Have you found yourself thinking lately that it might be a good idea to obtain a water filtration system for your home? There has been a lot of discussion recently about whether or not tap water in most cities is safe to drink. You've probably heard statements on the news coming from the government that of course your city's drinking water is safe.

But then, there are the recent studies by the Washington Post, which show that drinking water in 24 cities, across the United States, are, in fact, contaminated with chemicals and prescription drugs! Who can you believe on this issue?

Here is some information that may help you choose whether you want water filtration in your home.

1. There is no doubt that water coming from your faucet contains chemicals that are harmful to your health. Tap water has been recycled, generally from dirty river water and also from sewage wastewater! This "reclaimed" water is treated with strong chemicals to remove harmful bacteria. It then undergoes a water filtration process known as "reverse osmosis". One of the chemicals used in the treatment process is chlorine, which is known to cause several types of cancer.

In most cities, fluoride is actually added to your drinking water by the municipal treatment plant! Dentists claim that fluoride protects your teeth, and your children's teeth, from decay; and because of this claim, cities have voted for many years to add the fluoride. However, the fluoride being added to the city water supply is very likely to be contaminated with arsenic and lead.

Leaving these contaminants aside for the moment, consider that toxic levels of fluoride have been shown in laboratory studies to cause behavioral changes and, ultimately, brain damage in lab animals. The brain damage included an Alzheimer's-like degradation, as well as behavior resembling attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Is this enough to make you think positively about getting a water filtration system? If not, be aware that fluoride has also been linked to uterine and bone cancer. These chemicals are not something you want in your water: a water filtration system would remove them.

2. Another point on your checklist for water filtration should be what's coming into your tap water from the lead-lined water pipes under your municipality's streets. Some of these pipes in American cities have been there since Victorian times! The decay of aging pipes causes a drop in water pressure, allowing debris, dirt, and bacteria to enter the water after the water filtration process at the treatment plant.

Older pipes like these will also inevitably leak lead into the water supply. You know, because of legislation some years ago to discontinue the use of lead in paint for homes and schools, that even low levels of lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and even a reduction in general intelligence in children. Lead poisoning in adults contributes to elevated blood pressure. It can also interfere with the electrical system of the body. If your city's water pipes are aging, you need a good water filtration system in your home.

3. Can you get around these problems by simply buying and drinking bottled water? Absolutely not. Regulations for producing bottled water are no more stringent than those for tap water. In fact, some bottled water is just tap water with a fancy label. If there's a good water filtration system in your home, you can refill your plastic water bottles from your tap. Even better for the environment would be purchasing a few stainless steel water bottles, to carry your water with you during your day. With your own water filtration, you know where your drinking water comes from.

Now, doesn't it seem like a great idea to install a water filtration system? You will no longer have to jeopardize your family's health with drinking water that has passed through ancient and decaying pipes to reach your home. A good water filtration system will clean your water of drugs, chemicals, and bacteria. The best investment of your life may be your water filtration system!