The Importance of Water and Wellness: The Problems and Filtration Solutions

The Importance of Water Wellness: The Problems and Solutions

Water, a prerequisite for all known forms of life on Earth and is a crucial resource that has unfortunately been undervalued and mistreated. Today, a significant portion of our water supply is contaminated with PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," stemming from various sources like pesticides, industrial dumping, military activities, and even the contaminants we carelessly discard down our kitchen drains. Surprisingly, over 45% of the US is affected by PFAS contamination, impacting more than 200 million people, many of whom are unaware of the dangers lurking in their tap water. Some individuals may attempt to switch to plastic water bottles, believing it to be a safer alternative, but, in reality, this only adds to our water pollution predicament.

Bottled water, despite claims of being "purified," is not free from contamination. The term "purified" may mislead consumers, as it often involves chemical treatment to achieve cleanliness. Studies have unveiled instances of bacterial, chemical, and even microplastic contamination in bottled water. Additionally, the plastic bottles themselves can release harmful chemicals into the water, particularly when exposed to heat or stored for extended periods of time. 

Moreover, the widespread use of plastic bottles contributes significantly to the global plastic pollution crisis. The production, transportation, and disposal of these bottles consume vast amounts of energy and resources, leading to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. To exacerbate matters, a substantial portion of plastic bottles ends up in landfills or as litter, posing a threat to ecosystems and wildlife. As these bottles break down over time, they transform into microplastics, further contaminating our precious water resources. A striking example was an article I came across in 2019 from Earth and Sky news, aptly titled "Raining Plastic in the Rockies," which shed light on the alarming infiltration of microplastics in our water systems, reaching virtually every corner of the globe.

Aside from the plastics, DBP’s (Disinfectant by products) arise from “purifying” our water with bleach in attempts to remove harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, the existence of DBPs in drinking water has raised concerns regarding human health. This is due to epidemiological studies indicating connections between DBP exposure and heightened risks of cancer development as well as negative reproductive outcomes.

There are significant amounts of studies both on human and non human lifeforms when it comes to DBPs and reproductive issues. DBPs have been linked to negative reproductive outcomes in both women and men. For instance, a retrospective cohort study carried out in Nova Scotia, Canada, involving 49,842 women who gave birth to a single child between 1988 and 1995, found associations between exposure to chloroform and bromodichloromethane and various issues such as neural tube defects, cardiovascular defects, cleft defects, and chromosomal abnormalities. For further information feel free to read the full report from The National Library of Medicine.

It is evident that safeguarding our water supply requires a collective effort and a shift in attitudes toward water usage and conservation. First off, being more mindful of what you flush down the water system can go a long way. Definitely do not flush down your old pharmaceuticals, which even if they get cleaned out in the city's water cleaning stations, still have harmful effects on the environment and cause reproductive issues for our wildlife. Consider non-harsh chemical cleaners when cleaning your home and laundry to assist with solving this issue. 

At Synergistic Wellness we have provided you with an extensive list of safe home products here. Addressing water contamination, embracing sustainable practices, and seeking effective water filtration solutions are essential steps toward preserving this invaluable resource for generations to come.

So how do we obtain our most precious life resource without contaminating ourselves with toxins, plastics, and other PFAS?

Firstly, it's crucial to assess the quality of your water. While you can research the water conditions in your area for information on chlorine, fluoride, and other pollutants, the most reliable approach is to conduct your own tests. Investing in a drinking water test kit, readily available on platforms like Amazon, allows you to directly determine the composition of your water. Ensure the kit includes fluoride testing, a common contaminant in many areas.

Given the increasing prevalence of water contamination, it's prudent to consider a filtration system. Options range from filter attachment systems to countertop filters, both capable of effectively removing substances like PFAS and fluoride from treated water. Below are some of the best options for your home.

