Aussie Water Coolers, Author at Aussie Water Coolers

What Are PFAs and Why Are We Concerned?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products for their water and grease-resistant properties. They are found in items such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and some firefighting foams.

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, leading to potential accumulation over time. Exposure of PFAS has been linked to adverse health effects, including liver damage, thyroid disease, and increased risk of certain cancers.

Types of PFAS

There are thousands of different PFAS, but the most reported and widely known types include:

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid): Used in the production of non-stick cookware and various industrial applications.
PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate): Previously used in firefighting foams and stain-resistant fabrics.

These types have been phased out or restricted in many countries due to their health and environmental risks, but they have been replaced by other PFAS compounds that are still under scrutiny.

Why Are PFAs Being Restricted?

Environmental Damage

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment. This persistence means that once released, PFAS can remain in soil and water for many years, leading to long-term environmental contamination.

Health Risks

Exposure to high levels of PFAS has been linked to a variety of health problems, including:

Liver Damage: Studies have shown that PFAS may affect our livers, which can lead to other health complications.
Thyroid Disease: PFAS/PFOS exposure may affect thyroid function, leading to hormonal imbalances.
Cancer Risk: Some PFAS, particularly PFOA and PFOS, have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
Immune System Effects: PFAS may affect the immune system, potentially reducing the effectiveness of vaccines and increasing susceptibility to infections.

PFAS can accumulate in the human body over time. Because they are not easily broken down or excreted, repeated exposure can lead to higher concentrations in the body, increasing the risk of adverse health effects.

The broad health risks of PFAs are still yet to be fully researched and discovered, too.

How Are We Exposed to PFAs?

Worldwide, this compound is found in over 4000 chemicals with many of them used in everyday commodities in households and workplaces. That means we can be exposed to PFAS in several different ways every day without realising it.

By being aware of these common sources, we can take proactive steps to minimise contact with PFAS, contributing to better health and a safer living environment.

Food and Water

Contaminated Soil and Water: PFAS can seep into soil and water, which are then used to grow crops. This can lead to contamination of fruits, vegetables, and other produce.
Food Packaging: Many food packaging materials, such as microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, and pizza boxes, are treated with PFAS to make them grease-resistant. These chemicals can leach into the food they contain.

Household Products

Non-Stick Cookware: Cookware coated with non-stick surfaces often contains PFAS. These chemicals can be released during cooking, especially at high temperatures.
Stain-Resistant Fabrics: Carpets, upholstered furniture, and clothing treated to resist stains often contain PFAS, which can be released during regular use or cleaning.
Water-Repellent Clothing: Outdoor gear, including jackets, boots, and camping equipment, may be treated with PFAS to make them water-resistant.

Workplaces

Manufacturing and Industrial Use: Employees in industries that produce or use PFAS, such as chemical manufacturing, textile production, and firefighting foam application, can be exposed through inhalation or skin contact.

Dust and Air

Indoor Dust: PFAS can accumulate in household dust, especially in homes with products that contain these chemicals. Regular activities like vacuuming and dusting can stir up these particles, leading to inhalation or ingestion.
Airborne Particles: PFAS can be present in the air, particularly in enclosed spaces with PFAS-containing products. This can occur through off-gassing, where chemicals are released from products over time. PFAs can even be transported via rain.

Can PFAs Be Removed From Water?

Traditional water treatment processes, such as coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration, are designed to remove common contaminants like bacteria, sediments, and some dissolved solids. However, PFAS are unique due to their chemical structure and strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them highly resistant to breakdown and removal. Because of this, the only way to effectively remove PFAS from water is through reverse osmosis (RO).

Though less effective, there are advanced treatment techniques that have been developed that can reduce PFAS levels in water too. These methods are typically used by municipalities and in-home water treatment systems to ensure safer drinking water.

To date, these systems are very expensive to treat a complete house hold from PFAS and municipalities are reluctant to install such expensive filtration systems on grid.

Ways PFAS can be reduced in water:

Activated Carbon Filters

Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters are effective, to an extent, in reducing PFAS from water. The carbon adsorbs the PFAS molecules, trapping them in the filter.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane, which completely blocks PFAS and other contaminants. This method is highly effective.

