Drinking Contaminated Tap & Bottled Water Is Linked to these 3 Major Health Issues

When you open the tap, you might actually be opening yourself up to a plethora of health problems swimming inside that glass of seemingly clear water. And popular bottled water brands may not be a safe choice, either!

Research done with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Water Research Center, and Consumer Reports outline the 3 biggest health risks you may not know exist when you take a sip of tap or plastic bottled water.

1. Disinfectants in tap water linked to food allergies.

Believe it or not, if you are experiencing food allergies it might be due to the water you drink.

In 2017 a study, published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, reported that 25% of its participants had detectable levels of a particular class of chemicals - dichlorophenols - in their urine. The researchers found that those who had higher levels of dichlorophenols in their urine were the same people most impacted by food allergies. In fact, people with the highest levels of these chemicals were 2x as likely to have an allergy to eggs, milk, shrimp and peanuts compared to those with the lowest levels.

Dichlorophenols are found in abundance in tap water due to agricultural and lawn runoff; they are also by-products of chlorine used to disinfect municipal water supplies.

It is important to note that this study doesn’t prove that dichlorophenols cause food allergies, but rather it presents strong evidence that the two are related.

2. Autoimmune disorders related to poor water quality and contamination.

According to research at the Water Research Center, over 80 autoimmune disorders are likely related to inferior water quality. The article outlining WRC's finding states:

Autoimmune diseases are actually very common and directly impact over 23 million Americans. An Autoimmune disease is when the bodies responds to a substance or agent in a way that creates a response where the body actually attacks itself and healthy cells by mistake. At this time, it is not known what causes the over-reaction and in most cases it is likely a combination of factors and not simply just one element or contaminate.

A partial listing of potential agents of concern are as follows:

- Aluminum

- Arsenic

- Bacterial and Viral Infections

- Boron

- Cadmium

- Chromium

- Disinfection By-Products

- Fluoride

- Herbicides and Pesticides

- Iron

- Manganese

- Nickel

- Synthetic Organic Compounds

- Trichloroethylene

- Volatile Organic Compounds

Doctors and researchers connected with the study suggest that dehydration, over-hydration, and lacking nutrients might also trigger an autoimmune response. The primary recommendation is drinking clean water, staying adequately hydrated, and seeking the advice of health experts. They also suggest testing your water and air quality for any contaminants that may cause autoimmune flare ups.

3. Cancer causing chemicals found in bottled (spring) water.

One of the most popular types of bottled beverages is water "from the source" - which is water from a spring, lake, river, etc. The EPA recognizes this kind of water as "ground water" and is usually not purified or minimally purified.

In theory this type of water sounds healthy and refreshing, but is often times rife with contaminants that do not have to be publicly disclosed (if below a certain ppb level) and is typically sold in plastic.

According to a 2019 article published with Consumer Reports (following an investigation of elevated arsenic levels in juices and bottled water):

Consumer Reports has previously expressed concern about elevated arsenic and heavy metal in water and fruit juices and advocated for lowering the permissible level from 10 ppb to 3 ppb. While the magazine noted there were "dozens of bottled water brands" reporting no detectable levels of arsenic in their products, consuming arsenic over a long period can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower IQ scores in children and cause certain cancers.

In a separate article published in September 2020, Consumer Reports reported test results of four metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) and PFAS found in popular spring and purified water brands. There was particular interest in the heavy metals and PFAS because they are known to linger in the environment and are collectively known as "forever chemicals."

Brands that tested over 1 ppt for PFAS (the threshold was set by Consumer Reports) include Perrier, La Croix, Poland Spring and Topo Chico. CNN reported in 2019 that PFAS is known to be particularly problematic when accumulated in the body over a lifetime. Adverse effects include thyroid disease, decreased fertility, liver damage, obesity, and cancer.

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When it comes down to it, the most important stance you can take for your health is to do research!

At DIVINIA, we place high priority on independent research and development, and rely on scientific precedence in relation to drinking clean water. DIVINIA's emphasis on pure, functional water (bottled in glass) means it is not only a reliable source of healthy water, but is a unique offering that allows you to have pure, Eco-friendly water bottled in glass for quality and safety.

To see what might be found in your local/municipal water supply, visit Environmental Working Group here; the database shows results from tap water testing in 2019.