Author: USwaterfilter

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Water Contaminant

How Coronavirus Gets into Drinking Water

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative virus of the COVID-19 disease. Although most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, some become severely ill. Furthermore, most people get better within weeks of contracting the disease. However, some experience post-COVID conditions, which include a wide range of new, ongoing, or returning health problems occurring for more than four weeks of getting infected with the causative virus of COVID-19. Studies show that older people and people with underlying medical conditions are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 symptoms. Fortunately, there are safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19.
A letter to Washington, DC, the Governors in all 50 states, tribes, and territories contains a request. The request is that state authorities consider water and wastewater workers, manufacturers, and suppliers that provide vital materials and services in the water sector as essential workers and businesses when enacting restrictions for curbing the spread of COVID-19. The critical water structure and operators depend on laboratory supplies, treatment chemicals, and related goods and materials to ensure safe water supply to homes and hospitals.
On Monday night, the omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus was said to be present in Houston wastewater. Although the announcement indicates that the new variant is present in Houston, there are no confirmed cases yet.
Omicron was found in eight out of 39 wastewater treatment plants in Houston from samples collected on November 29-30. The treatment plants include W.C.I.D #111, Keegans Bayou, Chocolate Bayou, Northgate, Metro Central, Turkey Creek, Sims Bayou North, and West District. On Monday evening, the genomic sequencing results confirming the presence of the omicron variant were received.
Fortunately, the virus causing COVID-19 is not yet present in drinking water. Nevertheless, most municipal drinking water systems use conventional water treatment methods like filtration and disinfection, which can remove or inactivate the virus causing COVID-19.
Currently, there is no evidence of the COVID-19 virus spreading to people via pools, spas, hot tubs, or water play areas. With proper operation, and maintenance including chlorine and bromine disinfection, these facilities can inactivate the virus in the water. Although there is an ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus in communities, individuals, owners, and operators of these facilities should take steps to ensure health and safety. These steps include following local and state guidelines that determine how and when recreational water facilities operate.
Another step includes individuals protecting themselves and others in and out of the water at recreational water venues. For instance, practicing social distancing and maintaining good hand hygiene is essential. Furthermore, in addition to ensuring water quality and safety, operators and owners of community pools, spas, hot tubs, and water play areas should follow interim guidance for employers and businesses regarding cleaning and disinfecting community facilities.
The COVID-19 virus particles have a size of 0.125 microns or 125 nanometers. The minimum pore size of a membrane in a RO filter is about 0.0001 microns. Therefore, the membrane is 1000x smaller than the virus particles. An RO filter can effectively trap bacteria and viruses larger than 0.0001 microns in size.
When pressure forces unfiltered water or fees water through a semipermeable membrane, reverse osmosis removes the contaminants. In an RO membrane, water flows from the concentrated (area with more contaminants) to the less concentrated (area with fewer contaminants) to provide clean drinking water. The freshwater that the RO membrane produces is also known as permeate. On the other hand, the concentrated leftover is also known as waste or brine.
Water can still flow through a semipermeable membrane even though it has small pores to block contaminants. Water becomes more concentrated while passing through a membrane in osmosis to obtain equilibrium on both sides of the membrane. On the other hand, reverse osmosis blocks contaminants from entering the less concentrated membrane side. For instance, when applying pressure to a volume of saltwater in reverse osmosis, only clean water flows through while the salt remains behind.
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What Type of Water Should My Pet Drink?

Tap water is often taken for granted, even though it is so important. You probably do not think twice about putting it in your dog’s bowl every morning. But is tap water really safe for your pet?
Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, a veterinarian at Animal Medical Center in New York City, says that in the vast majority of cases, it is. But as the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, has shown, not all tap water is safe. “If you would not drink that water, you should not feed it to your dogs,” Hohenhaus says.

Is It Safe to Give Your Dog Tap Water?

According to the findings, dogs do not develop bladder cancer from drinking tap water.
Long-term exposure to disinfected tap water – the water that comes out of our taps after being treated with chemicals like chlorine – has been linked to bladder cancer in humans.
However, no such link was found in dogs in the study led by Dr. Lorraine Backer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There could be several reasons why dogs who drink tap water do not seem to have an increased risk of bladder cancer, although humans do.
For starters, a dog’s exposure to disinfection byproducts – chemicals created when things like chlorine interact with natural organics – is different than that of its human owners.
Dogs do not drink a big glass of water the same way humans do.

What You Can Do to Ensure Your Water Is Safe to Drink?

