Going to college is one of the most exciting journeys a person will start in their life. There is so much to eagerly anticipate. New friends, new classes, and a first dorm room probably top the list. Along with that joyful anticipation, however, comes a degree of uncertainty. Will you like your professors? Do you like your new campus? Will your water be safe in the dorm?
When it comes to starting at your new college, that last question might be the furthest one from your mind at first. Nevertheless, clean, safe drinking water cannot be stressed enough. This is where water filters and pitchers for college dorms come in. When choosing a water filter for your college dorm, you want to be as informed as possible. A good water filtration system is something you’ll most likely use for years and years to come.
Dangers of Unfiltered Water
Unfiltered water might not be on the top of your biggest concerns list as you head to college. Even still, it is incredibly important to ensure that the water you hydrate with throughout the day is of the highest quality possible. Unfiltered water can lead to a slew of problems, from headaches to parasites, both of which are the last problems you want to come across while preparing for midterms.
Common Contaminants
Water that has been contaminated can have a wide range of effects on the body, all of which are less than pleasant. Asbestos, for example, used to be a common material in water pipes, and as a result, it often finds its way into the potable water supply. This particular contaminant can lead to cancer if not filtered out. Likewise, lead is a chemical that can lead to high blood pressure and even hearing difficulties when imbibed by adults.
The Risks of BPA
Then, of course, there are the issues with water that has been filtered improperly. You have no doubt heard of the dangers associated with BPA, but what is BPA exactly? How does it affect the water you drink? Bisphenol A is a chemical that is used to harden and solidify plastics. It was approved as safe from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration up until 2010. That year, studies conducted on animals revealed that BPA could have negative impacts on the brain, cardiovascular system, and prostate of human beings.
Because it is still under investigation, BPA is not actually outlawed in the United States. Therefore, it is important to be aware that many plastic water bottles can still contain the harmful chemical compound. In turn, BPA can contaminate your water supply and putting you at risk for harmful diseases in the future.
