The Ultimate Guide to Safe Drinking Water: From Daily Use to Emergency Preparedness - Lesson 1 - Toxins

Having safe, clean drinking water is essential for everyday life. Take a second and think about what you use water for. From your favorite morning beverage to cooking and hygiene, we need water all day, every day. The majority of us take it for granted that when we wake up and turn on the faucet we have safe drinking water. 

Every cell in our body depends on water to function properly, from regulating body temperature and maintaining cellular structure to aiding digestion and nutrient absorption. Staying hydrated not only improves physical performance but also enhances cognitive function, mood, and even skin health. Think of water as the fuel that powers your body’s engine, helping it detoxify, repair, and operate at its best. 

Clean drinking water isn’t just about quenching your thirst, it’s about safeguarding your health. Contaminants in water can lead to a host of health issues, from minor stomach upsets to serious long-term conditions. Using water that’s free from harmful pollutants ensures that you and your family enjoy water that supports your body’s natural functions without unwanted chemicals or pathogens. 

Here's a list of common contaminants found in drinking water and their associated health risks. 

1. Fluoride 

● Health Risks: While fluoride is beneficial for dental health when applied topically, excessive systemic intake has been linked to skeletal fluorosis (weak, brittle bones), thyroid dysfunction, and potential neurotoxic effects impacting cognitive function. 

2. Lead 

● Health Risks: Highly toxic, even at low levels. Can cause developmental delays, neurological damage, kidney issues, high blood pressure, and anemia. Particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women. 

3. Arsenic 

● Health Risks: Naturally occurring in groundwater; prolonged exposure can lead to skin lesions, cancer (lung, bladder, skin), cardiovascular disease, and developmental effects in children. 

4. Nitrates/Nitrites

● Health Risks: Commonly from agricultural runoff (fertilizers). Can cause "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia), impair oxygen transport in the blood, and may be linked to certain cancers. 

5. Chlorine & Chloramine 

● Health Risks: Used as disinfectants, but can form harmful byproducts (trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids) linked to bladder cancer and reproductive issues. Can also irritate skin and respiratory systems. 

6. Pesticides & Herbicides 

● Health Risks: Often enter water sources through agricultural runoff. Many are endocrine disruptors, affecting hormones, fertility, and increasing cancer risk. 

7. Pharmaceuticals & Hormones 

● Health Risks: Can include antibiotics, birth control hormones, and antidepressants. Long-term exposure may affect hormone regulation and contribute to antibiotic resistance. 

8. Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites 

● Health Risks: Contaminated water sources can contain E. coli, giardia, cryptosporidium, and other pathogens, leading to gastrointestinal illnesses, dehydration, and severe infections. 

9. Heavy Metals (Mercury, Cadmium, Chromium, etc.) 

● Health Risks: Mercury affects the nervous system, cadmium damages kidneys and bones, and hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen. 

10. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances – “Forever Chemicals”) 

● Health Risks: Persistent in the environment and body. Linked to cancer, immune system suppression, hormone disruption, and developmental issues. 

11. Radioactive Elements (Radon, Uranium, Radium) 

● Health Risks: Exposure can increase the risk of kidney damage and various cancers due to ionizing radiation. 

12. Microplastics 

● Health Risks: Found in many water sources. Potential endocrine disruptors that can accumulate in the body, affecting hormones and immune function.

As you can see there is a good chance you are not drinking pure H2O. You don’t need H2O+these toxic chemicals or the associated health risks. If you are wondering what is in your home water and if it is safe for you and your family, you can get a home test kit. Basic Test Strips are inexpensive and easy to use. They change color based on contaminants like chlorine, lead, nitrates, and pH levels. Personally, I just assume my water isn’t clean so I have several options to purify my drinking water. 

Whether you are purifying your water for healthy daily use or a scenario where there has been some form of disaster and clean water is limited, I would like to offer several options for clean water. 

Calculating Water Needs and Requirements 

To ensure your family has enough water in an emergency, start by calculating your daily water needs, which typically range from 1 to 2 gallons per person per day. Be sure to include your pets in these calculations by considering their number and size to estimate their water requirements accurately. Next, multiply your total daily water needs by the number of days you want to prepare for, with a minimum of 14 days recommended. 

Beyond drinking water, consider additional needs for hygiene and sanitation, such as cooking, brushing teeth, and cleaning utensils. To help conserve water, keeping items like Clorox wipes, shower wipes, and tub o' towels in storage can reduce unnecessary water use. Planning for both drinking and hygiene water needs ensures your household remains safe, healthy, and prepared for an extended emergency. 

Signs of Dehydration 

Staying properly hydrated is essential not only for peak physical performance but also for daily function, cognitive clarity, and overall health. Dehydration can creep up subtly, especially in hot climates or during physical activity, and recognizing the early signs can prevent more serious complications. Common symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and decreased urine output. As dehydration worsens, signs can progress to rapid heartbeat, confusion, irritability, and dark-colored urine. 

Hydration Goal: Aim for Clear Urination 

A simple and effective way to monitor your hydration status is by paying attention to your urine color and frequency. Ideally, you should be urinating several times a day, with the urine being light yellow to almost clear. Dark yellow or amber-colored urine is often a sign that your body is lacking water. The goal should be consistent, clear urinations throughout the day, this indicates that your body is well-hydrated and functioning efficiently. 

Why Electrolytes Help You Absorb Water More Effectively

While drinking plain water is important, adding electrolytes, especially sodium, potassium, and magnesium, can significantly improve how efficiently your body absorbs and utilizes that water. Electrolytes help maintain fluid balance, support nerve and muscle function, and enhance water retention at the cellular level. When you sweat, exercise, or spend time in hot environments, you 

lose not just water but also these essential minerals. Replenishing them with a high-quality electrolyte mix like LMNT can help your body hydrate faster and more effectively than water alone. This is especially valuable in preparedness scenarios, during intense physical activity, or if you’re experiencing symptoms of dehydration. Salt (sodium) in particular helps your body hold onto water rather than just flushing it out, which is why electrolyte-enhanced hydration can be a game-changer.