Follow these tips from Pauli Undesser, executive director of the Water Quality Association (WQA), to determine if your tap water is safe for you and your pet:

1. Contact your water treatment plant for a consumer confidence report.

According to Undesser, the majority of customers get their water from the city. The water is treated in a treatment plant before it can flow from the tap. To give you an idea of what’s in your water, this plant is required to publish an annual consumer confidence report. (Contact your water supplier if you have not received one)./div>
“Maybe there are things that the water treatment plant knows about and is working on, but you still might want to do something different,” Undesser says.
The federal government regulates water treatment plants, but individual states may have stricter rules. California, for example, has passed a law limiting the amount of chromium-6 in drinking water. (If that sounds familiar, that’s because it’s the pollutant Erin Brockovich campaigned against).

2. Check the quality of the water in your home.

Since hard contaminants cannot be seen or smelled, Undesser recommends that consumers test their tap water once a year. “Tap water testing is still something consumers should do to be aware of what might be in their water,” Undesser says. “You just never know until you test.”
If consumers notice sudden changes in odor, taste, or color, they should have their water tested.
While you can buy a water testing kit and mail it to a lab, Undesser recommends sending your water to one of the EPA –approved labs for water testing. She adds that some city departments and health departments test water for free.

Is It Safe for Dogs to Drink Filtered Water?

Most health experts agree that drinking filtered water is safe for dogs, and in some areas experts advise against dogs drinking unfiltered water. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, unfiltered water can contain:
  • Reducing agents are substances that help reduce water turbidity.
  • Toxic chemicals in chemicals can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, hypocalcemia (low calcium), and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Toxic chemicals in chemicals can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, hypocalcemia (low calcium), and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) (low blood sugar). Dogs can be poisoned by natural chemicals.
Is it possible to filter your own tap water at home? Do you use a water filter pitcher like the Waterdrop? Because it has a 5-stage filter, the plump water filter pitcher produces better results than most filters that only have two stages. Waterdrop’s patented technology allows you to save money on bottled water while guaranteeing the purity of your tap water.

Waterdrop Chubby Water Filter Pitcher
In short, your pet should be able to drink the same water you do, whether it comes from the tap, filtered, or elsewhere. We recommend catering to his preferences if he does not like the taste or seems to have one. Reduced water intake has been shown to negatively impact health, especially kidney health, while changing water sources has not been shown to significantly impact healthy pets.
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Healthy Life Home Improvement

It’s Important to Consume Plenty of Water over The Winter Months

Most people believe that summertime is the most important time of year to ramp up drinking water. The days are hot, we lose water in our bodies so increasing water intake is very important. What you might not know, drinking water during the winter months is just as important. Please read the following reasons why you should pay attention to your water consumption in the winter.

How Much Water Should You Take In?

Our need for water does alter due to the temperature and level of activities. As an example, if you are an active athlete, your water intake is going to be higher than someone who is not active. Our water consumption is based on different reasons so please read on.
According to the Federal Institute of Medicine, women should take in 2.7 liters of water each day and men 3.7 liters. You might think that during the winter, that’s a lot of water but not so fast. Food contributes to approximately 20% of water each day. Therefore, women should drink 8 8-oz glasses of water and men 12 8-oz glasses of water.
What you might not realize, fruits and vegetables are made up of 90 to 95% water. Eating more of these foods will definitely keep you hydrated. Soup is a very popular food during the winter but just make sure you steer clear of soups loaded with sodium.
Experts highly recommend you keep a bottle of water with you during the day. Keep in mind, your body can only process so much water, so watch your intake.
Also, the fluid in tea and coffee will help keep you hydrated. On the other hand, even though juices contribute to you fluid intake, the level of sugar can be a problem.

Issues from Dehydration Caused When It’s Cold

There are several issues that will arise when you are dehydrated. One, your immune system will not be as strong as usual. You will come down with more colds and various illnesses.
Another problem during the winter from dehydration is fatigue. If you do not stay hydrated, you will become very tired and out of energy during the day. Cold weather will cause higher levels of dehydration forcing your body to burn out faster.
Colder weather also tricks your brain and body into believing you have plenty of fluids. The fact is, you are losing just as much fluid as you do during the summer months. Your blood is drawn toward the middle core of your body which is important to keep you warmer in the winter. You will also lose water because you urinate more often in the winter.

Why It’s Important to Drink Water in The Winter

In general, most people consume more water during the summer because of the high temperatures, blazing sun, and constant sweating. There’s is no doubt, you do need a lot of water in the summer but it’s not the only time of year. The winter is one of the most important times to make sure your water intake is high. If you are not treating water intake in the winter as a top priority, here are reasons you should rethink that attitude.

