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The following article is excerpted from:  http://www.ewg.org/chromium6-in-tap-water/executive-summary

Chromium-6 – the Erin Brockovich Chemical – Is Widespread in U.S. Tap Water

Tests find cancer-causing chemical in 89 percent of cities sampled

Executive Summary Tap water from 31 of 35 U.S. cities tested contains hexavalent chromium (or chromium-6), the carcinogenic “Erin Brockovich chemical,” according to laboratory tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group (EWG). The highest levels were detected in Norman, Okla.; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Riverside, Calif. Despite mounting evidence of the contaminant’s toxic effects, including a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) draft toxicological review that classifies it as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans” when consumed in drinking water, the agency has not set a legal limit for chromium-6 in tap water and does not require water utilities to test for it. Hexavalent chromium is commonly discharged from steel and pulp mills as well as metal-plating and leather-tanning facilities. It can also pollute water through erosion of soil and rock. The National Toxicology Program has found that hexavalent chromium in drinking water shows clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in laboratory animals, increasing the risk of otherwise rare gastrointestinal tumors (NTP 2007, 2008). In response to this study and others, California officials last year proposed setting a public health goal for chromium-6 in drinking water of 0.06 parts per billion (ppb). This is the first step toward establishing a statewide enforceable limit (OEHHA 2009).   Click here to read more.

The following article is excerpted from:  http://www.ewg.org/chromium6-in-tap-water/consumers

Tips for Consumers

Drinking plenty of good, clean water is important for a healthy body. Read EWG researchers’ top tips to learn how to stay hydrated while reducing your exposures to common drinking water pollutants.

Chromium-6 in tap water - filter it out at home.

The best way to remove chromium-6 from tap water at home is with a reverse osmosis filter. These filtration systems can be expensive, but with proper maintenance they can last at least a decade, bringing the cost down to as little as $5 per month. There's no legal limit for chromium-6 in either tap water or bottled water, so there’s no guarantee that either one is free of this contaminant.

Tap water - learn what's in it.

Tap water suppliers publish all their water quality tests. Bottled water companies don’t. Read your annual tap water quality report. Look up your city’s water in EWG’s National Tap Water Atlas (www.ewg.org/tap-water). (Private well? Get it tested.)

Filtered tap water - drink it, cook with it.

• Choose a filter certified to remove contaminants found in your water:www.ewg.org/tap-water/getawaterfilter. Effectiveness varies - read the fine print.
  
  
• Carbon filters (pitcher or tap-mounted) are affordable and reduce many common water contaminants, such as lead and byproducts of the disinfection process used to treat municipal tap water.
  
  
• If you can afford it, install a reverse osmosis filter to remove contaminants that carbon filters can’t eliminate, such as chromium-6, arsenic and perchlorate (rocket fuel).
  
  

Filters - change them.

Change your water filters on time. Old filters aren’t safe – they harbor bacteria and let contaminants through.

Bottled water - drink filtered tap water instead.

You can read the bottle label and still not know whether the water is pure or just processed tap water. EWG found 38 contaminants in 10 popular brands.

On the go - carry water in safe containers.

Hard plastic bottles (#7 plastic) can leach a harmful plastics chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) into water. Carry stainless steel or other BPA-free bottles. Don’t reuse bottled water bottles. The plastic can harbor bacteria and break down to release plastics chemicals.

While pregnant - stay hydrated with safe water.

It’s especially important for women to drink plenty of water during pregnancy. Follow all the tips above and take your doctor’s advice on how much to drink.

Infants - use safe water for formula.

Use filtered tap water for your baby’s formula. If your water is not fluoridated, you can use a carbon filter. If it is, use a reverse osmosis filter to remove the fluoride, because fluoridated water can damage an infant’s developing teeth. If you choose bottled water for your infant, make sure it’s fluoride-free. Learn more atwww.ewg.org/babysafe.

Breathe easy - use a whole house water filter.

For extra protection, a whole house carbon filter will remove contaminants from steamy vapors you and your family inhale while showering and washing dishes. Effectiveness varies widely – call the manufacturer for details.

