Go 'Head and "Tap That Glass"

The United States consumes more bottled water than any other country in the world, followed by Mexico and China.

American's have been purchasing bottled water for hundreds of years. In fact, historical records show bottled water being sold in Boston Colony as early as 1767 at Jackson's Spa. And in 1856, one of the most popular places to obtain bottled water was at Sarasota Springs, where production numbers exceeded seven million bottles. Early American believed that water bottled at the springs had certain medicinal properties and therefore "spring" water was in high demand.

Vintage Water Bottles

Although true "spring" water may be better for your health than say "tap" water, the problem is that the majority of water being bottled and sold does not come from a natural spring. 

Instead, many of the corporations selling consumers over-priced bottled water usually filter plain old tap water, then bottle and sell the product as "purified" water.

Some companies actually do get their water from natural springs, but only a handful. It is becoming more difficult for consumers to determine which company is selling "natural spring" water vs. filtered tap water.

For example, one company, "Aqua Springs", misleads customers with using the word "springs" in the company name, when in fact the only springs providing water to this company are the ones running the purification machines it so heavy touts on the company's website.

Even though the company does not advertise the source of their water as being from a natural spring, I still feel the name of the company is nothing more than a "gimmick" or form of advertising, in an attempt to trick consumers into believing that they are buying natural spring water. The company website even makes reference to their product being "nature's nectar".

Studies have proven that most of the bottled water being sold today is in no way better than the tap water running from your faucets at home, as far as health benefits go.

Drinking bottled water

 is not a healthy habit, 

but in fact a lifestyle habit.

In May of 2011, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) reported that in 2010 the United States consumed almost 9 billion gallons of bottled water, that's an average of about 30 gallons per person for the year.

I am glad to hear that Americans are in fact drinking water, even though I believe we probably still don't drink enough, but I want us to look at the cost of the convenience of having the "luxury" of bottled water.
 

According to a recent report titled "Tapping Congress to Get Off The Bottle", by the non-profit organization Corporate Accountability International, approximately one million dollars is spent per year on bottled water for members of Congress. That's approximately $2,000 per member annually.

The same report uncovers the fact that 90% of the money consumers spent on bottled water goes to the marketing, bottling, labeling, and shipping of the bottled water, as well as, of course, corporate expenses and PROFITS!

As Americans consume more bottled water, the costs will continue to increase and greedy corporations continue to profit.

Bottled water, what next? If we continue to rob the earth of its natural resources and continue to disrupt the natural flow of the environment, we will be buying "canned air" next. You think you stressing out now when the gas tank runs low, imagine running low on oxygen and water.

Water: Life's Necessity

Water is one of the most essential elements that the human body needs to survive. We can go for days, or even months without solid food, but the body will shut down within just a few short days if it is deprived of clean water.

That's because our body is made up of approximately 70% water and all of the components that we are made of need water to function properly.

Water has various medicinal properties and it also aids in the prevention of several ailments that cause dis-ease in our bodies. Doctor Fereydoon Batmanghelidj says, "You're not sick, you're thirsty. Don't treat thirst with medication."

 

His website, The Water Cure, profiles "The Wonders of Water" including several ways water prevents and aids in the cure of several life-threatening illnesses, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Knowing this, it amazes me when I think of the fact that over one billion people on the earth still lack access to "safe" water.

To avoid dehydration we must consume "clear water" daily. People who are more active, or who live in humid climates may require a little more than the average suggested minimum amount of about 2 liters a day.

Although we can also consume water through the foods and beverages we eat, these amounts are not nearly enough, and they do not satisfy the body's natural craving for pure and clean water.

It is possible to consume too much water, and if the water is not being expelled from the body, it can be fatal. In fact, I recall a local radio station (107.9, "The End") in Sacramento, California holding a contest in January of 2007. The winner of the competition was to receive a Nintendo Wii video game console.

The contest titled "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" was the cause of the death of 28 year old Jennifer Strange, who refrained from emptying her bladder in an effort to win the contest, instead, she lost her life.

Drinking the right amount of water may seem tricky at first, but I suggest you consult a doctor if you have any concerns about what is right for you. Daily water intake requirements vary from person to person, but one sure-fire way to know if you are getting enough is to do what feels "right" to your body.

Read information about the symptoms of dehydration so you know when you are not drinking enough and always, always empty your bladder when you feel the need to "go pee". Emptying your bladder frequently throughout the day is normal if you are drinking the appropriate amount of water.

While some of the best things in life are free, water, unfortunately for most, is not. If you have the "luxury" of being a land owner (not just a home owner, because many people who purchase "condos", while they may own their houses, they do not own the land the physical building sits on) then you know that water, while it may be one of the best things in life, it is not free.

We pay for the right to have water delivered to our piece of land, and every time we turn on a tap to wash a dish or go to wash our hands, we are paying for the clear, liquid gold, flowing from the faucets.

And, unless we plan on moving to Siberia, near Lake Baikal, then I guess we will just have to keep paying for our water, a natural God-given resource to His people.

 

Lake Baikal in Siberia is the single largest (by volume) fresh water resource in the world, and it is suitable for drinking. It is also the oldest (over 25 million years old) and deepest (Over 2,400 feet deep) lake in the world.

Like most of the things we need to survive here on this planet, the "Powers That Be" have found a way to make us is pay for something that should, and truly really is, and always will be, free.

If you don't believe me, just take a look at our planet. It is mostly made up of water. And, we have the technology to turn salt water into drinking water, even do-it-yourself at home techniques.


I close with a toast to your health, with a glass of water, of course. Drink responsibly, people.