Water Is Easy to Overlook

It’s really easy to overlook water in the winter months. You don’t feel particularly thirsty, you are not suffering from heat and not sweating. This is the time of year you think about hot drinks, making it very easy to overlook your consumption of water. Remember to bring a bottle of water with you during the day to ensure you are hydrated. Keep an eye out for dehydration such as suffering from cracked/chapped lips and dry skin. These are leading signs you are not taking in enough water.

How About Your Level of Concentration

Your level of concentration should always be at its peak no matter the time of year. During the wintertime, you are dealing with the holidays, gatherings of family and friends, and many winter and holiday activities. Keeping up with everything can be a challenge. Drinking plenty of water will improve your concentration as your brain needs plenty of water to operate correctly. If you feel focusing is becoming an issue, start drinking more water and see if that makes a difference.
The bottom line, water is a major necessity all year round. No one can live without water! Too many people overlook drinking enough water or making it a priority. During the winter, it’s critical you drink plenty of water even if you are not feeling particularly thirsty. You will enjoy winter much more when you feel good and your health is up. Your good health will be ready to welcome in the spring and summer months just around the corner.
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Water Filtration

Why Does Water Taste Sweet?

High concentrations of naturally occurring minerals or a pH imbalance are the most common causes of a sweet taste in tap water. While neither is cause for alarm, it is important to quickly identify the source of the sweet taste in the unlikely event of water contamination that could pose a health risk.

Where Does The Sweetness in My Water Come from?

Depending on your location, your tap water may contain traces of minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium and others. If there are higher concentrations of certain minerals. They can cause a wide range of tastes if consumed by someone with a particularly sensitive palate.
Your water will have a sweet taste if you have the right balance of potassium and sodium, for example. However, if you live in an area with very hard water, the high mineral content may make the water taste less pleasant or saltier.
If naturally occurring trace minerals are not the cause of the sweet taste, your plumbing may be to blame. Metalwork can introduce substances into your water that change the taste, regardless of how old your pipes are. If this is the case, you should simply run your faucets for an extended period of time to clean out the system and “freshen up” the taste of your drinking water.
It is possible that the sweet tasting water is due to something you ate that day. A sip of water refreshes your sweet taste receptors after eating bitter or sour foods, which makes you feel sweet. You may also mistake a sweet smell for a sweet taste. This pleasant scent in the air can fool your senses into thinking that the water is sweet.

Is There Anything to Fear with This Sweet Taste?

In most cases, you should not worry, but if your water tastes sweet all the time, you should see a doctor. Here are some factors that can contribute to a persistent sweet taste:
  • Neurological conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Infections
  • Low-carb dieting
  • Lung Cancer
  • Ketoacidosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Medications
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
If your water suddenly begins to taste sweet, you should investigate whether diabetes is to blame. Diabetes affects insulin levels in the blood, which in turn affects blood sugar levels in the body. Your blood sugar levels may rise if your body is unable to produce insulin properly.

Why Does Water Taste Sweet?

Simple infections like the flu, a sinus infection, or a cold can cause saliva to contain more glucose. Glucose is a sugar that gives the mouth a sweet taste. If this is the case, treatment will eliminate this taste.

Tips to Improve The Quality of Your Drinking Water

If the taste of your water bothers you, here are some things you can do to improve it:
  • Clean the pipes and other fixtures that may add unwanted minerals to your water.
  • To get rid of the bad taste and smell of regular tap water, use aeration and activated carbon filtration.
  • Chlorination should be done every 3 to 4 months.
  • Bring a water dispenser with filtered water to balance out the sweetness. This can also help improve the overall quality of the drinking water in your home.
  • Add alkaline minerals to your water to make it healthier by adjusting the pH.
  • Manganese, iron and sulfur removal can also be achieved with air injections. This is a bit more expensive, but it is for the fluid of life. Therefore, every dollar you spend is an investment in you and your family.

Reverse Osmosis

For both city and well water treatment, reverse osmosis is one of the most effective options for home water filtration.
With reverse osmosis, water is filtered through multiple stages and a semi-permeable membrane. Only the smallest water particles can pass through this membrane, which acts like a barrier to the rest of the world.
A reverse osmosis system can remove everything, including chemicals and minerals that might contribute to the sweetness of your water. However, because it removes the impurities that contribute to alkalinity, this system can lead to a pH imbalance. After reverse osmosis, you may get acidic water with a slightly sour taste.

pH Neutralization

Finally, pH neutralization, also known as pH correction, is a water treatment option that can bring your water’s pH back to ideal.
If you have determined that your sweet water problem is due to a pH imbalance, pH neutralization should fix the problem.
Keep in mind that many pH neutralizers also add beneficial minerals to your water. This will give your water a sweet, alkaline taste that you may not like.
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Reverse Osmosis

How to Remineralize Your Reverse Osmosis Water?

