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Water Myths

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1. Myth: There are more pollutants in drinking water today than there were 25 years ago.

Reality: Not necessarily. Back then, we didn't have the technology to know everything that was in our drinking water. Today, sophisticated testing instruments enable us to know more about our water. Armed with this knowledge, the drinking water community is taking steps to keep our water safe by treating it appropriately and curbing the flow of pollution.
Read a McClatchy Newspapers' article providing insight into understanding recent AP reports on drugs in the drinking water and putting the data into perspective. Why Experts are Unfazed by Drugs in Drinking Water

2. Myth: We shouldn't have to think about drinking water.

Reality: We can no longer take our drinking water for granted. Public participation is vital to protecting our water resources, building adequate treatment plants, improving water delivery, analyzing costs versus risks, and enacting appropriate legislation.

3. Myth: Once you use water, it's gone.

Reality: After water is used it is recycled, innumerable times. Some water is recycled for use within a week; other water may not be used again for years.

4. Myth: Water is fragile and will be ruined by so much use.

Reality: Water is resilient and responds well to treatment. However, just using water is different than abusing it by contaminating lakes, streams, and wells with toxic chemicals. To keep our drinking water safe, we need appropriate treatment, and appropriate source protection.

5. Myth: We have less water than we did 100 years ago.

Reality: We have the same amount of water on earth today as we did three billion years ago. The difference is that today many more demands are placed on the same amount of water. These increased demands have, in a sense, created a different kind of water: water that is regulated, treated, and sold. Because the demands on water continue to grow while supplies remain stable, we have to count on everyone to help conserve, and protect, and to get involved in decisions that affect the water resources.

6. Myth: New water is better than treated water.

Reality: Very little water on earth is "new". Most of our water has been touched by some type of human or animal activity. Even in pristine wilderness areas, studies have found bacteria contaminating water. Therefore, it's always best to drink water that you know has been treated.