What is Water Pollution?

Water they say is life, and indeed they were right. With about 70% of the earth’s cover
being water, it undeniably becomes one of our greatest resources. As young students,
we learned about the various ways to conserve water; coming to think of it, water is
used in almost every important human chores and processes. It is an important
element in both domestic as well as industrial purposes. However a closer inspection
of our water resources today, give us a rude shock.
Infested with waste ranging from floating plastic bags to chemical waste, our water
bodies have turned into a pool of poison. The contamination of water bodies in
simplest words means water pollution. Thereby the abuse of lakes, ponds, oceans,
rivers, reservoirs etc is water pollution. Pollution of water occurs when substances that
will modify the water in negative fashion are discharged in it. This discharge of
pollutants can be direct as well as indirect.
Water pollution is an appalling problem, powerful enough to lead the world on a path
of destruction. Water is an easy solvent, enabling most pollutants to dissolve in it
easily and contaminate it. The most basic effect of water pollution is directly suffered
by the organisms and vegetation that survive in water, including amphibians. On a
human level, several people die each day due to consumption of polluted and infected
water.

As per the Economist report (dated 2008) each day over 1000 children die of diarrheal
sickness in India and the numbers have only increased alarming in the last five years.
Water is polluted by both natural as well as man-made activities. Volcanic eruptions,
earthquakes, Tsunamis etc are known to alter water and contaminate it, also affecting
ecosystems that survive under water.

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Sources of Water Pollution
There are various classifications of water pollution. The two chief sources of water
pollution can be seen as Point and Non Point.
Point refer to the pollutants that belong to a single source. An example of this
would be emissions from factories into the water.
Non Point on the other hand means pollutants emitted from multiple
sources. Contaminated water after rains that has traveled through several regions may
also be considered as a Non point source of pollution.

Causes of Water Pollution

Let us now study the causes of water pollution.
1. Industrial waste: Industries produce huge amount of waste which contains toxic
chemicals and pollutants which can cause air pollution and damage to us and our
environment. They contain pollutants such as lead, mercury, sulphur, asbestos, nitrates
and many other harmful chemicals. Many industries do not have proper waste
management system and drain the waste in the fresh water which goes into rivers,
canals and later in to sea. The toxic chemicals have the capability to change the color
of water, increase the amount of minerals, also known as Eutrophication, change the
temperature of water and pose serious hazard to water organisms.
2. Sewage and waste water: The sewage and waste water that is produced by each
household is chemically treated and released in to sea with fresh water. The sewage
water carries harmful bacteria and chemicals that can cause serious health problems.
Pathogens are known as a common water pollutant; The sewers of cities house several
pathogens and thereby diseases. Microorganisms in water are known to be causes of
some very deadly diseases and become the breeding grounds for other creatures that
act like carriers. These carriers inflict these diseases via various forms of contact onto
an individual. A very common example of this process would be Malaria.
3. Mining activities: Mining is the process of crushing the rock and extracting coal
and other minerals from underground. These elements when extracted in the raw form
contains harmful chemicals and can increase the amount of toxic elements when
mixed up with water which may result in health problems. Mining activities emit
several metal waste and sulphides from the rocks and is harmful for the water.
4. Marine dumping: The garbage produce by each household in the form of paper,
aluminum, rubber, glass, plastic, food if collected and deposited into the sea in some
countries. These items take from 2 weeks to 200 years to decompose. When such
items enters the sea, they not only cause water pollution but also harm animals in the
sea.
5. Accidental Oil leakage: Oil spill pose a huge concern as large amount of oil enters
into the sea and does not dissolve with water; there by opens problem for local marine
wildlife such as fish, birds and sea otters. For e.g.: a ship carrying large quantity of oil

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may spill oil if met with an accident and can cause varying damage to species in the
ocean depending on the quantity of oil spill, size of ocean, toxicity of pollutant.
6. Burning of fossil fuels: Fossil fuels like coal and oil when burnt produce
substantial amount of ash in the atmosphere. The particles which contain toxic
chemicals when mixed with water vapor result in acid rain. Also, carbon dioxide is
released from burning of fossil fuels which result in global warming.
7. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides: Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used
by farmers to protect crops from insects and bacterias. They are useful for the plants
growth. However, when these chemicals are mixed up with water produce harmful for
plants and animals. Also, when it rains, the chemicals mixes up with rainwater and
flow down into rivers and canals which pose serious damages for aquatic animals.

