H2O’s Advice on the Safety of Tap Water

There have been several recent press releases that have pointed out cases of Typhoid in municipally treated water, mainly resulting from problems in the Delmas area. In the Western Cape there was a problem with the levels of aluminum sulphate. This does not mean that all municipal water in SA has bacteria or metals in it. In fact the only real problems tend to occur in the smaller outlying municipalities. It is irresponsible and not in the publics interest to try to create panic in order to capitalize on these isolated events as some water treatment companies are trying to do.

“Consumers have paid millions over the years towards establishing and maintaining water treatment infrastructures.” Says Tony Marchesini, MD of H2O | BWT S.A.; “This scare has understandably led to many people buying bottled water in order to ensure the safety of their drinking water. What many do not realize is that there are far more cost effective systems and technologies available which are able to treat the water at point of use, ensuring a 100% confidence in its safety. It is therefore a waste of resources to buy bottled water and not to use the infrastructure that is in place. What a luxury to get water from a tap in your kitchen and bathroom!”

“H2O | BWT S.A. salutes the municipalities for piping drinking water to our homes,” says Tony. Throughout the world individuals are taking it upon themselves to make sure the drinking water is of a consistent and acceptable quality. That is why they should use point of use water purifiers to polish the water one last time before it is consumed. Why are they doing this?

These purifiers remove chlorine and other chemicals present in S.A’s water supplies ensuring that the water is pure and tastes great. These chemicals are necessary in treating water, but research has shown that they have long-term negative effects on the body. “It is like buying bread,” say Tony, “When you buy bread in a supermarket, it is protected by a plastic bag. This plastic bag keeps the bread fresh on the shelf. It keeps the bread fresh all the way to your home, and then keeps it fresh in the bread bin. But when you want to eat the bread, you remove the plastic bag.” It is the same with water. The chlorine is the ‘plastic bag’ of water. At your home you can “remove the plastic bag” by using a simple, cost effective water purifier.

Safe drinking water is an absolute priority and you the consumer can ensure peace of mind through a point of use purifier while at the same time ensuring considerable savings. Just how cost effective is purified water? “We did some maths,” Says Tony, “A litre of bottled water in your main grocery stores costs about R4.00. To purify water at home costs about 4c a litre. That makes home purification 100 times cheaper than buying bottled water.”

There are four recognized technologies available on the market for the purification of drinking water. They are not suitable for all applications therefore when purchasing a water purifier it is very important to ensure that a reputable company who is able to provide you with sound advice on the best purifier for your needs is used. If you have concerns or would like any advice please contact H2O | BWT S.A.