An under-sink Reverse Osmosis system is relatively inexpensive but the quality of these systems vary, so it is essential to be wary of the low-priced systems.

Ion Exchange Resins

These resins exchange ions in the water with ions attached to the resin, effectively reducing PFAS. This method is often used in industrial settings.

Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)

These processes use a combination of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and ultraviolet light to break down PFAS molecules in water. AOPs are effective but typically used in larger-scale water treatment facilities.

How to Remove PFAs From Water at Home

The most effective way to completely remove PFAs from water in your home is to combine a whole-house filtration system with a separate reverse osmosis (RO) system at the point of distribution (kitchen tap for example).

The whole-house filtration system treats all the water entering your home, reducing PFAS levels in water used for bathing, cleaning, and other household purposes. It typically includes pre-filters for large particles and activated carbon filters that adsorb many PFAS compounds.

For drinking and cooking water, a reverse osmosis system provides an additional layer of protection. The RO system forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively removing PFAS and other dissolved contaminants. It usually includes a sediment filter, carbon filter, and post-filter for thorough purification.

Together, these systems ensure comprehensive filtration: the whole-house system reduces PFAS exposure from all water uses, while the RO system provides highly purified water for consumption. This dual approach offers the most effective protection against PFAS in your home.

What is a Whole-House Filtration System?

A whole-house filtration system is a comprehensive solution for filtering the water that flows through your entire home. It’s installed at the main water supply line to ensure that every tap and appliance receives filtered water, providing consistent quality throughout.

These systems are essential to many homeowners because they offer a dependable way to maintain clean water across your entire household. By removing sediment, chemicals, and other contaminants, a whole-house filtration system ensures that water is cleaner for bathing, drinking, cooking, and laundry.

With whole-house filtration systems in place, households can enjoy peace of mind knowing their water is cleaner, healthier, and available from every outlet in their home.

Benefits of Whole-House Filtration Systems

Health

Contaminant Removal

Whole house filtration systems are designed to filter out harmful contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can affect health. By addressing these issues, the system provides safer water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.

Allergen Reduction

By filtering out sediment and chlorine, these systems help reduce allergens that could irritate the skin or exacerbate respiratory conditions, especially important for people with sensitivities or allergies.

Convenience

Centralised Solution

A whole house system eliminates the need for separate filters at each outlet, saving time and effort on maintenance and replacement.

Appliance Longevity

Some specific filters can remove sediments and minerals before they enter your appliances to help reduce scale buildup. thus extending the lifespan of your dishwasher, water heater, washing machine, and other devices. The ARAGON filter has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing scale (calcium and magnesium deposits from water for example.

Consistent Quality

Whether you’re drinking from the kitchen tap, taking a shower, or running a load of laundry, you receive the same quality water, ensuring a consistent and pleasant experience.

Environmental Impact

Reduced Plastic Waste and Carbon Footprint

By reducing the reliance on bottled water and single-use filters, these systems can significantly cut down on plastic waste and contribute to a cleaner environment.

On top of that, the reduced production and transportation of bottled water can lead to a smaller carbon footprint, helping to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Types of Whole-House Filtration Systems

Four main types of filtration systems can be used in whole-house filtration. Each of these offers unique strengths and often works best in combination with others to ensure comprehensive water treatment throughout your entire home.

Sediment Filters

Sediment filters primarily target particles like dirt, sand, rust, and other larger debris suspended in the water supply.

These systems are ideal for homes with high sediment levels due to old plumbing, local water conditions, or well water. They often serve as the first stage in a multi-stage filtration system, doing the hard work of removing sediment and protecting other filters downstream.

Carbon Filters

Carbon filters come in many different forms and the quality of the final filtered product can vary depending on the actual source of the carbon. Typically, carbon filters are designed to reduce chlorine, unpleasant tastes, and odours. They can also target certain organic compounds, pesticides, and some heavy metals.

They’re great for households wanting to improve the taste and odour of their water. They are often paired with other filters to remove a broader range of contaminants.

Reverse Osmosis Systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems work by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane, which filters out a vast array of impurities, including dissolved salts, heavy metals, and microorganisms.