8. Leakage from sewer lines: A small leakage from the sewer lines can contaminate
the underground water and make it unfit for the people to drink. Also, when not
repaired on time, the leaking water can come on to the surface and become a breeding
ground for insects and mosquitoes.
9. Global warming: An increase in earth’s temperature due to greenhouse
effect results in global warming. It increases the water temperature and result in death
of aquatic animals and marine species which later results in water pollution.
10. Radioactive waste: Nuclear energy is produced using nuclear fission or fusion.
The element that is used in production of nuclear energy is Uranium which is highly
toxic chemical. The nuclear waste that is produced by radioactive material needs to be
disposed off to prevent any nuclear accident. Nuclear waste can have serious
environmental hazards if not disposed off properly. Few major accidents have already
taken place in Russia and Japan.

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11. Urban development: As population has grown, so has the demand for housing,
food and cloth. As more cities and towns are developed, they have resulted in increase
use of fertilizers to produce more food, soil erosion due to deforestation, increase in
construction activities, inadequate sewer collection and treatment, landfills as more
garbage is produced, increase in chemicals from industries to produce more materials.
12. Leakage from the landfills: Landfills are nothing but huge pile of garbage that
produces awful smell and can be seen across the city. When it rains, the landfills may
leak and the leaking landfills can pollute the underground water with large variety of
contaminants.
13. Animal waste: The waste produce produce by animals is washed away into the
rivers when it rains. It gets mixed up with other harmful chemicals and causes various
water borne diseases like cholera, diarrhea, jaundice, dysentery and typhoid.
14. Underground storage leakage: Transportation of coal and other petroleum
products through underground pipes is well known. Accidentals leakage may happen
anytime and may cause damage to environment and result in soil erosion.
Water pollutants also include both organic and inorganic factors. Organic factors
include volatile organic compounds, fuels, waste from trees, plants etc. Inorganic
factors include ammonia, chemical waste from factories, discarded cosmetics etc. The
water that travels via fields is usually contaminated with all forms of waste inclusive
of fertilizers that it swept along the way. This infected water makes its way to our
water bodies and sometimes to the seas endangering the flora, fauna and humans that
use it along its path.
The current scenario has led to a consciousness about water preservation and efforts
are being made on several levels to redeem our water resources. Industries and factory
set-up’s are restricted from contaminating the water bodies and are advised to treat
their contaminated waste through filtration methods. People are investing in rain water
harvesting projects to collect rainwater and preserve it in wells below ground level.
Water Pollution is common, and is an area of high alert. Water needs to be preserved
and respected today, for us to live a tomorrow.
Causes of Water Pollution
languages This article is available in: English | Afrikaans | Sotho | Zulu

Causes of water pollution

Urbanisation

Urbanisation causing water pollutionAs more and more people move into cities and towns, a
number of factors cause pollution:

the physical disturbance of land due to construction of houses, industries, roads, etc.;
chemical pollution from industries, mines, etc.;

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inadequate sewage collection and treatment;
increase in fertilisers to grow more food. This results in an increase in nutrients (nitrates and
phosphates) in the water which causes enhanced plant growth (algal blooms). When this plant
material dies and decays the bacteria uses the oxygen in the water. This lowering of oxygen levels
results in the death of other water life that needs oxygen to survive, eg. fish, etc. This process is
called eutrophication;
litter, which causes disease and has a negative visual impact.
Deforestation

Clearing land for agriculture and urban growth often leads to water pollution. When soil is stripped
of its protective vegetation it becomes prone to soil erosion. This leads to an increase in the
murkiness of the water which can cause the following:

it can block the gills of fish;

bottom dwelling plants cannot photosynthesize as the sun’s rays cannot reach them; and
there is an increase in disease as bacteria and viruses use the soil particles as a method of
transportation.
Polluted River Vaal Dam

Polluted river and vaal dam

Damming of Rivers

Damming of rivers can have an impact on water in the following ways:

