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Is healthier water a hoax?

Young woman drinking out of a stream - Is raw water healthier?
Drinking raw water, such as from springs and streams, and alkaline water with a pH of 8-9, are health trends you can skip.

New health trends, fad diets and cleanses catch on every year. The latest trends have reached one of the most basic building blocks for good health – water.

Some trend followers are buying “raw water,” or untreated and unsterilized water, as a health supplement. Raw water drinkers say it improves digestion and skin health because the water isn’t stripped of minerals and probiotics like treated water.

“It’s part of the movement to use more natural products,” said Chrisanne Urban, a Marshfield Clinic dietitian.

On the other side of the spectrum, some people insist alkaline water, which is treated to reach a pH of 8-9, is the way to go. They claim it helps the body fight disease and promotes weight loss.

Health benefits aren’t proven

People who claim raw or alkaline water does great things for their body may be reaping the general benefits of drinking more water, Urban said. Weight loss, clear skin, better digestion and improved overall health are benefits of drinking more tap water without a fancy label or price tag.

Water from a natural spring can be safe, but your best bet is to have it tested for contaminants before you sip. Raw water from unknown sources could be contaminated with runoff that contains bacteria and chemicals that put you at risk for getting sick. Instead, stick to a source like tap water or treated bottled water that offers benefits without the risks.

Your city treats and tests the water to make sure it’s safe for drinking. You can contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to have private wells tested for bacteria and agricultural chemicals. The DNR suggests testing wells yearly.

Don’t drown in the details

Rather than worrying about how natural your water is or its pH, focus on getting enough water from tap or bottled water.

Our bodies are about 60 percent water. We lose water in our sweat, urine, bowel movements and from breathing. We need to replace it by drinking. Most people need about eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, but some people need more or less based on their activity level and medical conditions. Being dehydrated can make you feel tired, confused, dizzy and cause more serious symptoms.

“Water is calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available in the United States,” Urban said. “The important thing is drinking enough water.”

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6 responses to “Is healthier water a hoax?”

  1. Elinor Miller

    I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY WELL WATER TESTED SO I KNOW IT IS SAFE TO DRINK. I HAVE SEARCHED the DEQ LAB SIGHT AND FOUND THERE ARE AT LEAST 100 TESTS THEY COULD PREFORM WHICH EACH COST MONEY. WHAT TESTS DO I NEED TO BE SAFE?

    1. Bill and Pat Scowcroft

      I would like to know also! I live in Price County and have well water. Where to start?

      1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor

        Hey, Bill. Chrisanne's response to Elinor was to start on the DNR’s website, which suggests testing your well once a year for coliform bacteria contamination. You can find more information here: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wells/privatewelltest.html

        You may find sites like Groundwater Foundation helpful, too: http://www.groundwater.org/get-informed/basics/testing.html

        Thank you for reading Shine365. -Kirstie

    2. Jim Williams

      Is there any truth to the statement that water bottled in plastic bottles can cause various illnesses if left unopened and in hot weather for a period of time, say 1 or 2 months?

      1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor

        Hi, Jim. We would have to do more research into this topic to be certain. I will suggest this as a topic to our blog team. Perhaps we have a provider who can give more information.

        Chrisanne shared this news story with me in response to your question and added her own feedback: "From what I know, the danger comes if you open it, drink from it and then leave in the car. You have contaminated the bottle and could grow bacteria. Left unopened, it may be okay. But as the saying goes, 'better to be safe and throw it out.' Perhaps use it to water your flowers!" -News story: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/verify/verify-is-it-safe-to-drink-bottled-water-left-in-hot-cars/281-454987771

        I hope that helps provide some perspective. Thank you for reading Shine365. -Kirstie

    3. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor

      Hi, Elinor. I spoke with Chrisanne regarding your question. Though she is not an expert in specific well water testing, she does recommend checking the DNR’s website, which suggests testing your well once a year for coliform bacteria contamination. You can find more information here: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wells/privatewelltest.html

      You may find sites like Groundwater Foundation helpful, too: http://www.groundwater.org/get-informed/basics/testing.html

      I hope that helps, and good luck! -Kirstie

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