Instapure - Water Education
All About Water
Although water covers roughly 71% of the Earth’s surface, only 3% of that amount is fresh water. In the U.S., most people use about 100 gallons of water per day. That adds up to over 100,000 gallons (inside and out) per year per household!1
Your water can become contaminated at any point during its journey to your home from the source, to the water treatment facility, through the miles of pipes.
While much is out of your control when it comes to the pollutants, filtering your water is one thing you can control.
Water Education
Instapure wants to make sure every drop of water that leaves your faucet is filtered, because we think there is nothing more important than keeping your water clean.
With water shortages and droughts happening in many U.S. regions and the environment worldwide, it’s especially important to use fresh water wisely—without cutting down on your necessary daily intake.
Here are a few of our favorite water-saving tips that you can start using today!
Indoors
- Don’t let unused water go down the drain; use it to water plants, feed pets, etc.
- Choose household appliances that are more energy and water efficient.
- Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute. That’s up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four!
- Install a water-saving showerhead, faucet, etc.
- Check faucets, toilets, etc to ensure they aren’t leaking.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
Outdoors
- Use sprinklers at night and only for the length of time that’s absolutely necessary.
- Use a pool cover to help keep your pool clean, reduce chemical use and prevent water loss through evaporation.
- Aerate your lawn periodically. Holes every six inches will allow water to reach the roots, rather than run off the surface.
- Wash your pets outdoors, in an area of your lawn that needs water.
- If you have an evaporative cooler, direct the water drain to plants in your landscape.
- Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. Were a pipe to burst, this could save gallons of water and prevent damage.
Guide to Common Contaminants
Following is a list of contaminants that may be in your water, their source, and potential health effects.
Contaminant |
Source |
Potential Health Effects |
Asbestos |
Decay of asbestos cement in water mains; erosion of natural deposits |
Increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps |
Benzene |
Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills |
Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer |
Chlordane |
Residue of banned termiticide |
Liver or nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer |
Chlorine (as Cl2) |
Water additive used to control microbes |
Eye/nose irritation; stomach discomfort |
Cryptosporidium |
Human and animal fecal waste |
Gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting, cramps) |
Lead |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits |
Infants and Children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight defects in attention span and learning abilities
Adults: Kidney problems; high blood pressure
|
Lindane |
Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens |
Liver or kidney problems |
Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) |
Byproduct of drinking water disinfection |
Liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer |
2, 4-D |
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops |
Liver, kidney, or adrenal gland problems |