Water flowing out of dams:

has reduced suspended material as a large amount settles to the bottom of dams;
is depleted of nutrients; and
is often more saline
with detrimental effects on downstream agriculture and fisheries.
Enhanced eutrophication may result due to the water spending a longer time in the dam.
There is also increased evaporation in dams, especially those with a large surface area, such as the
Vaal Dam.
Destruction of Wetlands

Wetlands in South AfricaWetlands are nature’s way of cleaning water as well as damming water
(they hold back water in summer and release it in winter).
Destruction of wetlands:

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Destroys the habitat of many birds and fish;
Removes the natural filters capable of storing and degrading many pollutants, such as phosphorus
and heavy metals;
Destroys natural dams and causes flooding further downstream.
Industries

Industry causing pollutionIndustries produce waste that can affect the:

pH of water (whether it is acid, neutral or alkaline);

colour of water;
amount of nutrients (increase in nutrients can cause eutrophication);
temperature (increase or decrease in temperature can have an impact on temperature sensitive
organisms living in the water);
amount minerals and salts (too much can cause health problems);
murkiness of water (can block fish gills; bottom dwelling plants cannot photosynthesize as the sun’s
rays cannot reach them; increase in disease as bacteria and viruses use the soil particles as a method
of transportation).
Mining

Mining causing pollutionMines produce waste that:

can increase the amount of minerals and salts in the water (too much can cause health problems);
can affect the pH of the water (whether it is acid, neutral or alkaline);
can increase the murkiness of the water.
Agriculture

AgricultureIncreases soil erosion due to the physical disturbance of soil and vegetation due to
ploughing, overgrazing, logging and road building. This effects the murkiness and the amount of salts
and minerals in water;
Increases nutrients due to fertilisers and excreta, which contribute worrying amounts of nitrates and
phosphates to water supplies (this can cause eutrophication);
Increased pesticide use.
Energy Use

Energy use in South Africa

As human populations increase, more energy is required for human activities such as cooking,
lighting, etc. The majority of our energy in South Africa comes from the burning of coal at power
stations and results in greatly increased emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides into the

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atmosphere. These gases are the main cause of acid rain. Also the release of carbon dioxide, from
the burning of coal, increases global warming.

Accidental Water Pollution

Accidental water polllution

Accidental water pollution can arise from many sources (such as burst pipes and tanks, major leaks,
fires and oil spills) and can cause varying degrees of damage, depending on the quantity, toxicity and
persistence of the pollutant, and the size and adaptability of the water body.

The Future
If this is the water situation at present, what of the future? South Africa can build more dams and
water transfer schemes; desalinate sea water; source water from neighbouring countries, such as
the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe; reusing effluent water; or treating mine wastewater. But all of these
solutions are expensive and not affordable for the country. In terms of water quality, South Africans
can clean up rivers and impose fines on those people/companies that pollute rivers. But these
solutions address the symptoms of the problem. We should be addressing the cause of the problem,
i.e. our attitude towards water.

The future of South Africa lies in our hands. We can make a difference. We just need to understand
the water environment and how we humans fit into it. We all need to become “Water Wise”! But
what does it mean to be “Water Wise”?

To be “Water Wise” means that a person will:

have the utmost RESPECT for water and all life;

use water carefully and not WASTE it;
not POLLUTE rivers with liquid and solid waste;
PAY for water services;
take ACTION to solve any water problems;
CONSERVE water, and thereby CONSERVE the natural environment.
South Africa has, in general, a limited supply of water and the quality of this water is being
threatened by pollution and the destruction of river catchments. Water is a vital resource and it is up
to ALL South Africans to act responsibly in their daily lives and look after the available water
resources to ensure that this limited supply is usable by all life on earth. It is very important that
everyone becomes “Water Wise”.

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WATER:
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER

With two thirds of the earth's surface covered by water and the human body
consisting of 75 percent of it, it is evidently clear that water is one of the prime elements
responsible for life on earth. Water circulates through the land just as it does through
the human body, transporting, dissolving, replenishing nutrients and organic matter,
while carrying away waste material. Further in the body, it regulates the activities of
fluids, tissues, cells, lymph, blood and glandular secretions.

