfluorooctane
    • Sulphonic Acid (PFOs)
    • Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
    • Parasites
    • Pesticides
    • Pharmaceuticals – including birth control
    • Phosphate
    • Phthalates
    • Potassium
    • Protozoa
    • Radionuclides
    • Sediment
    • Selenium
    • Silver
    • Sodium
    • Sulfur
    • Strontium
    • Sulfate
    • Trihalomethanes (THMs)
    • Turbidity
    • Virus
    • Vocs
    • Zinc
  • *List from Miami Alkaline Water

So what’s in YOUR tap water? 

Paula shared a website from the Environmental Working Group that shows you what is in your tap water within your zip code.

The Environmental Working Group is an American activist nonprofit organization that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of agricultural subsidies, toxic chemicals, drinking water pollutants, and corporate accountability. 

CLICK HERE to see what’s in your tap water.

I was surprised to find that the water in my area had 24 contaminants with 8 that exceeded EWG Health Guidelines. 

Water is the most crucial factor in establishing and maintaining proper acid-alkaline balance. Since your body is about 70% water, it is extremely important to replenish your supply. The body loses about 2.5 liters of water every single day, just through normal bodily functions. The water  you put in your body must be able to prevent toxins and chemical substances from accumulating and creating destructive influences on cells. 

Water must also transport minerals and nutrients required for cell metabolism and remove any substances that can damage the cell. Ideally the water you drink should have a pH between 9 and 10 (Alkaline) and you should be drinking approximately 3-4 liters of it daily. 

What is alkaline water? 

Alkaline water is a type of ionized water that acts as a powerful and natural antioxidant, with the ability to help the body eliminate acid waste produced by the natural process of digestion. It works as a natural antacid which helps neutralize acid levels in the body, helping prevent the development of many diseases and combating common problems such as acid reflux, fluid retention, digestive problems and more.

It is important to not only ensure you’re drinking quality water, but also understand the benefits of bathing and cooking with filtered water as well. Water filtration systems can drastically reduce and even eliminate contaminants in water depending on the kind of water filtration systems you use. 

It is important to not only ensure you’re drinking quality water, but also understand the benefits of bathing and cooking with filtered water as well. Water filtration systems can drastically reduce and even eliminate contaminants in water depending on the kind of water filtration systems you use. 

Miami Alkaline Water has a variety of water solutions including bottled water to home filtration systems, all while ensuring that quality and taste are not compromised. They re-mineralize the water after the reverse osmosis process with molecular hydrogen, which is the smallest antioxidant in nature, and use premium high capacity filters with a lead-free ceramic disc. 

Miami Alkaline Water’s bottled water is the ONLY bottled water that is Kosher certified(!). They offer aluminum bottles or BPA free bottles for drinking use, with product offerings such as regular alkaline water, sparkling water, cbd water and more. CLICK HERE to shop Miami Alkaline Water. Tell them I sent you!

While I had some ideas and thoughts about tap water prior to my meeting with Paula, I learned so much from her on my visit to the store that I was truly blown away by all of the information. If you are a Miami local, you can stop by their headquarters on 68 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. 

Have you tried switching from tap water to a cleaner source? Let me know!

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*Not medical advice