The peace of mind that comes with drinking RO water is something we all could use more often. Though our bodies do need essential minerals, they are usually found in much higher concentrations food and beverages like milk or juice for example than what’s present naturally within the human body itself . With so many people choosing to drink store bought water over tap, it’s no wonder that the demand for RO units has skyrocketed. But what if you want your filtered drinking supply instead of being limited by filters? The solution isn’t avoid reverse osmosis but rather add minerals and make remineralized or contaminated waters safe again with essential vitamins like magnesium.

Should I Remineralize My Reverse Osmosis Water?

It’s important to keep in mind that while our bodies need healthy minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium for survival- we obtain these trace elements much higher concentrations when they’re present as part of a food diet. Whether you choose add some extra supplementation into your reverse osmosis drinking water will make no difference either way on health unless there is severe deficiency from lack or certain type – but it’s best not too worry about this since most people who drink RO do so because their own intestines provide all the necessary.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new report on drinking water that discusses the potential health risks associated with RO or Reverse Osmosis treatments. According to this document, there are several adverse effects including loss of calcium and magnesium found in our daily intake as well as possible toxic metal exposure among others. Effects such as increased metabolism have not yet been fully explored but should be closely monitored over time by those who drink these types of waters regularly.
It’s important to note that while this report is something for you, many health risks are only considered “possible” and some can be avoided altogether if one makes sure they have enough minerals in their diet.
In my opinion there’s no requirement of adding more RO water; however it may improve the taste so people prefer doing so themselves instead.

Benefits of Remenralizing Reverse Osmosis Water

Removing impurities from your drinking water with a reverse osmosis system not only makes it healthier, but also better for you. The removal process leaves behind nothing but pure deliciousness that will keep you coming back again and again.

Reverse Osmosis Water is Flat, Unappealing

Many people find the taste of reverse osmosis “flat” and unpleasant. Alkaline water with re-added minerals however tastes much more enjoyable so you’re likely to reach for a glass instead (or even just get up from your desk) if juice or soda are available.

Encourages Hydration

Drinking demineralized water can make you more likely to stay hydrated because it tastes terrible. However, if your goal is a healthier lifestyle and you want the best possible outcome from consuming clean drinking water then why not remineralize? The RO process will increase its pH level which should encourage anyone who drinks this type of brew instead.

Important for Human Health

Remineralized water is great for those looking to get their daily recommended intake of minerals, but it may not be enough. If you’re feeling more at peace with yourself when drinking remineralized tap-water rather than bottled or tap then consider getting a filter.

How to Remineralize RO Water?

Some people think that they can get all the minerals they need from drinking water, but this isn’t true as it will only strip away some of your body’s important nutrients. For example, calcium and magnesium are important for bone health which means you should be getting them into everyday food sources instead like dairy products or legumes to maintain strong bones!
Here are a few ways that you can add more healthy ingredients into your diet:

RO Water Filter with Mineralization

The Reverse Osmosis system is an excellent choice for adding minerals back into the water. It might be more expensive than a basic RO unit, but it offers much better quality and reliability with its six-stage filtration process that includes three pre filters, one reverse osmosis membrane (for removing dissolved solutes), then finally another post filter to remove large particulates like cloudiness or Taste & Odor contaminants before they enter your drinking potable H2O source.

Add Minerals Back In After The RO Filtration Process

The easiest way to make sure your water is as mineral-rich and healthy for plants as possible? Fill up this handy drink dispenser! You can put any type of spring or welletricks in there, but we recommend using ones that are high quality because they contain more nutrients than other brands might.

Final Thoughts

The RO system is a great way to rid your drinking water of any contaminants that may be present. With the addition of minerals, you can enjoy delicious and healthy beverages without worrying about health concerns or cost.
You might think it’s impossible for there to ever truly be enough time in one day but we’ve found just the right solution: The reason why this product works so well? It doesn’t take up much space on your countertop while providing quality filtered H2O at affordable prices (for most people). Plus with all those additional benefits listed above – not having chlorine taste/odor, making sure everything gets buffered by magnesium atoms.
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What Causes Low Water Pressure?

Every form of home water pressure is frustrating and annoying. Whether it is taking too long for your washing machine or dishwasher to complete a cycle or you are spending several minutes to fill your bathtub or sink from your faucet, the culprit remains the same – low water pressure.
It is easier to fix the problem if it affects only one fixture. In that case, you only have to focus on the fixture or the pipes serving it. However, if the problem is widespread and affects the whole house water system, you have more work to do.
Either way, you should start by identifying the cause of low water pressure to resolve the problem effectively.