An average adult body contains 42 litres of water and with just a small loss of 2.7
litres he or she can suffer from dehydration, displaying symptoms of irritability, fatigue,
nervousness, dizziness, weakness, headaches and consequently reach a state of
pathology. Dr F. Batmanghelidj, in his book 'your body's many cries for water', gives a
wonderful essay on water and its vital role in the health of a water 'starved' society. He
writes: "Since the 'water' we drink provides for cell function and its volume
requirements, the decrease in our daily water intake affects the efficiency of cell
activity........as a result chronic dehydration causes symptoms that equal disease..."

THE HISTORY OF WATER

Water has been used since antiquity as a symbol by which to express devotion and
purity. Some cultures, like the ancient Greeks, went as far as to worship gods who were
thought to live in and command the waters. Whole cities have been build by considering
the location and availability of pure drinking water. The place of gathering was around
the wells, which is perhaps the following trend in building fountains in the middle
of piazzas.

Traditional and modern medicine have been makings use of the psychological and
physiological diverse properties of water, in all forms of hydrotherapy (composite Greek
word: hydro, of water and therapy, . We all know of the simple, yet effective, calming
qualities of a warm bath or the invigorating qualities of a cold shower. For
centuries, numerous healing springs located all around the world have been recognised
for their benefits. The famous Belgium spas in the Ardennes is a fine example. Historical
records of these cold springs claim 'cures' since the fourteenth century. The hot
Californian spas, the healing spas of Loutraki in Greece, the Dalhousie hot springs in the
border of South Australia and Northern Territory, Moree in NSW, Hepburn mineral spas
in Victoria are just a few examples.

OUR WATER TODAY

Contrary to the past, our recent developed technological society has become
indifferent to this miracle of life. Our natural heritage (rivers, seas and oceans) has been
exploited, mistreated and contaminated.

The population decline of the marine and riparian life, the appearance of green
algae in the rivers and the stench and slime that comes as a result of putrefaction in the
water, are clear signs of the depth and extent of disruption that has been caused to this
intricate ecosystem (a composite Greek word: eco, home and systema, a combination of
things or parts forming a complex or unitary whole). Government bodies and water
authorities will have us believe that it is 'safe' and we should not worry about this global
alarm. Awareness and action lies entirely upon us, as we need to become our own
educators, physicians and innovators. Socrates had once said: "an unexamined life is not
worth living....", Jesus took it a step further: "seek, and you shall find......the truth shall
set you free..." So questioning everything and anything that anyone tells you until it
makes sense, is of uppemost importance. If it is the truth it will feel right, set you free

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and lead you on the road of discovery and recovery.

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE DRINKING WATER

Our drinking water today, far from being pure, contains some two hundred deadly
commercial chemicals. Add to that bacteria, viruses, inorganic minerals (making the
water hard) and you have a chemical cocktail that is unsuitable (if not deadly) for human
consumption. John Archer in his book 'THE WATER YOU DRINK, HOW SAFE IS IT ?' refers
to an estimate of 60,000 tonnes of fifty different chemicals being deliberately added
annually to Australia's water. Some of these are:

chlorine: studies1 indicate that chlorine is involved in heart disease, hardening of

the arteries (arteriosclerosis), anaemia, high blood pressure, allergies and cancers2 of
the bladder, stomach, liver and rectum. Further, chlorine can destroy protein in the body
and cause adverse effects on the skin and hair. The US COUNCIL of environmental
quality states that cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93% higher
than among those whose water does not contain chlorine". Chlorine binds and reacts
with many other chemicals, forming carcinogens like Trihallomethanes3 (THMs), with
chloroform being the most common one. Furthermore, recent real life evidence in the
tap water of Sydney shows that certain viruses and parasites, like giardia and
cryptosporidium, are being resistant to chlorine and can survive the long journey from
the sewage treatment to your tap. That makes chlorination a even more pointless and
dangerous practice.

