What’s in your water?

It’s impossible to predict which contaminants may be in a particular area’s water pipes — or in the water purchased from a commercial bottler. But some statistics are illuminating:

• In surface water testing, 80% of streams and creeks were found to contain synthetic hormones, detergents, insecticides or other chemicals. These sources form part of the nation’s water supply.
• Approximately 500,000 cases of illness in the United States per year are caused by drinking water contaminated with sewage.
• Many bottled water manufacturers use ozone (a toxic gas) for disinfecting their product.