'The Healthy Juan's' guide to clean, healthy drinking water
We all know that around 60 percent of our body is made up of water and keeping hydrated is crucial for health and well-being, but many people do not consume enough fluids each day.
Although there is no universally agreed quantity of water that must be consumed daily, the World Health Organization recommends drinking at least two liters of water a day as the element is essential for the kidneys and other bodily functions like helping deliver oxygen throughout the body and regulating body temperature.
With so many benefits, consuming contaminated water can have very dire consequences for our health. From diarrhea to cholera, or worse guinea worm disease, are just a few of the most common waterborne diseases that are rampant in areas where water purification systems aren't as customary.
Fortunately for us living in the Philippines, water services like Maynilad and Manila Water assure that raw water goes through several processes before it passes the standards for potable water.
In an interview with Susan Enriquez for The Healthy Juan, water from the Angat Dam goes through a conventional water treatment consisting of five steps namely: coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
According to Maynilad, these steps are very important to ensure that the water is safe for drinking before it is sent to the homes and straight to the faucet.
However, some people are still doubtful about drinking water straight from the tap because of contamination.
Here, we share with you three tips on how to purify your water for drinking.
1 Chlorine
While chlorine is mostly associated with swimming pools, when used in moderate amounts, it can make water potable by eliminating bacteria and viruses. Fun fact: chlorine is also used in purifying water in the “disinfection” stage of water systems making it safe for drinking for the city's population.
According to The Healthy Juan, for every 1 liter of water, you may only use 2 drops of chlorine and let it stand for 30 minutes or until the smell of chlorine can no longer be detected.
2 Filtration system
Water filtration is probably the most common method for personal consumption because of its versatility and ease of use.
Filtration systems come in all forms and sizes and they can be integrated into pipes or even faucets.
3 Boiling
This is perhaps the most ancient method of purifying water and is widely used not just in remote places but in highly-urbanized areas. Boiling water produces enough heat to kill just about every pathogen, making water safe to drink.
Water is the source of life. Three days without it can cause dehydration. But with the numerous dangers that may lurk inside it, not to mention most are invisible to the naked eye, proper precautions cannot be overlooked.
With these three methods, you are ensured that you and your family are guaranteed the cleanest water possible for everyday use. For more tips, check out this video from The Healthy Juan:
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