These systems can be suitable for homes where the local water supply may have high contamination levels or concerns about specific contaminants like nitrates and lead. However, RO systems can reduce water pressure and require a pre-filtration system. Additionally, RO systems can cause excess water usage due to the wastage of water caused by the filtration

Ultraviolet (UV) Purifiers

UV purifiers are technically not water filters but can be used as part of filtration systems. UV purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in the water. They are often used alongside sediment and carbon filters for a comprehensive solution.

These systems can be foreseen in well water or in regions where microbial contamination is a risk. They ensure safe drinking water by effectively neutralising biological contaminants.

How to Choose a House Filtration System

Choosing the best whole-house filtration system for your home can be achieved by evaluating your unique water quality needs and considering technical factors like capacity and flow rate.

Assessing Your Water Quality Needs

The first step is to understand the quality of your water. If you’re using a well or another private source, your filtration needs will differ significantly from those connected to municipal supply.

You can use a water test to pinpoint the specific contaminants present, such as chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, or bacteria. When considering your water quality needs or testing, you should also factor in any health concerns, like allergies or sensitivities, that might require more advanced filtration. This assessment will help you identify which type of filtration system will be the most effective.

Considering System Capacity and Flow Rate

Next, think about the demands of your household. The system needs to handle your daily water consumption and deliver an adequate flow rate across all taps and appliances. A household with several people requires a filtration system that can handle high water usage without causing a significant drop in pressure.

Importance of Compatibility with Local Water Regulations:

Finally, make sure your filtration system is compatible with local water regulations. Some systems, particularly reverse osmosis, can produce wastewater that needs proper disposal, so it’s essential to comply with local rules about discharges.

Installation codes must also be adhered to, which may require professional assistance for proper setup. Verifying these factors beforehand ensures that your system will operate smoothly and stay within regulatory guidelines.

Finding a Whole-House Filtration System

Investing in a whole-house filtration system may be a smart choice for any household prioritising health, convenience, and sustainability.

These systems offer comprehensive filtration by removing a wide range of contaminants like chlorine, sediments, heavy metals, and bacteria, ensuring that the water throughout your home is clean and safe. With the right system capacity and flow rate, everyone in your household will enjoy reliable, high-quality water from every tap and appliance. Plus, reducing the need for bottled water and single-use filters can lessen your environmental footprint.

If you’re ready to learn more about these systems, Aussie Water Coolers offers a range of whole-house filtration systems tailored to meet varying household needs. Whether you’re looking for sediment filters, reverse osmosis, or you’re not sure yet, our solutions can help deliver cleaner water that complies with local water regulations. Visit our online shop today to explore our filtration options and speak to our team about choosing the perfect system for your home.

We offer free no obligation, non-hard sell advice at all times, so please feel free to contact us to learn more.

Water quality is a subject that’s been big news lately. Australian residents are being warned of lead in their water due because of some plumbing products. Australia’s tap water is some of the worlds safest water so let’s take a look at some of the nastiest water contaminants that may be pouring out of your faucet.

Toxins in Your Drinking Water

1. Fluoride

Adding fluoride to drinking water is a process that began back in the 1940s to help reduce tooth decay. It sounds like a noble cause, but fluoride is a neurotoxin and an endocrine disruptor. It can harm the thyroid gland and calcify the pineal gland. It’s so toxic that several countries have banned water fluoridation

2. Chlorine

Chlorine has disinfectant properties that make it useful for cleaning products and swimming pools. It’s even used to sanitize sewage and industrial waste. Chlorine is added to drinking water as a purification technique, despite not being completely safe.

Chlorine is a reactive chemical that bonds with water, including the water in your gut, to produce poisonous hydrochloric acid. Chlorine exposure can cause respiratory problems and damage cells. Long term effects include memory loss and impaired balance.

3. Lead

Corroded pipes are releasing up to ten times the allowable amount of lead into the water. Lead is toxic to almost every organ and affects children the worst. Developmental issues, stunted growth, deafness, behavioural problems, learning disabilities, and brain damage can all result from exposure to lead. If ingested during pregnancy, lead can cause premature birth. Lead exposure has even been linked to autism, prostate cancer, and reproductive problems for both men and women. It’s damaging to the cardiovascular system and kidneys, too.