Countertop Water Filters

1. Berkey

PFAS REDUCTION: 100%  |  INITIAL COST: $344.00 1.5 Gallons - $478.00 6 Gallons

FILTER LIFE: 6+ YEARS (3,000 GALLONS) at 2 gallons a day

Initially this is more of a pricy upfront cost, however considering the filter life Berkey is fantastic for a countertop water treatment system, especially given the capabilities of filtering out fluoridated water. Also the fact the Berkey is metal and not plastic gives it the top spot for suggested filtration systems. As for the filter replacement, it would vary on how dirty the water is in the first place.

2. Clearly Filtered

PFAS REDUCTION: 100%  |  INITIAL COST: $90.00 for 80OZ

FILTER LIFE: ~50 DAYS (100 GALLONS)  |  ONE-YEAR COST: $436.50 (INITIAL COST + 7 FILTERS PER YEAR)

So although ClearlyFiltered has a cheaper initial cost, it is more expensive over time due to the need of changing out the filter so often. Also if you consume a lot of water, it’s important to note that this pitcher only holds 80OZ and takes some time to refill so if you’re watering an entire family it may not be the best route. However, it in itself is fantastic given it targets fluoride, BPA, Hormone, and PFAS removal. For solo living with a lower initial budget this may be the filter for you.

3. Zero Water

PFAS REDUCTION: 100%. |  INITIAL COST: $24.99 7 Cups

FILTER LIFE: ~10 DAYS (20 GALLONS). |  ONE-YEAR COST: $646.06 (INITIAL COST + 37 FILTERS/YEAR) 

Zero Water is the cheapest option for initial cost by far, however due to the need of replacing the water filter so often causes it to be more expensive for the long term. This would be a great option to initially get yourself drinking clean PFAS, fluoride free water while saving up for a better long term option. 

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Countertop filters are a fantastic start to getting you and your family clean drinking water. Of course, they can be slow and require attention, whether constantly refilling or replacing filters. That’s when under-the-sink options come in handy. Not only are they faster and require much less attention, but you now have the option for reverse osmosis.

Reverse osmosis (RO) uses a semipermeable membrane to separate contaminants from water. It applies pressure to force water molecules through the membrane, leaving behind impurities and contaminants. Regarding contaminant removal, RO systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, fluoride, pesticides, and dissolved solids. They can remove up to 99% of these contaminants and provide high-quality water. 

It’s good to remember that RO systems can also remove minerals from water to some extent, although not as extensively as distillation systems. Some RO systems include a remineralization stage to add back beneficial minerals, ensuring a balanced taste and maintaining essential nutrient intake. I would highly suggest including remineralization in the RO system you purchase. 

There are twenty-one mineral elements recognized or believed to be necessary for human health, with fourteen of them established as essential for overall well-being.

Recent research indicates that consuming soft water, which lacks calcium, may correlate with elevated risks of fractures in children, certain neurodegenerative conditions, preterm birth and low birth weight, and certain cancers. Furthermore, a deficiency in magnesium, found in low-magnesium water, may increase the likelihood of sudden death, motor neuron diseases, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, and certain cancers, As stated by the National Library of Medicine.

Drinking RO and Distilled water without a way to remineralize it may not be wise, given it strips the water of natural electrolytes while removing contaminants. You need these electrolytes for proper cell communication and homeostasis. Keep this information in mind when moving forward with RO or distilled water options. 

Note that the following home filtration systems are Reverse Osmosis in aims to fully benefit your health and water wellness. All are trusted and are listed from more expensive to least expensive.

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Full House Filtration Systems

1. WaterDrop Filtration system

Initial Cost: 360$-1000$+ 30$ (for remineralization)

Filter Life: depends on purchase |  2 year replacement filter $139.99

This is the top rated water system, providing 7-9 Stage system filtration (depending on the model choice) The most common model is the “Waterdrop G2P600 Reverse Osmosis System”. None of the models come with remineralization, so that will have to be purchased separately for about 30$

2. Ispring Water Systems

Initial Cost: 174$-300$ (Family use)

Filter Life: 50,000G (avg 6-12 months) . |  3 year replacement filters 168$

Ispring is a fantastic option for a water filtration system not only because of its reverse osmosis systems, but they also include Alkaline remineralization. Having water stripped of its minerals may make it more difficult for your body to hydrate. With this remineralization aspect there’s no need to worry. iSpring RCC7AK 

Ispring can range from 174$ - 743$ depending on whether it’s just home use or for light commercial use. 

