Understanding Water Contaminants and Health: A Physician’s Guide to Hydration and Water Quality
As a physician specializing in comprehensive primary care with a holistic focus on wellness and prevention, I understand the critical role that wellness and hydration play in maintaining overall health. In my practice, I frequently encounter patients who exhibit signs of inadequate hydration, often reflected in their laboratory and urine test results. This issue is particularly prevalent among older adults, as aging diminishes the natural sense of thirst, leading individuals to drink less water than their bodies require. Additionally, age-related changes in kidney function can further reduce the body’s ability to conserve water effectively.
Encouraging adequate hydration is essential for all age groups, but it is equally important to emphasize the quality of the water consumed. High-quality hydration supports not only basic physiological functions but also contributes to overall well-being, underscoring its significance in a comprehensive approach to health.
In the United States, PFAS chemicals are present in 45% of tap water, exposing six out of every ten people to these persistent contaminants. Additionally, disinfection agents like chloramine and chlorine, used to reduce pathogens in water, produce byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs), which have been associated with cancer and other health risks. Aging infrastructure and industrial pollution further contribute to contamination, introducing heavy metals like lead and arsenic, which pose significant dangers, particularly in communities relying on older water systems.1
Fortunately, water filtration systems can effectively reduce these harmful substances. A 2020 study led by Knappe and colleagues found that reverse osmosis and dual-stage filters (combining mechanical and activated carbon filtration) installed under sinks were capable of removing nearly all PFAS compounds they tested. However, while these filters are effective, they also tend to strip beneficial minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, and manganese from the water. These minerals are important for health, with magnesium and calcium supporting bone strength and metabolic functions, while iron and manganese are essential for oxygen transport and enzymatic activities.
Alternatively, some individuals add a pinch of sea salt to their water to replenish minerals, though there is currently no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Balancing water safety with mineral retention is crucial to ensuring quality and health benefits.
Many patients share these concerns! According to a survey conducted by the Environmental Working Group, more than 50% of Americans feel their tap water is unsafe, and 40% either avoid drinking it or cannot do so. When tap water isn't an option, bottled water might seem like a convenient solution—but it’s not without its issues.2
Bottled water has been found to contain contaminants such as microplastics, BPA (bisphenol A), phthalates, and antimony. While these substances may be present in small amounts that might not significantly impact adults, they can pose greater risks to infants, young children, and pregnant women. BPA, for instance, is known to mimic estrogen in the body, potentially affecting reproduction, metabolism, and behavior. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exposure to BPA in children can alter the timing of puberty, increase body fat, reduce fertility, and impact the nervous and immune systems.3
In conclusion, it’s best to avoid bottled water whenever possible. If you're concerned about the quality or taste of tap water, investing in a high-quality water filter is a safer and more sustainable choice.
To help address these concerns, I tested five of the best-selling water filtration pitchers to determine which offers the best balance of purification and overall wellness benefits. Here are my findings:
1. Invigorated water pH Recharge 3F Alkaline Water Dispenser
The Invigorated Water pH Recharge 3F Alkaline Water Dispenser exceeded my expectations with its advanced multi-stage filtration system. Beyond eliminating common contaminants like chlorine and heavy metals, this dispenser elevates your hydration by boosting water’s alkalinity to a pH of 9 and infusing it with beneficial minerals. The result? Water that’s smoother, fresher, and packed with antioxidants to help combat oxidative stress. From the very first sip, I could taste the difference—it was noticeably cleaner and more refreshing.
This is the only dispenser that increases the pH of the water. Why is that important? Well, some studies suggest that alkaline water may improve hydration more effectively than regular water, possibly due to its smaller molecular cluster size, which could enhance its absorption. A few studies have suggested that alkaline water might help reduce bone resorption (the breakdown of bone tissue), which could benefit bone health. This may be due to its higher mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium, though this effect is still being studied.
One of the standout features is its 100% BPA free and non toxic design, ideal for anyone looking to reduce their intake of harmful toxins. The price point is very affordable especially for all that you are getting in this product.