4. Mercury

Although mercury is a naturally occurring element, “natural” does not mean “safe.” Mercury is extremely toxic and can cause brain damage, blindness, nerve damage, cognitive disability, impairment of motor functions, headaches, weakness, muscle atrophy, tremors, mood swings, memory loss, and skin rashes.

A byproduct of mining and industrial practices, mercury vapour can linger in the atmosphere and ride the winds halfway around the globe.

5. PCBs

PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are chemicals used for industrial purposes such as insulation, machinery, oil, paints, adhesives, electronics, and fluorescent lights.

Although PCBs were banned in 1979, they’re still present in landfills and pose a danger to the environment. PCBs break down slowly and infiltrate the environment. They have been found in snow and sea water thousands of miles from where they were produced.

Animal tests have found PCBs to cause cancer and negatively affect the immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems.

6. Arsenic

Arsenic, despite being poisonous, is used in a multitude of industrial processes. Environmental contamination may result from improper waste disposal, or from poorly-planned wells that hit a natural source.

Arsenic poisoning can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases. Long-term exposure can lead to skin cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. In Taiwan, arsenic causes “Blackfoot disease,” a type of gangrene that causes blood vessels to die and rot.

7. Perchlorate

Perchlorates are a key ingredient in rocket fuel and explosives. They dissolve easily and seep into groundwater from military and industrial sites. It’s believed that perchlorates have contaminated much of the Colorado River. The problem is severe; almost all humans will test positive for perchlorates, which attack the thyroid.

8. Dioxins

Dioxins are released during combustion, such as the burning of hazardous waste, forest fires, cigarette smoke, and burning oil and coal. They settle in the environment and destroy water sources.

Short-term exposure can cause lesions and respiratory problems. Long-term exposure can affect the immune, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has declared dioxins are carcinogenic. In developing fetuses, dioxin poisoning can cause birth defects or stillbirth.

9. DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane)

DDT was used as an insecticide in the 1940s to combat insect-borne diseases like malaria and typhus. It had widespread use as an agricultural insecticide until it was banned in the United States in 1972 due to environmental concerns.

It remains in use in other parts of the world and is still a major health concern for all of us. DDT molecules are persistent and can travel vast distances in the atmosphere.

Animal testing has found DDT causes reproductive problems and liver damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has declared DDT is a cancer risk.

10. HCB

Until 1965, HCB, or Hexachlorobenzene, was used as a pesticide. Production has been banned, but it is still formed as a byproduct from the production of other chemicals. A large dose can result in death. Smaller doses can lead to liver disease and skin lesions. The EPA has classified HCB as a probable cancer source.

In Anatolia, Turkey in the late 1950’s, over 4500 people suffered HCB poisoning as a result of tainted grain. Over 500 people died, including children. 30 years later, follow-up studies found that the breast milk of women in the area still contained up to 150 times the amount of HCB allowed in cow’s milk.

11. Dacthal

Dacthal (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, or DCPA) is an herbicide that contaminates soil and water sources. Unlike HBA and DDT, Dacthal is still in use today. Animal tests have found dacthal damages the adrenal glands, kidneys, liver, thyroid, and spleen.

12. MTBE

MtBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether) is a gasoline additive that can render large quantities of groundwater completely undrinkable. In 1996, the city of Santa Monica, CA found this out the hard way and the city had to shut down 50% of its water supply and pay for replacement water.

The health effects of MtBE are not understood. Animal tests have linked it to kidney damage, seizures, and problems with fetal development.

Further Concerns and Safety

Some people are under the impression that they can remove toxins from water by boiling it. Boiling water kills harmful organisms but does nothing to remove toxic chemicals, compounds, salts, and metals.

If poor-quality tap water is a problem for you, I recommend investing in a quality water filter.

There’s no question — we absolutely cannot live without water. But do we really need to drink alkalized water for our survival? Perhaps not for our ultimate survival, but the science is starting to realise that it maybe be very useful for a healthy & longer life. Advocates of alkaline water believe it can help our bodies stay disease-free, and generally improve all aspects of our health.