Is Your Water Meter Valve Completely Open?

Most homes have two primary shutoff valves that control water entry into the house. The water meter valve is the first shutoff valve, and you find it just beside the water meter on the main city supply pipe supplying your home. This valve is not for personal use, considering the water company owns it, and only their personnel should use it. But if you experience low water pressure across the entire home, especially after recent plumbing works, it may be due to a partially opened water meter valve.
If you notice a drop in water pressure across every fixture in your home after recent repair work, the meter valve should be your first port of call. You can find it on an outside wall of your house or in an underground box, in-between your home and the street. In some cases, it is present in an interior utility area like an attached garage or basement.

Is There A Pressure Regulator Failure?

You may experience home water pressure issues if your pressure regulator or pressure-reducing valve is faulty. The role of a pressure regulator is to minimize the input pressure in your plumbing system to a safe level, thereby protecting the pipes. They are absent in some homes, but if you have it, a failing pressure regulator can cause a sharp increase or decrease in your home’s water pressure.
The failure of the pressure regulator means all fixtures in your home will not perform as expected. While you can replace a faulty pressure regulator yourself, provided you get the same brand and size, it is best to invite a professional to handle it. The replacement process involves shutting off your home’s water supply via the water meter shutoff valve.
An easy way to read your home’s water pressure accurately is to attach a water pressure gauge to the outdoor hose spigot closet nearest to the water main or pressure regulator. The ideal water pressure is around 75 pounds per square inch. However, this may vary depending on your location. Consider replacing your pressure regulator if you record a very low pressure after your test.

Are Your Pipes Old Steel Water Pipes?

If you have galvanized steel water pipes in your home, they may corrode to the extent of restricting free water flow. This is another cause of low water pressure, albeit more expensive and serious than other causes. The corrosion occurs on the inside, making it invisible, and it becomes a problem when the accumulation of scale and corrosion gradually block off the pipe.
The entire process may take several years, even decades. Therefore, the water pressure decreases gradually over time rather than suddenly. But if your home is an old house with steel pipes, there may be enough accumulation of corrosion to fast track the process and worsen the situation.
You can only solve the problem of low water pressure due to old steel water pipes by replacing the entire pipe system with new copper or plastic water supply pipes. The best way to re-pipe nowadays is to use PEX tubing instead of copper pipe because the former is cheaper and easier to install.

Accumulation of Minerals in Pipes

If your home depends on hard water supply from the municipal plant or other sources, it may alter your pipes’ integrity and lead to low water pressure. In addition, the water entering your home often contains a high amount of minerals, which accumulate to create sediment blockages.
The slightest crack in your pipes can allow the collection of dirt, sand, and other contaminants over time. This is why you should inspect any area of piping in your home to confirm or debunk possible mineral deposits. If you confirm one, pour in a suitable chemical solution that can effectively break the deposits down and flush them out.

Conclusion

There are various causes of low water pressure in our homes. Whatever the causes are, the effect of the problem remains the same – a frustrating drop in the rate and amount of water coming out of our fixtures. Assess the situation to identify the possible cause, and invite a professional to help you implement a suitable fix to restore a seamless water usage experience.
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Healthy Life Water Contaminant

The Best Ways to Get Rid of PFAS from Your Water

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals used for clothing to furniture since the 1940s. These substances are also used for electronics and food packaging. Industries have used these chemicals due to their repellent properties. Because PFAS were associated with adverse health effects in the early 2000s, they were taken out of production in the United States. Unfortunately, these chemicals were carried throughout the environment and in water supplies. Many of these environmental issues were caused by overseas manufacturing, imported products, and will form a strong bond that can resist degradation. According to the Environmental Working Group, it’s estimated that more than 200 million Americans have PFAS in their drinking water. Read on to learn about PFAS, if your water is contaminated, and how you can remove it from your water.

About PFAS

PFAS are man-made chemicals created by a mixture of carbon and fluorine forming one of the strongest bonds in nature. Adding to that, PFAS do not break down, remain stable in water, and stay in the environment along as in human bodies for a very long period of time. These contaminants have been given the nickname “forever chemicals”. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) said it can take up to 4 years for the levels of PFAS in your body to reduce in half.
In the 1940s, PFAS were introduced as repellents in water, oil, grease, stains, and fire. They have been used throughout different industries for many needed products including non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, stain-proof fabrics, and the foam used for fighting fires. There are approximately 5,000 forms of PFAS. The most common are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and studied in the U.S. The manufacturing industry stopped using these chemicals in the early 2000s but due to their ability to live longer and because they are used overseas, PFAS are still present in our environment to date.

