By Brian Cronin, Director of AquaMD

We’ve all heard how drinking plenty of clean, potable water is one of the few smart, healthy habits we all need to pick up. But every once in a while, some "expert" tries to challenge this fact, saying that eight glasses a day is unnecessary or overkill. But what’s the point?

No one can really dispute the fact that we all need water to maintain our health, so why split hairs over whether six glasses a day is the "right" number (or is it seven)?

The important thing is to consume lots of water, as most of us likely don’t drink enough daily. And unless you are under doctor’s orders to monitor your water intake--drink all you want. Your body will usually let you know when to slow down ... and your frequent bathroom trips should be a dead give-away.

The Common Denominator

One thing all the experts can agree on is our need to consume plenty of clean, safe water--with the key words being "clean" and "safe."

Overall, American tap water is not in terrible shape. However, between our growing, "sprawling" population and ever-increasing pollution, our nation’s water quality continues to decline in many areas. Experts in the fields of science, medicine and ecology all agree that unsafe water is a genuine health threat. The millions who die around the world each year from water-related illnesses are all the proof you need.

The "Band-Aid" Approach

Our water problems are growing so rapidly that we usually just treat the symptoms, rather than address and fix the real causes. Billions of dollars are spent on bottled water and home water filters in the United States each year. These clear "Band-Aid" approaches show that the public recognizes that our water supply is in jeopardy, but it doesn’t solve the problem. Just cooking or drinking with bottled or filtered water alone doesn’t necessarily protect you and your family from absorbing water-borne contaminants. Are you using bottled or filtered water when you cook, shower, bathe or brush your teeth? Probably not.

Cause & Effect

The water cycle that replenishes our drinking water is under constant assault from industrial pollution and human contamination. Our consumption and waste in this country are expanding exponentially. Our massive industrial capacity is unmatched and often unchecked. Our urban water pipe infrastructure is aging rapidly and is literally crumbling in some cities.

The United States still has over 50 million people who get their water from unprotected private water wells. The undeniable facts, plus basic common sense, should indicate that our water supply is vulnerable ... thus, so are we.

Fighting Back

Luckily, we are starting to see the big picture. Reports of contaminated U.S. drinking water supplies are in the news everyday. When toxic levels of lead are discovered in homes and schools in our nation’s capitol, it becomes more difficult to keep these types of stories quiet. Go online and punch the term "contaminated drinking water" into Google.com and see for yourselves just how widespread the problem is.

As we’ve said, the only way to know the true quality of your own water supply is to test it at least once a year with a certified lab. "Certified" means that the lab adheres strictly to EPA and health department testing protocols and analyzes your tap water with sophisticated detection equipment. If a lab is not certified, the accuracy of your tests cannot be accurate or guaranteed.