Even though many companies claim that bottled water is pure from contaminants, it is not. In fact, bottled water can have many contaminants, including lead.
Instead of buying wasteful plastic bottles with potentially unsafe water, check out these reverse osmosis water systems and enjoy crystal clear water from your tap everyday!
Our Pick for the Best Reverse Osmosis Systems
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
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Ever since water dispensers have gained popularity, mineral water has become a key component of our daily lives and tap water has become a thing of the past. All of us tend to take bottled water for granted and consider it completely safe for consumption. Maybe our ignorance is a product of the compelling advertising that companies invest in. Even though many companies claim that bottled water is pure from contaminants, it is not. In fact, bottled water can have many contaminants, including lead.
That’s right, one of the pollutants found in bottled water is lead. The idea of lead water pollution seems farfetched, but it is not. Lead can make its way into drinking water through many sources. If the idea of lead in water surprises you, you aren’t alone. Don’t worry, though, for in the upcoming paragraphs, we will discuss lead water pollution and whether bottled water contains lead.
Does Bottled Water Have Lead?
Yes, bottled water can have lead. Lead water pollution is a serious threat. Furthermore, lead-infused water can be as bad as poisoned bottled water in the long run. It is scary how this colorless, odorless and tasteless metal can go unnoticed and enter our systems, making us ill.
Lead can have serious consequences on your health. In the case of adults, lead can lead to stroke, cancer, and heart problems. In fact, some people even say that the decline of the Roman Empire occurred because of lead poisoning, which mainly occurred because water passed through lead pipes.
Some health experts deduce that lead is more dangerous for children than for adults. A child’s body can absorb lead more quickly. In children, lead can lead to premature deaths, behavioral disorders, reduced mental activity and lower IQ.
According to the EPA, lead is one of the most detrimental things to a child’s health in the United States. A majority of lead toxicologists are of the opinion that the lead standard for children’s drinking water needs to be far more stringent than the ones for adults.
Where Is Lead Found in Drinking Water?
Lead is found in most parts of the environment— in the air, soil, water and even in our homes. Most people wonder where the lead content in mineral water comes from. It sounds strange, but bottled water is just like normal water, and it goes through multiple stages before it is packaged. There are several sources from which water receives its lead content. The most common sources of lead in water are lead fixtures, faucets and pipes. When the plumbing materials containing lead corrode, they can contaminate the water and affect your health negatively.
In studies conducted by the EPA, it has been found that more than 40 million American households drink water that contains more lead than what is recommended. Surveys have shown that more than 20% of the water supplies like springs in Pennsylvania have high levels of lead. The high levels of lead in this water increases acidity, while minimizing the levels of calcium carbonate. Water that has a Ph level of less than seven tends to corrode.
If you work in a water bottling factory, the water standing near your plumbing will be the first to come through your tap. Researchers suggest that a water faucet should be left open for at least 45 minutes, before water is extracted. As the water is allowed to run, the level of lead tends to decrease. If the water supply lines are made of up pure lead, leaded solder or brass fixtures, even the cleanest water will collect a sufficient amount of lead. If the weather is hot and humid, the lead corrosion process will quicken.
Recent studies suggest that a new contributor to lead contamination in water is chloramine, which is being used in place of chlorine for disinfection purposes. Chloramine is the combination of chlorine and ammonia, which is said to increase the amount of lead in bottled water.
Now that you know the answers to, “where is lead found ?” and “how it enters drinking water?” let’s discuss some alternatives.
Alternatives to Bottled Water
Since you aren’t there when mineral water is packaged in the factories, you can’t vouch for its credibility. According to the CDC, cold tap water should be used for drinking purposes and for mixing infant formulas. According to the EPA, houses with pregnant women should use bottled water, only if the tap water has a lead concentration of 15 parts per billion of water. If you flush tap water for a long time and the lead remains, you should invest in water filtration systems. The water filtration system that you invest in should carry a seal issued by the National Sanitation Foundation.
Lead Regulations for Bottled Water
Just like any other packaged product, the bottled water available in the marketplace is also regulated by the FDA. Instead of adhering to EPA’s 15 ppb lead action level for bottled water, the FDA went with 5 ppb. Furthermore, the FDA prohibits manufacturers from using all forms of food contact materials, including particular pipes, fittings, tanks, pumps, containers and closures, that might contaminate water.
In the year 1996, an amendment was made in the Food, Drugs and Cosmetic Act. The purpose for this amendment was to ensure that the FDA regulations were as considerate of human health as those described by the EPA.
Lead in Bottled Water Conclusions
To answer your question, “does bottled water have lead?” yes, substandard mineral water has lead in it. Lead in water is a great health hazard, especially for children and senior individuals for their immunity is lower. When shopping for bottled water, make sure you go for the most reputable brands, which are approved by the authorities rather than obscure bottlers that no one can testify against. Plus, remember that it is always a good idea to use filtration systems to get rid of contaminants from water.
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
EPA approved and certified by leading drinking water environmental groups
More expensive than most systems
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