3. Apec Water Systems

Initial Cost: 139$ - 230$ + 40 (for remineralization)

Filter Life: 50,000G (avg 6-12 months) . | 74$ Stages 1-5 replacement

Apec is a well known trusted brand providing RO systems for under the sink. The 139$ price does come with a tank or for 199$ there is a tankless option “ROES-50”  for less hassle or space saving. To have remineralization you must purchase an attachment separately. Stage 1-3 filters are recommended changing every 6-12 months. Stage 4&5 Recommend changing every 2-4 years.

There are many full house filtration systems out there, however without the power of reverse osmosis most will not remove all the PFAS nor fluoridated or chlorine filled water, so be sure to pay attention as you research the best system for your water and wellness.

Distillers

One last way that we will look into providing you with the best outlet for clean water is distillers. 

Getting a water distiller for your home has both advantages and disadvantages. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons: 

Pros: 

• Purity: Water distillation is one of the most effective methods for cleaning your water. It removes contaminants such as heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, producing very pure water. 
• Removal of impurities: Distillation eliminates most impurities, including minerals, which can be beneficial if you're looking for highly clean water or if you live in an area with poor water quality.
•  Independence from external water sources: With a water distiller at home, you're less dependent on the quality of your municipal water supply or the need to purchase bottled water, providing a consistent source of clean water.
• Health benefits: Drinking distilled water can be beneficial for individuals with certain health conditions, as it's free from potentially harmful contaminants and is an effective detoxer.
• Versatility: Water distillers can be used for various purposes beyond drinking water, such as for laboratory work, medical procedures, or in certain industrial applications. 

Cons: 

• Expense: Water distillers can be initially expensive to purchase, and there are ongoing costs associated with maintenance, such as replacing filters and energy consumption. 
• Time-consuming: Distillation is a relatively slow process compared to other methods of water filtration methods. It may take several hours to produce a significant amount of distilled water. 
• Energy consumption: Water distillation requires a considerable amount of energy to heat the water and power the distillation process, which can contribute to higher utility bills. 
• Removal of beneficial minerals: While distillation effectively removes contaminants, it also eliminates beneficial minerals naturally present in water. Similar to RO you would need a “remineralizer” to put vital minerals back into the water in order to maintain hydration.
•  Limited water output: Home water distillers typically produce a limited amount of water per cycle, which may not be sufficient for households with high water consumption or large families. 

Before investing in a water distiller, it's essential to consider your specific needs, the quality of your water supply, and whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for you and your household.

As mentioned previously, due to the stripping of electrolytes through the distillation process, you will not be consuming the essential minerals water has to offer. This can actually lead to dehydration if you are sweating out your salts. With that being said, Distilled water is awesome for cleansing or detoxing but not exactly for hydration or nourishment unless you re-add minerals to your water.

Otherwise its cleanliness and versatility proves it to be an extremely useful substance when used in the right way.

Let’s take a look at some in home distilling options:

      1. The Pure Water Mini Classic Countertop Water Distiller

2 Year Warranty. | 795$ 

This is a compact countertop sized water distiller that produces 0.8 Gallons of fresh water every 3 ½ hours. It does not require water line hook ups, you just plug it into a 120V outlet and it’s ready to go. Of course this also means that you have to remember to fill the pot yourself each time it finishes its process. 

https://mypurewater.com/shop/mini-classic-ct-distiller/?sld=14 

        2. AquaNui 8G automatic home water distiller

2 Year Warranty. | 2095$ 

AquaNui produces up to 8 gallons of water per day, and includes a 5-gallon storage tank. Made of long lasting stainless steel and produces 1 gallon of high-purity distilled every 3 hours. You can upgrade the 5 gallon storage tank to 10 or 15 gallons as other options. This is a great option for families that have a lot of water consumption. Must connect to a waterline

https://mypurewater.com/shop/aquanui-8g-8-gallon-automatic-water-distiller/?sld=14 

