Myth:
We have less water today than we did 100 years ago.
Reality:
There is the same amount of water
on Earth today
as there was
when the
Earth was formed three billion years ago. The difference is that
today many more demands are placed on water. Because demands continue to
grow but our supplies don’t, everyone should try to conserve and
protect our water resources.
Myth:
We don’t have to think about drinking water,
our local officials make sure it is safe.
Reality:
We can no longer take our drinking water for granted. Public participation
is vital to protecting our water resources, building adequate treatment
plants, improving
water delivery, analyzing costs versus risks
and enacting
appropriate legislation.
Myth:
Once you use water, it’s gone.
Reality:
After water is used, it’s recycled... over and over again.
Water is resilient and responds well to treatment.
But, using water and abusing water by contaminating lakes,
streams, and wells with toxic chemicals are totally different. To keep
our drinking water safe, we
need appropriate treatment
and appropriate source protection.
Myth:
There are more pollutants in drinking water today than there were 25 years
ago.
Reality:
Not necessarily. Twenty-five years ago, we did not have the technology
to know what was in our drinking water.
Today, we have sophisticated testing instruments that help us to
know more about our water than ever before.
Myth:
Using a home water treatment device will make tap water safer or healthier
to drink.
Reality:
Some people use home water filters to improve the taste, smell, or
appearance of their tap water, but it does not necessarily make the
water safer or healthier to drink. Additionally, all home treatment
devices require regular maintenance. If the maintenance is not performed
properly, water quality problems may result.
Myth:
Bottled water is safer than tap water.
Reality:
Not necessarily. Unlike tap water, the quality of finished bottled water
is not government- monitored.
Studies have shown that microbes may grow in the bottles while on
grocers’ shelves. You don’t need to buy bottled water for safety
reasons if your tap water
meets federal, state, or local drinking
water standards.
Myth:
“New” water is better than treated water.
Reality:
There is very little water on Earth that is new. Most of our water has
been touched by some type of human or animal activity. Even in remote
wilderness areas, studies have found bacteria contaminating water.
So, it’s always best to drink water that you know has been
treated.
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