How Clean Is Your Water?

May 28, 201410 years ago Industry Sponsor 2 Comments

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We recently received a story pitch from Pelican Water Systems that reminded me yet again that clean water tech is a form of cleantech that we probably don’t discuss enough.

Of course, access to clean water (or lack thereof) is a much bigger issue in the developing world. “More than 80% of sewage in developing countries is discharged untreated, polluting rivers, lakes and coastal areas.” Thanks to water pollution, diarrhea is the “second leading cause of death among children under five globally. Nearly one in five child deaths – about 1.5 million each year – is due to diarrhea. It kills more young children than AIDS, malaria and measles combined.” Furthermore, “80% of all diseases and sicknesses are water borne.” Air pollution kills, but dirty water kills even more.

However, those of us living in the most developed countries of the world still have plenty of water-related issues. And even in places with the most sophisticated public water filtration systems, there are issues. As one recent headline noted, “Brits do so much coke, it’s in their drinking water now.” Aside from cocaine, “scientists also found trace amounts of caffeine, epilepsy medication, and pain-killer ibuprofen.”

The infographic below from Pelican Water Systems shows the type of unregulated chemicals that get into US public water systems (Triclosan is one I’ve covered in the past — it’s not something you want to be drinking). Aside from pointing out the problem, Pelican Water Systems also points out that there are many filtration systems you can use to further clean your water after getting it from the tap. Have a look and scroll through Pelican Water System’s website (link below the infographic) for more information (click on the infographic for better resolution):

Presented By Pelican Water