WHAT WATER TO DRINK?

This in-depth study stems from the many requests received from our community regarding water. I thought I would involve a professional on the subject, Dr. Giorgio Temporelli, esperto in igiene, normativa e tecnologie per il trattamento delle acque, iscritto all’ordine interprovinciale dei chimici-fisici della Liguria, team leader piani sicurezza acqua, insomma un vero esperto in materia. La diretta può essere rivista sulla nostra pagina Youtube dove si può aumentare la velocità di riproduzione perché è un po’ lunghina…  🙂

What emerged from the live broadcast:

• water quality in Italy is very good, as 85% comes from underground sources, where water is more protected from contamination
• after being drawn at the source, the water is checked and if necessary undergoes processes to improve its parameters. The pipes are not in good condition and generate leaks of about 40%. In the coming years there will be interventions to improve the condition. Despite this, in most cases the water that reaches the tap is of good quality.
• water is continuously monitored, but the results of the analysis are not always updated on the website of the company that bills you for water consumption. You can email the company and ask for the latest analysis results.
• it is possible to conduct tests on the water that comes out of your home tap. Altroconsumo offers the service indicating which tests are recommended based on the reported problems. You can also contact a testing laboratory in your city.
• activated carbon filter is very effective for what are the main problems: chlorine, odor, PFAs, bisphenol A (BPA). It is indifferent whether the filter is on the sink, in a jug, or under the sink. The important thing is to replace the filter according to the indicated timeline. A charcoal filter that also contains silver is also antibacterial (with respect to bacteria that may form in the filter).
• reverse osmosis also filters out heavy metals and mineral salts, the resulting water is clean but free of mineral salts. There are machines that re-mineralize the water after osmosis. This is an unsustainable process because for every liter of osmosis water, one liter of waste water is produced. So in my opinion one should use this technology only if the source water has problems that require it.
• UV rays are very effective against any bacteria
• The maximum legal limits for chemical parameters imposed by regulations are VERY precautionary because they must ensure that the substance will not cause harm even if it is taken over a lifetime
• if chlorine is present in the water, simply pour the water into an open jug and it will evaporate.
• limestone in water is not a problem; it is a beneficial source of calcium for our bodies. It does not cause stones since most stones are composed of oxalate , while water contains calcium carbonate . Oxalates come mainly from vegetables look up which ones are highest.
• The fixed residue indicates the amount of mineral salts dissolved in the water. For healthy people, it is not true that water with low fixed residue is better; on the contrary, in summer when we sweat a lot (and thus lose minerals) it is poor water, which does not replenish lost minerals.
• alkaline water does nothing; when it reaches the stomach, the gastric juices make it an acidic solution, and it leaves the stomach as such. There is no scientific evidence on its benefits.
• water with molecular hydrogen could have benefits, but at present there is still no scientific certainty.

There are machines that produce only water with molecular hydrogen, without alkalizing it. The machinery should meet the standards of theIHSA International Hydrogen Standards Association (even better if it had IHSA certification of its own). The standards set by the association, made up of the leading researchers in molecular hydrogen, are based on the dosage that has been proven effective in scientific studies. For example, machinery must produce water that contains at least 0.5 mg per liter of molecular hydrogen.

On the next page I have compiled a summary table showing the effectiveness of the most commonly used water treatment systems: reverse osmosis, activated carbon filter, and UV. For me it has been very helpful in clarifying who does what. I extracted the table from the book "The Water Handbook" by Dr. Temporeli.

During the live broadcast, Dr. Temporelli told us that he drinks tap water, filtered with a pitcher with an activated carbon filter. He lives in Genoa, where most of the water is surface water (thus potentially more easily contaminated). In case there are special issues, Dr. Tamporelli does consultations for individuals, as well as companies and waterworks. For more information: info@giorgiotemporelli.com

Alla fine ho deciso che a  casa dei miei genitori installerò un filtro al carbone attivo e forse un filtro UV. A casa mia l’acqua è perfetta, arriva dalla montagna qui accanto.

I hope this insight has been helpful in gaining more awareness.
Knowledge sets one free.

Be Aware, Be Conscious, Live Better

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EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MOST COMMON TREATMENT SYSTEMS