What is Alkalised Water?

Alkaline water is less acidic than regular water, this means that it is rich in compounds, including calcium, silica, potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. Proponents of alkaline water believe that it can perhaps use the word offset rather than neutralise neutralize the acid in your bloodstream, therefore, helping your body metabolize nutrients more effectively, leading to better health and performance. The idea of drinking alkalised water helps to neutralise the effects of acidosis and helps your body to absorb much-needed nutrients more quickly.

Types of Alkalised Water

While everyone is raving about the effects of alkalised water and alkalised water’s popularity has increased over the years, what most people are not aware of is that there are different ways to Alkalise water, and especially important is the fact that not all alkalised water produces the desired effect.

Artificially Alkalised

Artificially alkalinised water has undergone a process called ionization or electrolysis to “trick” the water into thinking it has a certain pH, water ionizers split apart water molecules separating the hydrogen and oxygen molecules with electricity to create alkaline water. The water is run over platinum and titanium plates which cause the exchange of ions that make water more alkaline in its pH.

Ionised water does not contain the extra minerals such as magnesium and calcium and some studies show regular consumption of Ionised water for 30days or more, can lead to possible side effects.

Naturally Alkalised

Naturally Alkalinised water has a chemical makeup that is vastly different from artificially alkaline water. In nature, water flows down mountain streams and picks up alkaline minerals from the porous rock through which it runs, affecting its pH and making it naturally alkaline. Nothing more is done to the water to make it “alkaline”.erals such as magnesium and calcium and some studies show regular consumption of Ionised water for 30days or more, can lead to possible side effects.

A water filtration process known as Reverse Osmosis is quite popular in many countries around the world. Reverse Osmosis systems remove all negative pathogens and heavy metals from the water as well as all of the good minerals to create what is called PURE WATER.

The downside of the Reverse Osmosis systems is that the membrane filter which removes all of the pathogens & heavy metals are non-selective in what they remove meaning all of the good minerals are removed at the same time as the bad pathogens. Drinking PURE WATER completely free of minerals is very dangerous for the human body & should be avoided at all times. If you do drink PURE WATER free of minerals this water when consumed will search for minerals within the organs in your body & rob them from many of your vital organs.

In order to counteract this now mineral deficient “PURE WATER,” it is essential to ADD BACK minerals to the water. The benefit of this concept is that the pathogens have been removed by the Reverse Osmosis system & with technology inbuilt into the filters using natural minerals derived from nature we can input the desired minerals back into the water & therefore our bodies that create higher natural pH or alkalized system.

Benefits

Promotes better hydration: Alkaline water has smaller molecular content making it easier for the body to The body can be hydrated more effectively by drinking alkaline water instead of everyday tap water.

Alkaline Water is an antioxidant: Antioxidants help protect our bodies from free radicals that can cause various health problems, by drinking alkaline water you can help protect your body from diseases that can cause serious health issues.

Effectively balances the pH levels of the body: Alkaline water helps by neutralizing the acid levels in the body. Although it works best as a preventive measure, those who already have an illness or disease can still drink alkaline water to speed up or at the very least assist the recovery process

Detox the Body: A primary benefit of drinking alkaline water is its ability to wash away toxins that cause disease and illness. Drinking plenty of water is vital to good health

Boost the immune system: Keeping our bodies in a more alkaline state will boost the immune system. This is a natural effect of neutralizing the free radicals and helping to cleanse the body of toxins.

Lose Weight: Due to today’s poor diets that consist of a lot of junk food, our bodies create more fat cells to neutralise the acid. This inevitably results in unwanted weight gain. Alkalised water neutralises the acids in the body removing the need for our bodies to create the extra fat cells. Alkalised water helps in weight loss because fat storage is reduced.

Side Effects

Drinking naturally alkaline water is generally considered safe since it contains natural minerals. However, you should use caution with artificial alkaline water, which likely contains fewer minerals necessary for good health than its high pH would have you believe.