Giardia and cryptosporidium are protosoa (unicellular organisms) parasitic to the

intestines of animals and humans. Once in the body, these parasites then multiply and
cause the respective infections of giardiasis and cryptosporidosis, which contribute or are
associated to enteric (intestinal) diseases. Other than food, these parasites are
transmited from contaminated drinking water. These infested waters are today in most
major cities which is a direct result of the unsuccsessful treatment of recycled sewage
effluent. These parasites initially venture their way into the sewage effluent, from
Hospitals, abattoir and farms waste, which contain blood, intestines and faeces. While
immunocompitend (the ability to develope an immune response) people may remain
asymptomatic (presenting no symptons) by ingestion of this parasites,
immunocompromised (ie malnutrition Cancer and Aids) patients are at risk. U.S Health
Officials estimate 900,000 people each year become ill, and possibly 900 die from
waterborne disease4. Notable outbreaks occured in Milwauke, Wisconsin, in 1993 when
over 400,000 people became ill after drinking water contaminated with the parasite.
Symptoms associated with the infection of this parasites are, mild to profuse debilitating
diarrhoea, lassitude, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting with consequent loss of
appetite and fever. The threat and danger of outbreaks similar to the dreaded great
London epidemic in 1854 (were cholera due to contaminated water took the life of many
unaware citizens) is now once again at our door step and unless drastic precautions are
taken on these early sign's we could be expecting disasters of great magnitude (in the
apocalipse it states, that one third of the waters will be contaminated, could this be it?).
For now it is about time that water authorities admit to their erroneous ways and start
looking for alternatives to maintain and preserve water safety and quality. Water is a
living substance and as such it needs the same treatment as all other living forms
(poisons can not purify). Germany has been for long now pumping oxygen in its rivers
and lakes in an attempt to revitalise its nearly dead waters, while Switzerland is
experimenting with ozone treatments.

aluminium sulphate: that is added to clarify water, has long been associated with
memory loss, possibly Alzheimers disease and is believed to increase cardiovascular
disease.

sodium fluoride: this is not a water treatment and was initially added as a

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supplement to 'assumingly' prevent tooth decay5 in children. Its toxicity is high enough
that in larger concentrations can be used as a pesticide and rat killer. In humans it can
be damaging to the heart, lungs, liver, cause genetic mutations and have long term
negative effects on enzyme production and the efficiency of the immune system. In the
medical encyclopedia and dictionary by Miller-Keane, under fluoridation it refers that
slight excesses of fluoride are poisonous and it can cause dental fluorosis (mottled
discolouration of teeth) and when you look up further down under fluorosis, you can see
clearly the irony of the system an enamel hypoplasia resulting from prolonged ingestion
of drinking water containing high levels of fluoride". Tests carried out in Victoria in 1976
by the State Water Supply Commission indicated that fluoride is involved in the corrosion
of the copper pipes, which causes more poisons leaching into the water. Copper at
certain concentrations effects the uptake of essential zinc in the body and can bring on
stomach pain, nausea and diarrhoea. Newer office blocks and high stories buildings are
more risky, as taps are not regularly used, leaving fluorinated water standing in the
copper pipes for longer periods of times, consequently allowing corrosion. As the debate
about the safety of fluoride continuous, countries such as Switzerland, Belgium, Holland,
Germany and Sweden have terminated its use due to its potential health hazard.

lead: is another chemical ingredient found in the water that imposes risks to the
nervous, circulatory and digestive systems. It is a teratogen, a substance known to
cause physical defects in the developing embryo. Chronic exposure, even in small doses,
may have serious implications to your well being. Symptoms to be wary of are
irritability, nervousness, weight loss, anaemia, stomach crumps, constipation and mental
depression. The main source of lead in the water is the plumbing and its corrosion.

The list of chemicals continues: sodium sillicofluoride slurry, sulphuric acid, sodium
hypochlorite solution, calcium oxide, silt, rust, algae, debris, larvae, asbestos (mostly
from corroding cement pipe lines), pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers (from agricultural
run offs), moulds, fungi, industrial waste, toxic metals, amoebas, clay and silica have all
found their way into the water. As if this is not enough, chemical reactions of the
different constituents in our drinking chemical and sewage cocktail make things even
worse.

