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Tap Water Research Paper

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Tap Water Research Paper
What is the optimal drinking water for humans?
It is a truth universally acknowledged that water is the cornerstone of good health. Since the human body is composed of about 60% water, intake is vital to almost every function; digestion, circulation, transportation of nutrients and, most importantly, the elimination of toxins. In addition, water contains various nutrients that are essential to maintaining good health. These include sodium, an important extracellular electrolyte, and selenium, required for general antioxidant function for a healthy immune system.
There are many recommendations for how much water should be consumed every day, with guidelines and recommendations dependent and based on age, body weight and level of activity,
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Water treatment solutions date back to 2000 BC, used and applied to improve the safety of drinking water. Early methods used by Ancient Egyptians and Greeks included heat and sand filtration and continued to evolve particularly as scientist and health officials realised the link between drinking water and disease. In Britain, water treatment was revolutionised by the installation of municipal water treatment plants in the late 19th century, following the outbreak of cholera between the years of 1848 and 1854 which killed many thousands of London’s residents.
But is tap water safe?
Quality issues are often associated with tap water. It is no hidden truth that public water supplies around the world have become loaded with hazardous contaminants, including harsh disinfectants and even pharmaceutical drugs.
Ozone and chlorine are two common disinfectants used at water treatment facilities today to kill harmful microorganisms that cause diseases such as cholera. Unfortunately, over the years it has been discovered that these disinfectants form harmful by-products that have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Some human studies even suggest that long term consumption of chlorine-treated water can increase the risk of bladder and rectal cancers in some
…show more content…
Water is an electrically dynamic matrix of H2O molecules which contains positively and negatively charged ions or electrolytes that are an important part of the nutritious qualities of water highlighted earlier in this essay.
Through the process of water treatment methods, both contaminants and some beneficial nutrients are removed. This is known as demineralisation of water.
A report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) outlines that consumption of demineralized water could pose several health risks. The report recommends that water is infused with minerals and trace elements following processing or treatment. This improves the taste and smell of water and reduces the corrosive effects that demineralized water has on pipes.
So, what is the optimal drinking water for humans?
There is no simple answer. It appears, like nutrition, a single approach doesn’t apply to all, particularly in light of the conflicting information about the various types available and the media’s propaganda about what’s

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