While these unforgettable words likely still hold haunting images for those of us who remember the story of the Ancient Mariner, it is unlikely Coleridge (or any of us for that matter) could have ever imagined how appropriate they would be today. After all, there seems to be no shortage of safe drinking water for us landlubbers… all we need to do is turn a tap or check the beverage aisle of our local grocery store. Bottled water alone is a billion-dollar industry. The question remains however, while we may have plenty of water to drink, is it really good for us.
Like many health issues, the debate is on. Some swear by bottled water, claiming it is safer because it is bacteria and chemical free and while this may be true to some extent, there are also those who say most bottled water is lacking in essential minerals and nutrients and is nothing more than "cleaned up" tap water. So who is right?
Truth be told, both arguments are legitimate. For instance, most municipal tap water is pumped full of chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride, neither of which, despite what we are told, are good or even safe for us. While chlorine was originally introduced into the water supply to eradicate water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever in the early 1900's, there is growing evidence today showing chlorinated water may actually pose greater long-term risks than those it is intended to eliminate. We also know these effects can result from either ingestion or absorption of chlorine though the skin. So, even if we do not drink the tap water, we still absorb the chlorine when we shower or bathe. Many studies now link chlorine and its by-products to cancer. A 1992 report published in the American Journal of Public Health showed up to a 35 percent increase in certain types of cancer for people who drink chlorinated water. Today, the National Cancer Institute estimates people who drink chlorinated water have a 93-precent higher risk of developing cancer than people who don't drink it.
Chlorinated water is also linked to high blood pressure, anemia, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart disease. An article published in Science News (vol. 130) states "the cause of atherosclerosis and resulting heart attacks and strokes is none other than the ubiquitous chlorine in our drinking water."
The bottom line is that chlorine is still a toxic chemical (it was widely used in WW II with horrific results). And no matter how "little" we receive in our drinking water, it is still a poison.
Fluoride, originally added to the water supply in the 1940s to improve our dental health, is also shown in many studies to cause health issues ranging from gastrointestinal disorders, mouth sores, rashes and headaches to arthritis and even cancers and neurological complaints. One 1995 study published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology, shows fluoride acts in a way that lowers the I.Q. of children. We also know there are many studies dating back to the 1950s that clearly show links between Down's Syndrome and natural fluoridation; the more fluoride in the water, the younger the women bearing Down's Syndrome children.
And even if you don't buy the fact that fluoride is dangerous, you should at least be concerned about the amount that is added to your drinking water. Fluoride levels were actually set in the 1940s when it was decided 1 ppm (equal to 1 mg/l) was optimal assuming we drank 4 glasses of water a day. What was not foreseen however was that our total intake of fluoride today includes other sources outside our water supply. For example, one recent study published in the Journal of American Dental Association found 71 percent of more than 300 soft drinks contain 0.60 ppm fluoride. Of course toothpaste is another big fluoride source. Many processed foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamins and mineral supplements also contain fluoride, each contributing to our total intake. It is now estimated we ingest 8 mg/day of fluoride; eight times what is considered optimal.
Health concerns aside, the irony of the fluoride debate is that while fluoride was originally added to our water to improve our dental health, we now know too much fluoride can result in dental fluorosis, a condition in which the fluoride actually rearranges the crystalline structure of a tooth's enamel while it is still growing. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, dental fluorosis now impacts 32 percent of American children, a number studies show is similar for other fluoridated countries. Today, 97 percent of European countries ban water fluoridation.
So, for those people who say bottled water is healthier and safer to drink than municipal tap water, they would be correct to some degree (depending on the type and brand of bottled water).
Essentially, there are several types of bottled water in Canada. According to Health Canada's current regulations, "bottled water may be represented as 'spring' or 'mineral' water only if it originates from an underground source which is not part of a community water supply". While the regulations further stipulate the water must be "naturally fit" for human consumption at its point of origin, and it can't be treated in any way that would modify its original chemical composition, the regulations do also state "the only treatments permitted include carbonation, the addition of ozone as a disinfecting agent or fluoridation to prevent dental cavities". So, again, some of the bottled water we think is healthy may actually contain fluoride. Manufacturers are required to list the fluoride content however, so read the labels.
Bottled water that is not considered "spring" or "mineral" water, can come from any other source according to Health Canada and it can be "treated to make it fit for human consumption or to modify its original composition". While the labels must state how it has been treated i.e. distilled, demineralized or carbonated, if the water does not fit into any of these previously stated categories, it can legally be named "by any other appropriate term which is accurate and not misleading".
And even if you buy the "healthiest" bottled water, there is still the issue of the plastic bottle itself. Studies show many types of plastic can leach chemicals into the water such as bisphenol A (BPA), suspected of causing such things as uterine fibroids, breast cancer, miscarriages, decreased sperm counts and prostate cancer. On April 18, 2008, Tony Clement (Minister of Health), announced that "while our science tells us exposure levels (from BPA) to newborns and infants are below the levels that cause effects, we're choosing to be safe rather than sorry". As a result, Canada became the first country to ban the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles. We did not however, ban the chemical for use in other products such as water bottles.
To ensure you are using a safe plastic bottle, check the number in the recycling symbol on the bottom of your bottle. If it is a #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene) or a #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene) or a #5 PP (polypropylene), the bottle is okay. Bottled water is typically sold in a #1 bottle and while it may be BPA-free, it is only recommended for one-time use, so don't refill it.
The bottom line is just because you find water in a bottle or it comes from your tap, it does not necessarily mean it is healthy. Your best bet is naturally clean, pure water full of naturally occurring minerals. Well water, natural spring water, artesian water and mineral water (not treated with fluoride) are all good sources and still provide you with the essential minerals your body needs.
Cynthia McMurray is a freelance natural health writer. She has written numerous books for leading health professionals and was the founder and publisher of a national natural health magazine. She is currently writing in-depth health manuals for a large international health and wellness company.
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