Environmental contamination is a characteristic of industrialized nations. The quality of public drinking water, particularly from underground water layers has been a growing worldwide concern and has been attributed to the use of nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides since the 1960's. Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology. 1993.
Because of a lack of funds to provide the appropriate technology, any potentially harmful elements such as synthetic compounds, metals, and radionuclides are not removed. Even bacteria and viruses cannot escape contemporary treatment practices. Many pollutants contained in drinking water will eventually circulate throughout every cell and tissue in the body. Prevention Magazine, 1994.
Much evidence continues to be discovered in regards to plumbing systems and their contribution in polluting water. Zinc, copper, cadmium, lead, and other trace elements are released in excessive quantities by the chemical action of the water in the metals of water pipes. It is well known that dissolved metals are more readily absorbed from drinking water than from most foodstuffs and therefore metal toxicity is higher through drinking water intake. Science of Total Environment, 1994.
The Environmental Protection Agency recently reported that unsafe levels of lead in American drinking water accounted for growth retardation and lowering of intelligence in children as well as blood ailments and pregnancy problems. Similarly, according to a recent World Health Organization report, a substantial portion of disease outbreaks can be attributed to deficiencies in drinking water disinfection. In addition, it's common knowledge that the majority of municipal water companies use as many as 50 different chemicals to clean water.
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