Page 67 - Spring 2019 Journal

companies posted to their websites after having independent testing performed on their filters. Table 1 lists the contaminants reduced by some or all of the filters during the tests. (The specific results are available at thesafehealthyhome.com/ best-countertop-gravity-water-filter-systems- review/. A result of 75 percent would mean that the filter removed 75 percent of the contaminant, leaving 25 percent after filtration.)
In this comparison, one filter looked like it was worse at removing glyphosate than the other systems, but this result may not tell the whole story. As Mike Adams of Natural News and CWC Labs explains, specific characteristics of the notorious glyphosate molecule make it challenging to produce accurate and reproduc- ible test results and require “unique, complex chemistry far beyond the typical...chemistry used to detect [other] pesticides or common con- taminants.”13 These same features can also make it difficult to remove glyphosate from water.14 Having perfected a testing method, Adams and his mass spectrometry lab recently performed their own independent tests on the ability of selected countertop pitchers and larger gravity filters to remove glyphosate, and, importantly, they used the exact same methodology and equipment across the eleven brands. Their tests found some of the filters to be “far more effec-
tive than...predicted,” including 100 percent removal of glyphosate in several instances.13
WHICH FILTER SHOULD I CHOOSE?
In choosing a water filter, there are a num- ber of issues that you may wish to take into account. First, consider your water source—is it municipal water, from a well or spring, or rain- water? As Table 2 shows, each of the three main
sources of water is prone to particular risks. Next, test your water. If you are on munici- pal water, do your own testing and also request copies of the water system operator’s test results (if they do not already publicly post the full test results). You will want both sets of results because a lot can happen en route from the wa- ter treatment plant to your home tap, including problems associated with old pipes and all sorts of other issues. It is important to know what kind of water piping your house uses and whether it poses any risks. Modern homes mainly use PVC pipes or PEX tubing; to my knowledge, neither of these poses any significant dangers that a standard water filter will not substantially mitigate. However, some older homes may have pipes that contain heavy metal or other risks that
are worth checking.
If you are on well or spring water, ask your
local health or other offices whether there are
Their tests found some of the filters to be “far more effective than. . . predicted‚” including 100 percent removal of glyphosate in several instances.
TABLE 2. Most likely contaminants, by water source
WATER SOURCE
MOST COMMON CONTAMINANTS
Municipal water
• Chlorine
• Chloramines • Lead
• Fluoride
Well and spring water
• Pesticides (as per the Environmental Protection Agency definition, any and all agricultural chemicals, including nitrates and nitrites)
• Regional or geographically specific risks (check with local water quality office), including arsenic, other heavy metals and radiation
• Industry-specific pollutants, such as PFOAs (if the area manufactures them or local industry uses them)
• Pathogens and other microorganisms
Rainwater
• Particulates and debris
• Roofing-specific contaminants (e.g., metal, shingle, slate) • Pathogens and other microorganisms
• Weather-borne industrial chemicals, depending on
location
SPRING 2019 Wise Traditions
65