The Products Where PFAS Are Found

Due to their versatile properties, PFAS are found in a wide range of products. PFAS are found in many household items including:
  • Paint, polish, and wax
  • Microwave popcorn bags
  • Water-resistant clothing
  • Pizza boxes
  • Non-stick cookware
  • Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
  • Cleaning Products

PFAS End Up in Your Drinking Water

When PFAS seeps into soil and groundwater or surface water, PFAS is water-soluble and commonly found in water near facilities that manufacture form for fire fighting in training and also used on military bases, airports, and training centers. PFAS enters water when products containing these chemicals are sent to landfills. Once the products break down, they remain in the soil then seep into nearby water sources.

The Leading Effects from PFAS

The effects on health vary but some of the most common are reproductive, developmental, and immunological issues. Because PFAS does not break down easily, it can build up in the human body over time. The more exposure the greater the chances are for developing negative health effects. The EPA has shown evidence of PFAS exposure in the following:
  • Suppressing the immune system
  • Thyroid hormone disruption
  • An increase in cholesterol levels
  • Lowering infant birth weight
  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Cancer

You Can Remove PFAS from Your Water

You can remove PFAS from your water by using reverse osmosis with activated carbon filtration and ion exchange.

Reverse Osmosis

The Reverse Osmosis system applies pressure to push unfiltered water through the semipermeable membrane. The membrane has small pores that prevent contaminants from getting through including PFAS but allows clean water to flow to the other side. Reverse osmosis is the best water treatment to remove contaminants from your water.

Activated Carbon Filtration

Carbon filters have activated carbon with a great number of pores on the surface and infrastructure. As water runs through the carbon, PFAS and other contaminants are captured by a process called absorption, allowing the water to flow through to the other side.

Can PFAS Be Found in Bottled Water?

PFAS can be found in bottled water as well as canned carbonated water. A study by Consumer Reports tested 47 brands of bottled water and canned carbonated water and found detectable levels of PFAS but only 9 brands had levels over 1 part per trillion (PPT). Out of the 9 brands with levels over 1 PPT, 2 were basic water and 7 were carbonated.
There are several ways to remove PFAS from your drinking water. You need to purchase a good quality water filtration system to make sure you and your family have safe, clean water to prevent any health issues.
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Is It Safe for Babies to Drink Water?

Babies drinking breast milk or formula is a known fact. But can these tiny humans drink water?
Let’s start by saying babies can do well without water for the first few months. Yes, you may add water to their mix; they need just a few sips.
Here are some interesting revelations about babies and water consumption.

Can Babies Drink Water?

A baby can only drink water (in sips) when they have started eating solid foods. Until then, you can trust the breast milk and/or formula to deliver all the hydration they need.

When Should Babies Drink Water?

In more precise terms, you should only give water to your baby when they are around six months old. By then, they are already eating solid foods, which usually start between four and six months old.
The right way to offer water to a baby is in little amounts from a sippy cup. You should not use a bottle or cup to avoid feeding them too much water. It is best to use a cup when all their drinks come from a cup. However, if your baby only wants to drink from a bottle, ensure you closely monitor the amount they get.

How Much Water Is Ideal for Babies?

A baby aged six months and older requires just four to six ounces of water daily. That is the same as half a cup of water. However, your pediatrician is in the best position to tell you the exact amount of water your little one needs. So, consult with them before anything else.

What Are The Risks Associated with Giving Babies Water Prematurely?

You cannot allow your little one to drink water too soon for the following reasons;

You deprive them of nutrients.

Leaving babies to suck with bottles of water to satisfy their appetite deprives them of important nutrients present in formula feedings and breast milk.

Inadequate weight gain.

Combining breast milk or formula with water regularly for your baby means they are not filling up on food. Unfortunately, this will lead to a shortage of calories over time, which means your baby will not gain the right amount of weight.

Lower milk supply.

The more water you give your baby during breastfeeding, the lower the milk supply that gets to them. Babies who drink more water get fed faster without having sufficient breast milk.

Chemical imbalances.

Feeding your baby with large amounts of water is a known cause of water intoxication, becoming a big problem. When there is water intoxication, electrolytes such as sodium in the baby’s bloodstream become diluted. Therefore, the baby’s body struggles to function normally, with low body temperature, seizures, and other symptoms resulting from that.

Why Give Your Baby Water?

If your baby is six months or older, you can help them stay hydrated by giving them the right amount of water. Keeping your body’s system hydrated ensures;
  • Efficient transportation of nutrients and oxygens to cells.
  • Seamless waste removal.
  • Effective lubrication of tissues and joints.
  • Adequate maintenance of blood volume.
  • Little or no need for fruit juice, which is only advisable for babies above 1.

