One study of surface water found that
more than 79% of water tested was positive for enteric viruses, even
though it was chlorinated.
Carcinogens
Most Americans use tap water that contains significant
concentrations of one or more of three cancer-causing chemicals:
arsenic, radon and trihalomethanes.
( From a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Clean Water
Action and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group )
Chlorine
Chlorine is the most common form of water treatment for municipal
systems.
It is a relatively effective treatment against most bacteria.
The chemical is relatively ineffective against Cryptosporidium.
It's usage also has some very dangerous side effects when used in water
containing certain organic matter. One side effect is a suggested link
between chlorinated water and a variety of cancers. Chlorine has been
used by water treatment plants in the U.S. for over 80 years.
Cryptosporidium
All surface water supplies are at risk for Cryptosporidium
contamination. Cryptosporidium was not recognized as a cause for
human illness until 1976.
Disease symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea,
occasional vomiting and low-grade fever. Cryptosporidoisis typically
lasts 10 to 14 days.
It may linger off and on for up to 30 days or more.
Some people have experienced disease symptoms a year later.
Recovery from the disease depends upon the patient's immune system.
The disease can be fatal for immunosuppressed people such as AIDS or
Cancer patients. A cure for Cryptosporidiosis hasn't been found.
Chlorine at typical treatment concentrations has almost no effect,
even after extended contact time. Ozone is the most effective
disinfectant against cryposporidium. There are no current
regulations for safe crypto levels.
Herbicides
More than 14 million people are routinely exposed to agricultural
herbicides in their drinking water according to a report by the
Environmental Working Group and Physicians for Social Responsibility.
The report outlines 10.2 million in the Midwest, 1.5 million in
Lousiana and 2.4 million in the Chesapeake Bay region. The report
claims more than 3.5 million people, in 120 cities, face cancer risks
that are 10 to 100 times higher than the federal benchmark.
Lead
This carcinogen most commonly comes from solder and other plumbing
products, batteries, and gasoline. It adversly affects the kidneys,
nervous and reproductive systems, and also causes hypertension.
Children under six are most vulnerable to lead poisoning.
Known adverse affects are decreased intelligence, hearing problems
and stuntedgrowth. The EPA estimates that more than 560,000 children
exceed the Center For Disease Control's "level of concern" regarding
lead intake.
Tetrachloroethylene (THMs)
Water containing organic matter treated with chlorine produces THMs.
These are scientifically known as: Chloroform, Bromoform,
Bromodichloromethane, and Dibromochloromethane.
These affect mostly the nervous system and muscles.
They are also a probable cause of cancer.
Furthermore...
A report of the Canadian Water Quality Association finds that 1.3
Billion people don't have safe drinking water.
In 1993 the EPA posted about 16,000
violations
of public drinking water systems.
The Natural Resources Defense Council released a report claiming nearly
half of Americans should worry about the water they draw from thier
taps each day.
The EPA said 30 million might be at risk from lead in their drinking
water.
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