Some examples of negative side effects include the lowering of natural stomach acidity, which helps kill bacteria and expel other undesirable pathogens from entering your bloodstream.

Additionally, an overall excess of alkalinity in the body may cause gastrointestinal issues and skin irritations. Too much alkalinity may also agitate the body’s normal pH, leading to metabolic alkalosis, a condition that may produce the following symptoms:

nausea
vomiting
hand tremors
muscle twitching
tingling in the extremities or face
confusion

The Bottom Line

The benefits of naturally alkaline water are numerous, considering all the ways naturally alkaline water can improve your health, why not add in an extra layer of insurance by drinking alkaline water?

Today’s standard diet seems to be filled with refined sugars, excess sodium, chemical additives, processed foods etc not to mention the excess stress and lack of sleep which many believe attribute to a condition known as acidosis – a process causing increased acidity in the blood and other tissues, which may be associated with health conditions such as heart problems, altered hormones status and the loss of muscle or bone and general bad health, which has got a lot of people talking about alkalised water, so what is Alkalised water and is it beneficial or just another trend?

The Basics

To understand how alkalised water can benefit us we need a basic understanding of what pH is. pH is a measure of the hydrogen concentration in solution, remember that pH Chart from high school that runs from 0-14? Don’t worry we aren’t going to get very technical here, you just need to remember that the scale runs from 0-14, Neutral pH is 7.0, pH lower than 7.0 is acidic and greater than 7.0 is alkaline.

How does pH affect me?

Our saliva ranges between 6.8-7.4, while your urine is normally a lot more acidic. For good health, our bodies need to be slightly more alkaline between 7.3 and 7.45. Drinking things like soft drinks have a low pH of around 3.0, whereas tap water has a pH of 7.0, Alkalised water has a much higher alkalinity of 9.0-10.0 pH. In Layman’s terms, eating and drinking foods with low pH (acidic) leads to poor health and eating and drinking foods with high pH (alkaline) leads to good health.

Some health experts believe that the pH balance of our bodies is extremely important, it is believed that most people are too acidic. An understanding of how to keep your blood in an alkaline range is important for maintaining good health.

You put junk in …… junk comes out, by eating a more alkaline diet such as leafy greens, wheatgrass, veggies, sprouts, avocados, juicing, green smoothies & soupsKeeping your bodies pH at the right level is a not mathematical scale based on arithmetic, pH operates on a logarithmic scale with multiples of 10. Therefore, it takes ten times the amount of alkalinity to neutralise the acid. A jump from 7.2 to 7.3 doesn’t seem like a lot but in actuality, it will take ten times the amount of alkalinity to neutralize. 7 to 5 = 100 times. 7 to 4 = 1000 times. 7 to 3 = 10,000 times. Get the picture?

as opposed to an acidic diet such as food high in animal products, processed carbs, refined sugar, coffee as well as booze & cigs the end POSITIVE result will be that over time your body will better absorb chlorophyll, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and oxygen leading to better health.

Ingredients

1 Ripe Pear
1 2-Inch Thick Ginger Piece
1 Cinnamon Stick
4-5 whole cloves
Filtered Water

Directions

Wash and cut the pear into large chunks and place them in a jug
Grate the ginger and rub the cloves between your hands to release flavour, then drop as well in the bottle.
Add the cinnamon stick!
Add warm water.
Let it infuse for few hours and enjoy

TIP- For a slight variation you add or use apple instead of pear

In Australia it’s hot and often uncomfortable. If you follow our Facebook page, you will you know we remind everyone constantly to make sure that they are drinking enough, and let’s face it, sometimes it’s hard!

We become water logged and drinking another glass of plain old straight water from the cooler becomes effort. We seek alternatives and quiet often it involves adding artificial flavours or sugars to our diets.

Get Colourful

Water is your body’s source of life. Being hydrated not only improves your health and naturally flushes toxins out of your body, but water also keeps your skin plump and elastic. Infused water is especially beneficial because it makes the act of drinking water more enjoyable, both for the taste buds and the eyes.

Avoid any fruit that’s bruised or overly ripe, or herbs that don’t look fresh. Add the fruit, herbs, spices or whatever you want to use into a bottle of cool water filtered or carbonated water. Use thin slices or small cubes because the flavor will infuse more quickly.