Can You Give Your Babies Water during Hot Weather?

Several doctors advise that mothers give their babies small sips of water when it is very hot outside. This will minimize dehydration risks. However, it is important to consult with your pediatrician before trying anything.
  • Five or fewer wet diapers in 24 hours
  • Listlessness
  • Cracked lips and sunken eyes
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Strange sleepiness and extreme fussiness
  • Dry skin
  • Crying with little or no tears
  • Sunken fontanelle, which is the soft spot on the top of the baby’s head

When Should You Call The Doctor?

You should reach out to your doctor for tips on effective hydration if you observe your baby is sick and showing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
As mentioned earlier, avoid feeding your baby with fruit juice until they are at least a year old. It is even better if you can prevent your infant from drinking fruit juice at all.
The tummy of an average infant is tiny. Feeding them with fruit juice means there will be little or no space with milk and food. Also, the juice contains sugar that can cause diarrhea and stomach cramping in young babies.
It is easy to get pressured by the advice of friends and family to offer babies water in their first few months. However, you must resist the urge to avoid possible health complications. Only offer babies water when they start solids!
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Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for Christmas

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, but it can be better managed with a little planning ahead. Today, we are giving you some tips on how to prepare your home for the holidays. We have put together the best Christmas preparations checklist to help you get ready for the holidays – from cleaning your rooms to unpacking Christmas items.

When should you start your Christmas preparations?

The best time to start Christmas preparations is in July. Many stores have mid-year specials, so this is a great time to buy Christmas decorations. If you shop early, you can take advantage of special product discounts while avoiding supply shortages and delivery delays.

How to get your house ready for the holidays

1. Get your Clutter in Order

Before you start decorating for the holidays, take a day or two to declutter your home. Go through your rooms, shelves, and surfaces for items you no longer use or want to display and clear them out. When you declutter, you’ll find it easier to visualize your vacation decorations and you’ll create more space for your vacation decorations.

2. Keep your Kitchen Clean

Cooking and baking happen frequently during the holidays, and a well-organized kitchen can help everything run smoothly. Make sure all necessary kitchen equipment, utensils, and cookware are clean and easily accessible.
Make sure your oven, stove, microwave, food processor, and dishwasher are working properly before you use them, and repair or replace broken appliances before you need to use them. Replace the refrigerator water filter to ensure water drinking. Kindly check the Waterdrop LT100P refrigerator water filter in advanced. Examine your refrigerator for outdated or expired products to make room for freezer-friendly delicacies you can prepare ahead of time.

3. Create a Festive Environment

We all know that this year’s Christmas will be a little different than years past. While this may disrupt your usual vacation rituals, take advantage of this fact by planning Christmas 2020.
Choose a specific location for your Christmas setting, whether it’s your living room, dining room, or den. Look at your surroundings to find the ideal location for your Christmas tree. Do not be afraid to move, swap or remove furniture to give your Christmas centerpiece the space it deserves.
When it comes to Christmas decorations, the mantel is often the focal point. Make sure your mantel is clean and free of ash and soot before you start decorating. While the warm glow of a fire is ideal for the vacation season, constantly monitoring the fire can be a chore. For added safety and style, install a fireplace screen.
These elegant Christmas decorating themes will provide you with plenty of ideas for Christmas preparations and offer stunning inspiration if you are looking for more ways to spruce up your home.

4. Examine your Christmas Tree.

On every Christmas to-do list is decorating the Christmas tree. It’s usually a good idea to inspect your artificial Christmas tree a few weeks before putting it up, whether you plan to reuse your current tree or buy a new one.
Check the surrounding area for any hanging branches or wires, and make sure all the lights are in working order. Making sure early will give you more time to troubleshoot or order replacements. Wreaths, garlands and cloths made of Christmas greenery should be treated the same way.
Make sure your Christmas ornaments and other decorations are complete and in working order. Depending on the theme of your decorations, you may want to purchase new ornaments to add to your existing collection.

5. Prepare to be Entertain

While you are home on Christmas Day, make the necessary preparations to make your festivities extra special. Make a list of the meals you will be serving, as well as the table decorations you will be using. Make sure you have plenty of everyone’s favorite foods and celebratory drinks on hand.
Pay attention to the small elements that will make your decor special and stunning. Use appropriate crockery, cutlery, glasses and serving stands and bowls.

6. Make it Cozy and Warm.

A warm Christmas home is a pleasant change from the hustle and bustle of the season. You can create a soothing ambiance with flameless candles. Place them on the mantel, coffee table, or anywhere else you want to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Drape a plush blanket over your couch to add texture or use a lush tree ornament to brighten your Christmas tree. Spread seasonal warmth throughout your home by decorating corners and walls.