Nitrates from fertilisers when brought in contact with chlorine and ammonia, can
turn into nitrites. Nitrites once inside the body combine with amines and form
nitrosamines which are highly carcinogenic. Nitrites can interfere with oxygen uptake
and since babies are specifically sensitive to this aspect you could not fail to see a
possible link between blue baby syndrome and the nitrite factor.

According to studies by the state of California, women who drink tap water have
twice as many miscarriages and birth defects as those who have filtering devises or are
drinking bottled water. Five studies arrived to the same conclusion, according to State
Health, Director Kenneth Kizer. This connection now is such a common knowledge that it
even appeared as a passing comment during the movie 'ONE THOUSAND ACRES'.

Inorganic minerals (minerals not suitable for human consumption) such as calcium
carbonate, have their effect. Unable to be assimilated they store in between joints,
muscles, bones, nerves, inside arteries and become partners in many crippling dis-
eases, such as arthritis, hardening of the arteries, gall stones, kidney stones, gout,
tinnitus and perhaps even stroke and neuralgia. Dr Paul C. Bragg in his essay and book
'THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT WATER' argues that the human brain and other body
structures will become hardened largely through the use of "chemicalized and
inorganically mineralised water".

Dr E. Banik, in his book 'THE CHOICE IS CLEAR', explains that inorganic minerals
coat the crystalline lens of the eye with a fine film, resulting in cataracts. Glaucoma, the
dreadful eye disease, can be another result of hard water. The tiny vessels film up with

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mineral deposits, which results in a build-up pressure in the eye.

WHAT CHOICES HAVE WE GOT?

Dr Batmanghelidj talks about the shrinking of the vital organs due to insufficient
hydration. Dr Bragg postulates how inorganic minerals in water turns people into 'stones'
and advises the use of pure water. John Archer alarms of the dangers and condition of
public (sewage) water

You are what you drink so make sure what you drink is pure'

Ten years ago the prospect of drinking only purified or bottled water was a fiction,
or a novelty for most people. Nowadays, it is becoming a necessity in maintaining and
preserving good health. Finding pure water is becoming more than just food for thought
and with our brain being 85 percent water, we better start thinking of the choices. It is
my opinion and as well of others that tap water should not be drunk at all if other
sources are available. However, if tap water is your only option, then boil the water for a
few minutes, expose it to the sun for a while in a clear glass container and then aerate it
by pouring it back and forth from one container to another. Keep in mind that boiling will
only kill bacteria and that harmful chemicals and minerals will still remain in the water.
Rain water it is no longer the best available option with today's pollution. Water is a
hungry solvent and as the rain falls, it begins to collect hundreds of potentially harmful
substances, such as radioactive isotopes and their degradation products of atomic fission
including barium, caesium and strontium from world wide atomic experiments and
"accidents" which travel around the atmosphere (<I style="mso-bidi-font-style:
normal">refer to chart). In addition industrial and exhaust fumes including carbon
monoxide, sulphuric acid and lead are collected. That is why the sky looks so clean after
a good 'acid' rain.

Spring water contains those unwanted inorganic minerals and their purity is
debatable if you consider the pollution of the soil. So use it sparingly or when nothing
else is available. Don't be mislead by claims about the value of inorganic minerals, the
body cannot make use of any minerals unless they are derived from the plant kingdom
(organic minerals). A well balanced diet will provide an abundance of organic minerals
that water never could. In his book 'New Life Through Nutrition' nutritionist Dr Shelton
Deal debates that we should not look to water as our source of minerals. As for the
inexpensive supermarket filters they don't eliminate all impurities and toxins (not that it
is claimed that they do).

Reverse osmosis is by far the most advanced technology for home installation
available to the public. It is based on the process by which the human cells diffuse fluids
between the intracellular and extracellular spaces, by separating and selectively
preventing the passage of solute molecules (through a semipermeable membrane) and
allowing the passage of the solvent H2O. Through this process almost all harmful
bacteria, minerals and toxins are eliminated. Professional installation and surveillance is
necessary for if the membrane is ruptured without your knowledge the final condition of
the water could be worse than if it were not filtered.

