In light of the Walkerton incident in May 2000, many people, including students at our school, are considering bottled water over the water in their taps. Bottled water sales have leaped substantially since this time because a majority of the population believes that it is a safer alternative to tap water.To begin an analysis of the validity of such a statement, we must first learn the government regulations on drinking water and on bottled water. The Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality address the issue of microbiological, chemical and radiological contaminants. Microscopic organisms such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses are what pose a risk to health. When testing water for ...view middle of the document...
Dasani, a product of Coca-Cola is purified by reverse osmosis, a process that uses pressure to force the solute away from the solvent leaving it clean. After purifying the water, minerals are added to it again. Thus Dasani contains some minerals including magnesium which is a necessary component of our bodies. This is so because it helps to regulate muscle and nerve function, maintains a fit immune system, regulates the amount of sugar in the blood stream, and helps to keep a normal blood pressure level. A deficiency in magnesium may cause cramps, muscle tension or soreness, urinary spasms, high blood pressure and difficulty swallowing. Excess amounts of magnesium in the body are virtually impossible from a diet because the kidneys are efficient at removing it from our systems.Dasani also contains potassium. Potassium is important in our bodies to maintain muscle and nerve function and fluid and electrolyte balance. It also releases energy during metabolism from carbohydrates and protein. "The symptoms of potassium deficiency include muscle weakness, confusion, irritability, fatigue, and heart disturbances." (www.whfoods.com). Elevated levels of potassium may induce a heart attack or cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.The chloride ion is another substance dissolved in Dasani bottled water. Chloride is needed by your body for its metabolism. It also helps to maintain blood pressure, blood volume and the correct pH balance of body fluids. A reduced level of chloride in the body may lead to low blood pressure and weakness. Excess chlorine is flushed out by the kidneys, in the form of urine. The total dissolved solids in Dasani are equal to about 35 p.p.m.Aquafina is a brand of bottled water distributed by Pepsi Co. It is also purified by reverse osmosis but the difference is that it is demineralised. This means that it contains less than 10 p.p.m of dissolved mineral salts and none that were mentioned on the label.Nestle Pure Life Natural Spring Water comes from an underground source and is not altered through the use of chemicals. It contains a variety of minerals including potassium, magnesium and chloride, whose effects on health have already been mentioned. In addition, this water contains sodium. Sodium is essential to health because it maintains the concentrations of minerals in your body and also maintains pH balance. It keeps your heart beating and helps the functions of your nerves and muscles. When there is not enough sodium in your system, it can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, weakness or dizziness. When there are elevated levels of sodium in your body, it can create an increased blood pressure and volume.Nestle Pure Life also contains calcium. Calcium is important for our bodies because it helps build strong bones and teeth. It is also helpful for smooth muscle contractions, contraction and expansion of blood vessels and the secretion of hormones and enzymes. A deficiency of calcium may lead to osteoporosis, a...