7. Improve the Look of your Outdoor Space

Christmas wreaths and decorations add a festive touch to your entryways. Outdoor areas will be brightened, and your home will be ready for the holidays with Christmas lights.
Place lighted topiaries around your front entrance and lanterns on your front steps. Decorate posts, railings and door frames with artificial garland.
If it snows in your area, clear snow and debris from paths and walkways to keep your family safe. To prevent slipping on wet floors, lay out a non-slip mat near the entrance.
We hope this post has helped you plan your Christmas preparations. This year, avoid the last-minute Christmas madness so you can focus on what matters most: spending time with friends and family.
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Why You Need A Stainless-Steel Ultrafiltration Water Filter

Every day we see significant changes in our environment and the consequences for our living conditions. We can significantly improve not only our own well-being, but also the environment if we take our personal health seriously. A water filtration system is one way health-conscious people can improve their lives. If you do not already have a water purifier, you can read about the benefits of drinking purified water here: The Benefits of Purified Water
A quick search on Amazon yields a plethora of water filter products, most of which are made of plastic. Given the known problems associated with the use of plastic, especially plastic water bottles, it is not surprising that there is some skepticism. What should you look for in a water filter and how can you provide your family with a safe source of filtered water without using plastic?

Are Plastic Water Filters Safe?

In general, the housing of a plastic water filter is considered safe. However, the type of plastic used, such as BPA-free, hard clear plastic, food grade materials, and others, has a significant impact on this. The FDA’s website even has a list of studies that have been done to measure BPA exposure even at low doses.

Caution on Choosing Plastic Purifier

When choosing your next water filter, it’s important to know the differences between inexpensive and expensive models. Reputable manufacturers usually pay more attention to quality and will not risk using unqualified plastic. They are aware of the serious health risks associated with plastics and often offer certifications as proof of compliance. All plastic water purifiers, including Waterdrop, are BPA-free.
However, if you drink water from a non-certified water filter, you risk ingesting BPA and BHPF, as well as other toxins associated with negative health effects. Unfortunately, microplastics have not been adequately researched, but we do know that other toxins affect reproductive health.

Additional Concerns

If you have ever taken a look at the selection of plastic water filters on Amazon, you have probably noticed a lot of negative reviews. This is especially true when it comes to durability, because cheap plastic just does not last. Pitcher handles break, filter housings break, and leaks happen all the time. The truth is plastic can be a real pain when it comes to water filtration. That’s because it compresses easily and cracks when dropped. If a main joint breaks, it’s almost certain to leak. This type of damage is usually irreparable and requires a complete replacement or costly repair.

Consider Stainless Steel Water Filter Instead

Many ill-informed consumers are unaware of the benefits of stainless steel and are therefore hesitant to purchase it. However, stainless steel water filters have numerous advantages over plastic water filters. Compared to plastic, it is not only corrosion and heat resistant, but it will not break if dropped. This high degree of hardness gives it a significant advantage over plastic, especially in environments where grinding and other forms of abrasion are common.
Compared to cheaper alternatives, the maintenance required to operate a stainless-steel water filtration system is significantly lower. When you consider these factors, it’s clear that spending a little more money is worth it. Instead, buy a stainless-steel filter if you want one that will work well in a harsh environment and last a long time. Also, since this material is highly recyclable, there will be less waste. Unlike a traditional plastic water filter, you can dispose of the entire filter once the filter cartridge is used up. Simply replace the cartridge and save the stainless-steel housing for the next replacement.

Stainless Steel Ultrafiltration Water Filter by Waterdrop


3-stage Under Sink Ultrafiltration Stainless Steel Water Filter System Waterdrop TST-UF
Consider Waterdrop’s ultrafiltration device if you are looking for a stainless-steel water filter. Finally, the stainless-steel version from Waterdrop uses a 304 stainless steel housing and is part of their wide range of water filtration solutions. This product, in the form of an under-sink water filter, is pressure and corrosion resistant and is made from lead-free materials in a recyclable housing. The unit is more durable and resistant to cracking and other damage as it is made from lead-free materials. In addition, the thicker sealing ring goes a long way in effectively preventing future leaks.

Thorough Ultrafiltration

Ultrafiltration has a number of advantages over other types of water filtration that we have already discussed. This high-end water filtration system has six stages to purify tap water. An activated carbon block is used in conjunction with PP cotton to reduce lead, chlorine, large particles, and rust that are commonly found in local water supplies. It also eliminates unpleasant odors and flavors, so you can proudly serve the water to your friends and family.