Fruit-infused water is best enjoyed after two-four hours or after it has had a chance to infuse overnight. The length of time it lasts depends entirely on the type of fruit and herbs you use. Basil, for example, only lasts for three days while heartier varieties like rosemary or thyme can last up to seven days.
Fruit infused water is naturally sweet and has only a few calories. As you see, there are plenty of reasons to drink fruit infused water. This beverage is not only healthy and delicious, it’s cost efficient and the kids can help too.

Get Fizzy

Carbonated water (also known as soda water, sparkling water, bubbly water, or fizzy water) is water into which carbon dioxide gas under pressure has been dissolved. … Most carbonated water is sold in ready to drink bottles as carbonated beverages such as soft drinks. Its refreshing and a good alternative to sugary drinks.

Did you know that you can make your own?

There are plenty of products water such as Soda Stream, Siphon Bottles and Home Co2 Keg Systems on the market today that enable you to quickly and cheaply create your own carbonated water.

Carbonated Water is Acidic

Carbon dioxide and water react chemically to produce carbonic acid, a weak acid that’s been shown to stimulate the same nerve receptors in your mouth as mustard. This triggers a burning, prickly sensation that can be both irritating and enjoyable for many people.

The pH of carbonated water is 3–4, which means it’s acidic. However, drinking an acidic beverage like carbonated water does not make your body more acidic. Your kidneys and lungs remove excess carbon dioxide. This keeps your blood at a alkaline pH of 7.35–7.45, regardless of what you eat or drink.

One of the biggest concerns about sparkling water is its effect on teeth, since the enamel is directly exposed to acid. Most studies done on this subject find that sparkling mineral water damaged enamel only slightly more than still water. Furthermore, it was 100 times less damaging than a sugary soft drink.

Is it bad for you?

There is currently no evidence that carbonated or sparkling water is bad for you.

It is not really that harmful for dental health and seems to have no effect on bone health.

Interestingly, a carbonated drink may even enhance digestion by improving swallowing ability and reducing constipation.

It’s also a calorie-free beverage that causes a pleasurable bubbly sensation. Many people prefer it over still water.

There’s no reason to give up this beverage if you enjoy it. In fact, it may actually improve your overall health.

Ingredients

6cups of filtered water
¼ cup mint leaves
2 limes sliced
Ice

Directions

Fill a pitcher with 6 cups of water.
In a small bowl, use your fingers to toss together mint and limes, working the mint leaves to gently release some of their oils and flavor.
Stir limes and mint into the water. Refrigerate for 10 minutes, or up to 2 days for the flavors to infuse into the water. The longer you let it chill, the stronger the water will taste.

Ingredients

1 cup raw honey
5 cups filtered water
1/4 cup dried lavender. dried, organic culinary lavender
6 lemons, peeled and juiced approx.
Lavender sprigs for garnish

Directions

Pour 1/2 the water in a pan, bring to boil and remove from heat
Add honey and dried lavender let steep for approximately 20 minutes.
Strain mixture and pour into larger container.
Add lemon juice and the remaining water. Stir well.
Refrigerate

Lavender can help to relieve Anxiety and Headaches, other ways you can use Lavender

Mix 5 to 6 drops of Lavender essential oil to your bath water if you have dry skin.
Diffuse 10 to 12 drops of Lavender into the air during your workday for natural stress relief.
Add 2 drops of Lavender per ounce of your favorite lightly scented, unrefined organic oil (like almond oil or olive oil) for a body oil with all the benefits of lavender for improving your skin, relaxing your mind, warding off insects or helping you sleep.

Recipe from healthy holistic living

Ingredients

8 Cups filtered water
1 Lemon Sliced, or as desired
2 Limes Sliced or as desired
½ cup of mint leaves
½ cup sliced cucumber (optional)

Directions

Pour water into a pitcher.
Mix lemon slices, lime slices, mint leaves, and cucumber together in a bowl; add to water and stir.
Refrigerate water mixture, stirring 1 time per day, until flavors have infused, 2 to 3 days.

Recipe from allrecipes.com