Wise Water Wednesday - Interesting Water Facts

Water is a very vital resource for humans. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), a person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water.  This infographic from SaveTheWater.org website demonstrates just how little water is available for human use.

When human activity pollutes or threatens the quality of our drinking water in one part of the world, it has rippling effects in other parts, it threatens the health and livelihood of people everyone.  The Flint water crisis really brought drinking water quality issues in this country to the forefront.  There are more cities and communities whose drinking water may not be as save as their people realize.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, US drinking water supplies are considered some of the safest sources in the world. However, water contamination still exists.  Some sources include:

"Sewage releases

Naturally occurring chemicals and minerals (for example, arsenic, radon, uranium)
Local land use practices (for example, fertilizers, pesticides, livestock, concentrated feeding operations)
Manufacturing processes (for example, heavy metals, cyanide)
Malfunctioning on-site wastewater treatment systems (for example, septic systems)

In addition, drinking water that is not properly treated or which travels through an improperly maintained distribution system (for example, the piping system) may also create an environment for contamination [this is at the heart of the controversy in Flint].

The presence of certain contaminants in our water can lead to health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised persons may be especially susceptible to illness."

Runners, joggers, walkers and exercise enthusiasts alike know water is an important part of our training. We take for granted having clean water readily accessible. 

For example, Dr. Kathleen Zelman, nutrition director for WebMD, offers this Rx for proper hydration for outdoor activity: 

* Drink about 2 cups (16 oz) of fluid about 2 hours before starting our outdoor activity (water is preferably, but fruit juice diluted with water or sports drink are good choices).
* Drink 4-6 oz. every 15-20 minutes to keep your muscles hydrated.
* Finally, drink up when you're done.  If you weigh before and after you exercise, you need to drink 20 oz. of fluid for every pound of water weight you lose.

Water quality can, and does, have a direct link to human health.  Consequently, proper regulation and oversight of drinking water supplies is so critical. 
Next week's installation will examine how drinking water is regulated in the US.