If you're serious about your health, the Invigorated Water dispenser is a choice you can feel good about every day
2. Brita Ultramax Water Dispenser
The Brita Ultramax Water Dispenser is a solid, budget-friendly option that provides great value for money. Its user-friendly design and effectiveness in reducing chlorine, copper, cadmium, and mercury make it a reliable choice for basic water filtration needs. It significantly improves the taste and odor of tap water, making it a practical everyday solution for families or individuals who drink large amounts of water.
However, it’s important to note that the Brita Ultramax doesn’t enhance the water’s alkalinity or add beneficial minerals. While Brita focuses on basic filtration, Invigorated Water offers a more comprehensive approach, delivering alkaline, mineral-rich water with added health benefits. For those seeking an affordable, straightforward filtration system, Brita is a fantastic option. But if you’re looking for superior filtration with enhanced health benefits, then the Invigorated Water Dispenser is the best choice.
3. ZeroWater 22-Cup Ready-Read Pitcher
The ZeroWater 22-Cup Ready-Read Pitcher is an impressive choice for those who prioritize maximum filtration. Its advanced 5-stage system eliminates nearly all total dissolved solids (TDS), including heavy metals and harmful chemicals such as PFOA/PFOS. The included TDS meter is a practical and engaging feature, allowing users to monitor their water’s purity with precision, offering reassurance about the quality of the water they’re drinking.
That said, this level of filtration has its downsides. ZeroWater removes beneficial minerals alongside contaminants, which some might find concerning for overall wellness. Additionally, its filtration costs are significantly higher—roughly four times more per gallon than other options. While it excels in purity, I found the water’s taste somewhat flat, a common characteristic of ultra-purified water.
If your priority is having the purest water possible and you’re willing to pay a premium for it, ZeroWater is an excellent choice. However, for a more balanced approach that combines purity with added health benefits like mineral enrichment and improved taste, the Invigorated Water dispenser offers a more comprehensive solution.
4. Waterdrop Water Filter Dispenser
The Waterdrop Water Filter Dispenser offers a great balance of affordability and performance, with its multi-stage filtration system effectively reducing chlorine, rust, and various metal ions. This results in water that’s not only safer to drink but also noticeably improved in taste—a feature I genuinely appreciated.
Its compact and efficient design is a standout, fitting neatly in most refrigerators without occupying too much space. However, unlike the Invigorated Water dispenser, it does not add beneficial minerals or enhance water alkalinity. While it’s a reliable and budget-friendly option, it’s more focused on basic filtration rather than delivering the additional wellness benefits found in premium alternatives like Invigorated Water. We also drink a lot of water in our family so we would opt for a large capacity dispenser.
For those seeking a practical, affordable filter, Waterdrop is a solid choice.
5. PUR 30-Cup Dispenser
The PUR 30-Cup Dispenser is a strong contender in the water filtration space, effectively reducing chlorine and some microplastics, and its filter change light ensures optimal performance. The water quality it produces is impressive, with noticeable improvements in both taste and odor.
However, it doesn’t provide the added benefits of mineral enrichment or pH enhancement that are offered by more advanced filters like the Invigorated Water dispenser. It does attract with its mid-range price and user-friendly features making it an accessible option for daily use.
For those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use water filter at a reasonable price, the PUR 30-Cup Dispenser is a solid choice.
Overall, it is clear from my testing that the Invigorated Water pH Recharge 3F dispenser comes out on top with its superior filtration system, added benefits of mineral enrichment and pH enhancement.
1 BBC Future. (2024, April 17). Is filtered water healthier than tap water? BBC Future. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240417-is-filtered-water-healthier-than-tap-water
2 Environmental Working Group (EWG). (2022, May). EWG finds over half of people surveyed think tap water is unsafe. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2022/05/ewg-finds-over-half-people-surveyed-think-tap-water-unsafe
3 Real, M., Molina-Molina, J. M., Jiménez-Díaz, I., Arrebola, J. P., Sáenz, J. M., Fernández, M. F., & Olea, N. (2015). Screening of hormone-like activities in bottled waters available in Southern Spain using receptor-specific bioassays. Environment international, 74, 125–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2014.10.006
*Hello! Please note this post is sponsored. However, this was my honest comparison having used these products. Thanks for visiting!