        3. Megahome Countertop Water Distiller Stainless, Glass Collection

1 Year Warranty. | 289$ (on amazon)

The Megahome Countertop distiller is the best distiller for the budget while still having top durability and lower maintenance. Distills 1 gallon every 5.5 hours from a pot which you must manually fill up each time it runs out. It comes from a long time loved company of 22 years and a  rating of 4.6 stars. So despite the size and timing, it is a well loved distiller. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANW7HQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000ANW7HQ&linkCode=as2&tag=mystore0dc-20&linkId=dc1d3736d4d15e7f5067e4ed68c86632 

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Alkalization

Exploring the concept of re-mineralization, many are acquainted with the popular "Kangen Machine," renowned for its ability to adjust the pH and re-mineralize water. This versatile machine can be used to make water acidic for cleaning purposes or raise its alkalinity for various health benefits, a topic we delve into in this article.

While these machines offer remarkable functionality, they often come with a hefty price tag. If you've already invested in a reverse osmosis (RO) or distilled water system without including a re-mineralization attachment, purchasing yet another system may not be the most practical choice. However, there are alternative solutions available such as Alkaline pitchers.

There are Alkaline pitchers that only take a few minutes to turn your super clean fresh water into a structured, remineralized substance of sanctuary. 

PH Vitality Water Pitcher

60$

This is a great example. An eye appealing countertop water pitcher that takes your water to a 9PH level. One filter is good for 105 Gallons and are a little less than 15$ to replace 

https://invigoratedwater.com/products/alkaline-water-filtration-system-ph-vitality-steel-pitcher-jug 

Water Ionizing Machines

Aside from all of these amazing options above to get clean happy healthy water, we yet have another way for you to achieve this goal! In its own right, probably one of the best ways, if you don’t mind the price tags. We’re now going to go into ionizing water systems. 

Ionizing water is a pretty epic way to achieve clean healthy water. I add the term “healthy” because it also gives you control of the pH of your water. Water ionizers function through electromagnetism to transform regular tap water into ionized alkaline water with alkalinity that combats acidity and potential antioxidant properties. Regular water consists of a combination of alkaline minerals and carbonate, which is dissolved CO2. The water ionizer separates the carbonate from the tap water, leaving behind the alkaline minerals.

How it works:

1. Water Source: The machine is connected to a water source, typically tap water.

2. Filtration: Before the electrolysis process begins, the water passes through a filtration system to remove impurities, such as chlorine, sediment, and heavy metals. This ensures that the water is clean and safe to drink. However not all of them have fluoride filters. So if you choose one that doesn’t you’ll want to have a different filtration system before it goes through the Ionizing machine.

3. Electrolysis: Inside the machine, the water is separated into two streams through an ionization chamber. One stream becomes alkaline water, and the other becomes acidic water.

4. Alkaline Water: The alkaline water stream contains a higher concentration of negatively charged ions, such as hydroxide ions (OH-). This makes the water more alkaline, with a higher pH level.

5. Acidic Water: The acidic water stream contains a higher concentration of positively charged ions, such as hydrogen ions (H+). This makes the water more acidic, with a lower pH level.

Adjustable pH Levels: Most water ionizers allow users to adjust the pH level of the alkaline water output based on their preferences. This is typically done through control settings on the machine. Check out the benefits and uses of Alkaline and Acidic water in our article here.

Overall, a water ionizing machine works by using electromagnetism to separate water into alkaline and acidic streams, with the alkaline water being the desired output for consumption. With this in mind, let's check out some great ionizer machines

Water ionizers alone remove 50-75% of fluoride, because it is acidic. Some water ionizers also have fluoride filter options. Even without a fluoride filter, using a slow flow rate through a carbon filter is another way to remove Fluoride. A slow flow rate is 1.5 liters per minute.

It is important to note that fluoride filters tend to need to be changed every 6 months compared to the regular filters which is every year. Usually they come in two packs when ordered.

