1. Marin's water originates in reservoirs. There are 17 reservoirs in Marin that MMWD (Marin Municipal Water District) pulls from.
2. Marin's water proved to be free of high levels of contaminants. The only contaminant I was a bit alarmed by was the relatively high amount of chloride which was reported to average 34 mg/L. This contaminant is reported to originate from the runoff/leaching of natural deposits.
3. The only chemical that I saw listed on the list of possible contaminants that I was not expecting was radon. Even though the MMWD reports that the average amount of radon in our reservoir water was "N/A"- I was still a bit disturbed to see it even on the list as a potential contaminant. I am pleased to see that they are continually testing for it though!
4. Honestly, Marin's water is quite clean of chemicals. The one chemical that stood out as being a bit high, and that can cause adverse health effects, is chloride which can increase your risk of cancer, cause cell damage, and result in heart complications.
I do not filter my water in my home. In the past, my parents used a filter on and off again - but it never stuck around for very long. I've always drank Marin's tap water and did not feel a need to buy bottled water, or even invest in a filter myself. After reading this report, I feel confident continuing this practice. I am also constantly trying to avoid bottled water simply as a way to avoid contributing to plastic waste. The only time I may consider investing in a filter or purchasing bottled water is if I were to move or if I was traveling.
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteThat is great to hear that Marin's water source is free of most chemicals and contaminants. That does seem shocking that radon was on the list though. I too, do not filter my water at home. Even reading about a few contaminant's in my city's water source, I am unmoved to make changes towards drinking filtered water. Thanks for sharing! - Christina KH
We actually use to use a filter in our home and recently, it stopped working therefore, we are drinking tap water more often. In the beginning, my family and I were a little resistant to this but we are slowly accustoming. As far as water bottles, my family uses them more often then I do. I prefer to carry around my water container and filling it up as needed. I am happy to read that your county's water is safe to drink.
ReplyDeleteResponse: Christina
ReplyDeleteHave you had any success with discontinuing your use of bottled water? I know you mentioned enjoying sparkling water. There are machines that you can buy that will make sparkling water for you at home - have you ever looked in to getting one of these? I'm unsure if these machines come with their own environmental health issues, but it might be worth looking into!
Response: Brianna
Wow! Great job with the water situation in your family's home! ground water AND you use a filter! Sounds to me like the water situation at your house is pretty well set up.