Tap water has long been the go-to source for daily hydration, cooking, and cleaning – and why not? Isn’t it designed to be clean and safe for our consumption? Not necessarily, no.
In recent years, studies have revealed unsettling facts about what might, in fact, be lurking within our supposedly ‘clean water.’ The Environmental Working Group (EWG), for example, discovered over 300 pollutants in the U.S. tap water, some of which include lead, pesticides, and even pharmaceutical drugs; it’s scary to consider that the aging infrastructure in many regions further exacerbates the issue, as old pipes can leach heavy metals into the water supply. What’s even more concerning is that prolonged exposure to some of these contaminants can lead to severe health challenges, such as gastrointestinal diseases, neurological disorders, and in extreme cases, various cancers.
Fluoride has been added to community water supplies in the U.S. since the mid-1940s, with the express purpose of combating tooth decay. Initially, the practice was widely endorsed, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hailing community water fluoridation as one of the 20th century’s leading public health accomplishments. However, despite its long-standing use, there now emerges growing concerns about the safety and necessity of water fluoridation.
Historical Support
In the 20th century, high fluoride levels in community water were linked to low tooth decay rates. Grand Rapids, Michigan, was the first community to introduce fluoride to its water in 1945, leading to a notable reduction in children’s cavities – sounds good so far, right?
Recent Scrutiny
The Cochrane Collaboration, an esteemed global research group, recently reviewed key studies on water fluoridation; their findings indicate that while fluoride reduces tooth decay in children, its effectiveness in adults remains unproven (you would think teeth are teeth, but apparently not). Furthermore, most of the early research supporting fluoridation (predominantly conducted before 1975) had methodological issues; notably, these older studies didn’t factor in the advent of fluoride toothpaste and other dental products, which also assist in the prevention of cavities. This could be a reason why even non-fluoridated countries have witnessed a decline in cavity rates – the plot thickens.
Potential Risks
Fluoride builds up in the body over time, posing risks to various groups, including infants, kidney patients, and heavy water consumers. There are also emerging doubts about the actual benefits of fluoridation in terms of dental health.
High fluoride exposure can lead to fluorosis, manifesting as changes in tooth enamel and even weakening of the bones. Moreover, early studies hint at fluoride’s potential toxicity to the brain and nervous system; some research findings are suggestive of a link between high fluoride exposure and cognitive deficits, although these primarily relate to levels higher than what’s typically sauntering about in U.S. water supplies.
A review by Harvard University researchers suggests that fluoride exposure could also have potential negative effects on children’s neurodevelopment. Published in Environmental Health Perspectives, a journal from the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the study was reported by the NYS Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc. (NYSCOF).
The findings uncovered that children living in areas with high fluoride levels in water had noticeably lower IQ scores compared to those in areas with lower fluoride levels; the EPA does identify fluoride as a chemical that may pose developmental neurotoxicity risks.
Fluoride is added to US water supplies at about 1 part per million to help prevent tooth decay. The studies examined focused exclusively on fluoride from water, while Ding’s 2011 study also indicated that even low levels of fluoride in water were inversely associated with children’s intelligence.
NYSCOF President, attorney Paul Beeber, argues that prioritizing dental health through fluoridation at the potential expense of brain health is misguided. He emphasizes the need to rethink fluoridation policies.
Safer Alternatives
New York City is now considering ending water fluoridation, joining other communities that have already made such a decision. In light of these recent review findings, it seems the sensible option is to avoid drinking it altogether and focus on safer alternatives. Here are 5 options to consider:
- Filtered Water Pitchers
Names like Brita and PUR get the nod from Consumer Reports for getting the nasties out of your water; they’re also pocket-friendly, pretty straightforward to handle, and great at tackling the usual suspects (i.e., water contamination culprits). But, there’s the catch: they can’t hold a ton, and you’ll be swapping out filters more than you’d like; convenience with a side of maintenance for this option.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis is a CDC-endorsed top-tier method for home water purification; it’s excellent at what it does and has longevity on its side. On the downside, though, setting it up can make your wallet feel a tad lighter, and it’s not the most water-efficient option, so it’s a bit of an unfortunate trade-off.
- Bottled/Boxed Water
Always check the label for the source and ensure the brand meets industry standards for water quality – sadly, some companies do profess to their products being safer and ‘greener’ than they actually are. That’s why it’s a good idea to opt for highly reputable, sustainability-focused water companies, like Jaden Smith’s JUST Water, to ensure that you are getting clean, mineral-rich water (in a thoughtful package) delivered to your door.
- Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural source of essential electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which can aid in rehydration, especially after exercise – but it does contain natural sugars; great for an energy perk, not so great for calorific intake.
- Alkaline Water
This isn’t your regular tap water; it’s got a higher pH level that might just balance out the acid in your blood; some people rave about its perks – think weight loss, detox boosts, clearer skin, and a fast track to feeling better post-sickness. Still, these claims are yet to be backed up by hard facts. Oh, and you’ll mostly find it in glass bottles, as plastic and excessive lights tends to mess with its pH mojo.
Better to Be Safe Than Sorry
The questions surrounding the safety and sustainability of tap water are becoming harder to ignore; as responsible consumers, we have the power to make choices that not only protect our health, but also consider the health of the planet. From convenient solutions like filtered water pitchers to thoughtful options like sustainable brand waters, credible alternatives abound.