        1. AlkaViva Athena H2 Water Ionizer

$2395 |  YEARLY FILTER COST:  $200

AlkaViva Athena water ionizer is among the top 3 rated machines out there. I’ve put it here as #1 because after thorough research I found this one to be just as sufficient as the other two with a lower price tag. The pH ranges from 2.5 - 11.4 and has the highest manufacturing quality on the market, coming with lifetime warranty for parts. This machine is expected to last 20+ years. It measures at 1.5 PPM 

One of the best parts is its continuous advanced self cleaning. There are 7 solid titanium plates, with electroplated platinum rather than dipped and baked, meaning it stays clean and doesn’t have the “scaling” effect you often see in machines. You have the ability to place this under the sink if you’d prefer that over the countertop. 

It comes with a dual filtration system, meaning you are able to use the fluoride shield filtration for this system, no other filtration system required. 

        2. Jupiter Athena Water Ionizer (Classic Athena)

$1795 |  YEARLY FILTER COST: $150 - $200

This is the old school version of the Athena which is still a great option for a lower price. There are only a few differences between this one and the newer AlkaViva Athena above. For one, the plates are not solid titanium but a titanium mesh instead. Also there are only 5 plates instead of AlkaViva’s 7. The pH ranges from 2.5 - 11.2 and has .98 PPM. 

You wouldn’t want to direct plumb this one, it would be prone to leaking but does just fine as a counter top piece. The Jupiter Athena also comes with continuous cleaning, and given the titanium mesh there’s no scaling issues. 

This one comes with the option for the dual filtration system (which is the best possible filtration possible). Choosing to do so allows you to use the fluoride shield. Otherwise it only has an 80% filtration rate. 

        3. Nexus X-Blue Water Ionizer Nexus X-Blue Water Ionizer 

$995 |  YEARLY FILTER COST: $99

I put this one on here simply because it’s the lowest id suggest for the cheapest option. You can find cheaper ones on amazon in the 300$ range but after swimming through piles of reviews it seems like the potential for it to thizzle out after a year is pretty high, plus a show of inaccurate pH readings was a little too abundant for comfort. Even the ionizer machines Alive/RealSpirit/AirwaterLife (apparently they are all the same under different names) which price at $895 wouldn’t be a very good option due to cheap parts and efficiency issues over time. 

The Nexus X-Blue is a decent cheaper option as it stands. The pH levels range from 2.8 - 10.9 with a 1.0 PPM. Apparently it doesn’t display the pH or ORP but does have a digital display for alkaline and acidic uses. This is another one you wouldn’t want to hook up to plumbing due to leakage but does just fine on the countertop. The manufacturing quality is good and has 5 titanium electroplated plates but does have intermittent washes. 

As for filtration quality it only reaches an 80% rating with no option for the fluoride shield. So if you are aiming to filter out fluoride, you’ll need to have another method before sending your water through the Ionizing machine. 

Comparison site by Cathleen

Comparing Ionizing machines can be a difficult task, especially because there are so many features on different ones that address particular needs. The above are just the top choices for over all, for an even deeper comprehensive comparison list I suggest visiting Cathleen LoGrasso incredible website. Her 25 years of personal experience are unmatched and beautifully unbiased. She, like the rest of us here, just wants you to get happy, healthy, clean water that will transform your life. 

Water is essential to life on this planet, making smart choices around water consumption and care is vital for our evolving humanity. Whatever water wellness option you decide to go with from this page, I hope it brings you to a state of optimum health and wellness for yourself and your community. 

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Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7139484/ 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4223198/ 

https://www.lifeionizers.com/water-facts/how-water-ionizers-work/#:~:text=Water%20ionizers%20work%20by%20by%20using%20electromagnetism%20to,carbonate%20from%20tap%20water%20from%20the%20alkaline%20minerals. 

https://www.alkalinewaterplus.com/water-ionizer-comparisons/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0bWvBhBjEiwAtEsoW08t6KCtR0tHy6bd2zyvfjKr_ceGZ3-ylO7NzGXqFsIZ4EaZAiyGnhoCSlMQAvD_BwE