Stupid ?? about Water

[jane b]

I live in a small community that has its own water treatment plant. That means definitely chloride and most probably fluoride but I can't swear to that. The plant takes its water from a nearby river and distributes it throughout our little town.

I've been trying to find a close local source for spring water. I know of a few places where there's literally a pipe coming out of the mountainside, but the closest one is at least 20 miles away. I have a very good survival type brand of portable water filter so I'm not worried about creepy crawlies.

My question is concerning so-called "spring water" available in places like Walmart and grocery stores. I know a lot of the bottled spring water is a big scam, but at this point, I'd settle for some nice untreated water period. Does anyone know if store water is NOT treated with chemicals? I'm talking about the bulk, fill it yourself stands.

I can promise you that the people who work at our Walmart are clueless about it, so don't suggest I ask them.

Thanks!

[RawKnitster]

There is no doubt my local water supply uses chlorine. I can smell it. I used to drink bottled water and hope for the best, but read about testing done on over 20 different types of bottled water. Most were "dirtier" than tap water. Also I found out it takes more water to make one bottle than the bottle holds. And most of the bottles that are recyled end up in landfill anyway. It was enough to make me stop drinking bottled water. I bought an inexpensive charcoal filter pitcher (Brita). It works great.

[Rufassa]

Supposedly the water in those stands, at least the one at our WFs, is highly filtered water. It goes through various stages including RO, charcoal, UV, etc.. (I don’t know the exact steps but if you know the brand of water then you can probably do a Google search.) I think the original source is your local tap water.

If you want pure water to drink you can always purchase a RO filter or distiller. I think both of those removes the chemicals that you are concerned about. You could also buy filters designed specifically to remove these chemicals. I have a whole house filter that removes both chlorine and fluoride.

We didn’t want the chloroform gasses being created in the shower, dishwasher, washing machine, etc... or the fluoride water when brushing our teeth but for drinking water we still use disposable bottles, though mostly glass.

[jane b]

One of the reasons I want local spring water is specifically for the trace elements and minerals. I'm pretty sure RO and those other things would remove them.

Here in my end of Virginia, there are a number of towns that were founded around either native mineral or hot springs. Several were actually popular in the 1800s and early 1900s as health retreats (think the original Bath, England).

I already have a Brita, and a Sawyer lifetime ceramic filter. Probably an abundance of caution. The plan was that in case of an emergency, river water or captured rain water could be used (I have several barrels for the garden).

We generally have "good" water around here, i.e. not stinky sulphur water, I may have to eat the 20 miles and bring a lotta jugs with me.

[Humanist]

One of the reasons I want local spring water is specifically for the trace elements and minerals. I'm pretty sure RO and those other things would remove them.

Here in my end of Virginia, there are a number of towns that were founded around either native mineral or hot springs. Several were actually popular in the 1800s and early 1900s as health retreats (think the original Bath, England).

I already have a Brita, and a Sawyer lifetime ceramic filter. Probably an abundance of caution. The plan was that in case of an emergency, river water or captured rain water could be used (I have several barrels for the garden).

We generally have "good" water around here, i.e. not stinky sulphur water, I may have to eat the 20 miles and bring a lotta jugs with me.

The trace elements and minerals in spring water are not bio-available. They will do your body no good and may do harm. Get your minerals from foods, and your water too.

[Rufassa]

One of the reasons I want local spring water is specifically for the trace elements and minerals. I'm pretty sure RO and those other things would remove them.

So would the machine at the store. Your only options are to go to the spring, dig a well, catch rainwater, or hope that the brand of bottled water you get really is what you think it is. Those water stands are highly filtered water.

[Rufassa]

The trace elements and minerals in spring water are not bio-available. They will do your body no good and may do harm. Get your minerals from foods, and your water too.

I agree with this. If you eat a lot of moisture rich food (fresh fruits in veggies that have not been cooked or dehydrated) then your need for water goes down drastically. I only drink water when thirsty and that is not often. And when it does happen it usually correlates to a time were the food I am eating is not as fresh.

[iwuvmydoggy]

you can also drink more juice! :)

[Gaius]

The trace elements and minerals in spring water are not bio-available. They will do your body no good and may do harm. Get your minerals from foods, and your water too.
I love your posts, and this one is no exception.

[jane b]

I agree about getting my *drinking* water from fruits, but I was talking about the water used to soak nuts, dates, etc. That's where I don't want the chemicals.

Good additional info, though. Thanks.

[Humanist]

I agree about getting my *drinking* water from fruits, but I was talking about the water used to soak nuts, dates, etc. That's where I don't want the chemicals.

Good additional info, though. Thanks.

I distill my own water for soaking and sprouting.