Is Your Tap Water Trying to Kill You? A Dive into Drinking Dilemmas

Ah, water—the elixir of life, the clear, refreshing beverage that makes up about 60% of our bodies and 100% of our puddles. We sip it, bathe in it, and occasionally curse it when it ruins our smartphones. But lately, a question has been bubbling up: Should we be worried about our drinking water? Let's take a humorous plunge into this topic and see if our H₂O is friend or foe.

Meet Louise: The Filter Fanatic

Take Louise, a 34-year-old nurse from Greater Manchester. About 12 years ago, she decided that plain old tap water was too pedestrian for her tastes. Since then, she's invested hundreds of pounds in various at-home filtration systems, turning her kitchen into a mini water treatment plant. "In my line of work, I deal with a lot of bacteria," she says. "E. coli, legionella, norovirus—they can all come from water. It's a scary thought." One has to wonder if Louise's next step is to don a hazmat suit every time she fills a glass. But hey, better safe than sorry, right?

Claire's Conundrum: When Floods Attack

Then there's Claire, 59, from Cheltenham. After her father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and cancer, a consultant suggested making small lifestyle changes, including drinking filtered water. Around the same time, the 2007 flash floods in Gloucestershire left her without drinking water for three weeks. When the taps finally sputtered back to life, the smell was, in her words, "unbelievable." Since then, Claire has been on a filtration frenzy, using refillable filter cartridges called Pure Pods. One can't help but imagine her kitchen resembling a high-tech lab, with beakers and test tubes bubbling away.

The Great Divide: Who's Worried About Water?

A study published last year showed that 52.3% of people across 141 countries were worried about being harmed by their drinking water in the next two years.

Interestingly, the research found that water concerns were more common among women, city dwellers, those with higher education levels, and people experiencing financial difficulties. So, if you're a well-educated woman living in a bustling metropolis and feeling the pinch in your wallet, chances are you're eyeing that glass of tap water with suspicion.

The Invisible Menace: Forever Chemicals

Now, let's talk about the ominously named "forever chemicals," or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These sneaky substances have been linked to cancers and other long-term health conditions. The UK's water treatment system does its best, but tiny traces can still slip through. It's like trying to keep glitter out of your house after a craft project—no matter how much you clean, you'll find sparkles for months.

Microplastics: The Tiny Titans

Not to be outdone, microplastics have entered the scene. These minuscule particles have been found in UK tap water and can be absorbed into the body. The World Health Organization reports that particles too small to be seen with the naked eye are likely to be absorbed by the human body, but "firm conclusions" on the risk "cannot yet be determined." citeturn0search2

So, if you've ever dreamed of becoming a human snow globe, congratulations! You're already full of tiny plastic flakes.

Cryptosporidium: The Unwanted Guest

In May 2024, residents in Brixham, Devon, were advised to boil their drinking water after 22 cases of a waterborne disease were confirmed. The culprit? A parasite called cryptosporidium, which can cause a disease with diarrhea symptoms. citeturn0search3

It's like the microscopic version of that one relative who always shows up uninvited and causes a mess.

To Drink or Not to Drink: That Is the Question

With all these concerns swirling around, what's a thirsty person to do? Experts suggest that while the UK's water treatment system is unable to eliminate every tiny trace of contaminants, filtering your water at home can help. So, whether you're a fan of fancy filtration systems or prefer the rustic charm of boiling water over a campfire, there are steps you can take to ensure your drinking water is as clean as possible.

In Conclusion: Keep Calm and Carry On (Drinking)

While it's easy to get caught up in the wave of water worries, it's important to remember that the vast majority of tap water is safe to drink. Regulatory agencies apply strict rules to ensure microbial and chemical contaminants are removed. So, before you start hoarding bottled water or building a personal aquifer in your backyard, take a deep breath (of fresh air, not water) and trust that your tap isn't out to get you. After all, life's too short to stress over a glass of H₂O.

Here at AlkaWay we’ve focused on creating a water filter that mimics nature, creating ultrapure but energized water like we were born to expect.