Q: I am attempting to increase my water intake. However, I am concerned about the quality of tap water. It tastes weird and I cannot afford bottled water. What can I do to clean up AND improve the taste of tap water?

A: The EPA has set a standard for all municipalities, thereby defining water as “bacterially safe”. It recommends treatment facilities give us water that has a pH of 6.5 to 8.5. However, this is not a requirement. You can contact local water officials at your local state water filtration plant or the Health Department to have your water tested free of charge. However, they only test for bacteria, not for toxic elements and pesticides. The Water Quality Association and the EPA can be contacted to answer questions about your specific water source as well as methods used to treat drinking water in your area. They can also be a resource for scouting available labs that will in turn send you a self-addressed sample submission kit, Cost begins at thirty to forty dollars with results available within three to four weeks.

            To improve the taste AND quality of tap water, being by filtering. The Brita water pitcher is a good start. You can also aerate tap water in a blender to remove chemicals such as chloride. However, do not boil your water as it can increase lead. Reverse osmosis is the king of filtration, removing a large percentage of contaminants. To remove parasites such as cryptosporidia, purchase a filter that has a NSF rating for parasite reduction AND that has an absolute pore size of one micron or smaller. UV light with filtration will remove contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. Should you decide to purchase a home water treatment  unit, contact NFS International (734-769-8010 ) or the Water Quality Association (630 505 0160). Both will verify manufacturers claims that the component you purchase is non-toxic and structurally sound as they conduct periodic unannounced audits of these companies. I like Waterwise, Inc.(1-800-874-9028).

Q:  I've read that there are serious concerns regarding a gasoline byproduct used to clean up the air which in turn is a carcinogen that has been contaminating our tap water since the early 80s.  What is this additive and how does one protect themselves against it?

A: Methyl tertiary butyl ether, MTBE, is added to gasoline to increase its oxygen content, used to replace lead while reducing smog and carbon monoxide.  MTBE has been seeping into all our water supplies at an alarming rate, primarily due to leaking tanks and reservoirs, plus lakes and river sources for municipalities where recreational watercraft are permitted.  Tests on rats show that MTBE is a cancer causing agent and immuno-suppressant.  Water supplies in California, New York, Maine, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have been closed down due to contamination. However, MTBE can be absorbed through the skin via shower or bathing.  Side effects include dizziness, headaches, nausea, asthma and respiratory problems. The EPA should be setting a mandatory ruling by 2010 to test for MTBE in our water supply. Meanwhile, I'd order that $30.00 testing kit or clean up your home's water source!!