The source for this Environmental Working Group article is here:

http://www.ewg.org/chromium6-in-tap-water/consumers

New report from President’s Cancer Panel recommends home water filters, like those from Kinetico, to reduce exposure to carcinogens
According to a recent report from the President’s Cancer Panel, installing in-home water filtration is a recommended action to reduce exposure to environmental elements that increase risk for cancer. Kinetico Quality Water Systems is helping residents understand what steps they can take to help protect their families from carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that may be found in tap water.
The report states: “Individuals and families have many opportunities to reduce or eliminate chemical exposures.  For example, filtering home tap or well water can decrease exposure to numerous known or suspected carcinogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.”  Further, the panel asserts, “unless the home water source is known to be contaminated, it is preferable to use filtered tap water instead of commercially bottled water.”
“We’re used to thinking of water as a healthy beverage choice—which it is most of the time,” says Dan Roosa, Owner Kinetico Quality Water Systems. “The concern is that sometimes water may contain very small amounts of chemicals that can lead to larger health challenges when ingested regularly over a number of years.”
There are drinking water systems available that can effectively remove these contaminants—one key feature to look for is reverse osmosis (R.O.) filtration. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, numerous university studies and the American Water Works Association recommend R.O. as a viable solution for removing endocrine disruptors and carcinogens.
In fact, extensive third-party testing finds Kinetico’s R.O. technology to be among the best on the market. And, the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station is certified to remove more contaminants than any other R.O. system. In addition, the K5 can be customized to meet each resident’s individual water filtration needs.
“The most important thing is to know there are options that provide enhanced control over your tap water,” says Roosa. “Those concerned with this issue can contact a water filtration system dealer for assistance in getting their water tested to see what, if any, carcinogens and endocrine disruptors are present.”

Many people are also concerned about the possible effects of inhaling chlorine fumes while showering.

Chlorination is probably the best and most cost-efficient way to disinfect water and keep the supply safe. In the case of private wells, chlorine is generally added to the water right at the well or at the point where the water enters the home. When water is municipally supplied, chlorine is added to the water at the water treatment plant. And since the water supply could be contaminated as it travels from the treatment plant, the chlorine must remain in the water supply until it reaches your home. But once the water is in your home, the chlorine is no longer necessary. At this point it is safe and often preferred to have the chlorine-free water throughout the home.

City Water Solutions
Kinetico has a variety of ways for you to remove chlorine and hardness or scale from your water. Whole House Chlorine and Hardness or Scale Removal
Because they’re non-electrical and demand operated with a quad-tank design, you’ll find Kinetico systems to be the most reliable, effective and efficient at solving your chlorinated and hard water problems.
Kinetico’s unique dechlorination systems are able to provide you with soft, chlorine-free water 24 hours a day, no matter how much water you use. They’re dependable, economical, and they provide you with the chlorine-free, soft water you want and deserve.

New Technology • Non-Electric
• Extends life of plumbing and fixtures • No cartridges for you to change — EVER!
Eliminates...
• Hardness • Chlorine • Yellow Water • Rust Stains • Odors • Chemicals

Well Water Solutions
Kinetico Non-Electric Water Filtration Systems can solve all of your well water problems.
• Hardness • Odors (Sulfur) • Bacteria • Ph • Iron • High Dissolved Solids
Well water, if not treated properly, will deteriorate your home’s plumbing system and all of your water-using appliances.

What makes the Kinetico Systems Different?
• Non-Electric • Metered, Demand Service • Twin Tank System • High Flow Rate • Efficient Hardness Removal • Effective Iron Removal • High Quality Resin • Save Up to 70% on Salt and Regenerant • Corrosion-Resistant Valve and Tanks • Soft Water, Countercurrent Regeneration • Automatic Operation • Outstanding Warranty • Third Party Certification

Eliminates virtually all contaminates:
• Hardness • Sulfur Odors • Organic Matter • Microorganisms • Chemicals • Dissolved Solids • Tannins (color) • Sodium (salt)

Pure water throughout your home!

NO SALT!

NO CHEMICALS!

Reverse Osmosis Specialists!

Do Not Waste Your Money on Old Style Electric Systems! 

Will a Kinetico non-electric system work during a power outage?

Kinetico non-electric water equipment does not need electricity to operate. If you receive your water from a well, your well pump & pressure tank will still need electricity to supply water. As long as you have water, you have filtered/softened/treated water with Kinetico.

Do you have equipment for city and well water?

Yes, we have equipment available for all water types and conditions. Call today for a free water analysis and quote: 1-800-795-8897.

Do you offer whole house reverse osmosis?

Whole house reverse osmosis is actually our specialty! We have provided hundreds of customers with this type of technology since 1995.

What kind of warranty does Kinetico offer on their equipment?

Kinetico stands behind their equipment with one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Most equipment carries a 7-10 year manufacturer's warranty. Your territory manager will be happy to supply you with a copy of the warranty when you receive a quote.

Do you have financing available? Do you rent water filtration equipment, with the option to buy?

Of course! We offer many popular financing options, such as our most popular: 12 months, same as cash! We are happy to discuss all rent-to-own options with you during your free water analysis.