Distilled water, contrary to the wide held view that it leaches organic essential
minerals and micronutrients from your body, its emptiness works in your favour. It
dissolves and eliminates harmful inorganic minerals and toxic waste accumulation. Once
the organic nutrients have been absorbed by the cells they cannot be taken away. Is
there an inherent intelligentsia behind all this? The answer is yes! after all, what is the
animating factor behind all things? but far from being just an esoteric answer, the key
lies in the inherent 'instructions' of the human body's filtering system. The kidneys make
sure that nothing valuable will be lost, there is a constant recycling, so even if nutrients
were to be 'stolen' they would be returned by the kidneys. Which explains the dark

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appearance of urine during times of inadequate hydration. Distillation is achieved by
boiling the water, steam then rises and is collected in a condenser where it is stored and
cooled. The problem in this process is that together with the steam, percentage of the
pollutant gases such fluorine and chlorine are also evaporated over into the condenser.
To overcome this problem scientists developed other methods like fragmented
distillation and C.M.D method (Cold Molecular Distillation) amongst others. C.M.D water
is available from companies6 specialising in this area and supply water for medical
purposes, allergy affected chemical sensitive people, cancer and dialysis patients (were
even small traces of contaminants can send the patient into shock) and generally to any
one who is seeking good health. C.M.D water contains no solid matter and is solely
consisting of two elements, Hydrogen and Oxygen.

THE AMOUNT OF WATER YOUR BODY NEEDS

Another important factor is the amount of water necessary for our body to function
at its peak performance. Bearing in mind again that your body is about 75 percent water
it is easy to understand that water must be your body's most essential daily ingredient.
Your body looses each day about 2-3 litters of water through elimination, urination,
perspiration and respiration. However, this may increase during illness, high
performance, exercise, pregnancy and nursing. The beverages most people choose to
consume are often counter-productive in promoting hydration. Coffee, tea, alcohol, soft
and sugary drinks are all diuretics and will cause not only the loss of water the are
dissolved in, but they will also draw water the bodies reserves. In normal conditions your
body needs to replace the fluids it has lost throughout the day. Most of fluids should be
replaced by drinking pure water. The rest you should get from fruit, vegetables and their
juices. Attention must be given that the elderly and children are meeting their daily
requirements. Dry mouth is not the only indication of dehydration, in fact it is the last
sign. You need to acquire the habit to drink water even when you think you don't need it
and eventually your true thirst mechanisms will be reawaken. Signs to look for that
identify with dehydration are constipation, headaches, indigestion, weight gain, fluid
retention, dark and pungent urine, and their associated pathologies colitis, kidney
stones, bladder and urinary track infections to name only a few.

SUMMARY

Water is involved in all bodily functions: digestion, assimilation, elimination,

respiration, maintaining temperature (homeostasis) integrity and the strength of all
bodily structures. Today, the water is polluted with hundreds of toxins and impurities.
Authorities only test for a small number of them. Your body, being primarily water,
requires sufficient daily water replacement in order to function efficiently. Water
treatments, that are aimed to render our drinking water bacteriologically safe, have been
proven ineffective and the presence of certain pathogenic bacteria like giardia and
cryptosporidium recently found in Sydney water is just one of the many examples.
Viewing the effects of individual chemicals, inorganic minerals and their by-products, you
can see a link to today's major diseases. If you drink devitalised, impure water how can
you expect vitality and health. Dehydration, due to the offensive taste of the water and
the introduction of commercial sugar loaded beverages, has become another
contributing factor to dis-ease. The advice of Dr Batmanghelidj to stop treating thirst
with medications holds lots of merit. Mineral water may be wonderful to bathe in,
however, the presence of inorganic minerals makes it undesirable. Tap water has been
proven unsuitable even for showering7. In an article published in the magazine New
Scientist, by Ian Anderson 18/9/86, he writes "Showers pose a risk to health". Pure
water may become the medicine of the future. 'Oxygen enriched and free of radioactive
and chemical compounds' may read on the label of our bottle water in the next
millennium.... At this stage Reverse Osmosis and C.M.D water are our best available
options.

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 Add to this our latest Nikken PiMag Living Water System. With FIR, removal of all
the nasties, even Gardia and Cryptosporidium, down to .2 microns, replacement of the
trace minerals that we are so desparately short of, then the magnetic coil to complete
the proccess.

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