by Linda Ellinor

Many people are unaware that the ordinary water used in the United States for drinking, bathing, and swimming can be toxic. The toxicity is not just from the contaminants found in the water that is treated by public water utilities, though this is bad enough, but also the chlorine added for disinfectant purposes.

Between 2004 and 2009, the Environmental Working Group performed an analysis of 20 million water-quality tests, revealing that local and regional water supplies are tainted with up to 316 different toxic chemicals, many of which are unregulated by current federal standards. The unregulated pollutants include a toxic component of rocket fuel, freon, radon, chemical refrigerants, and a weed killer. Other pollutants come from agricultural runoff, industrial chemicals, and the many byproducts of wastewater treatment itself.

Since many Americans now rank water pollution as their primary environmental concern, they are relying on solutions such as bottled water and a variety of filtration systems. Unfortunately, most bottled water is more expensive and bad for the environment (because of the plastic used to contain it). Additionally, most is simply tap water repackaged with additional treatment. Also, most filtration systems do not remove the chlorine from the water, though they may help with some of the more toxic pollutants that the public water utilities miss. Additionally, people take in seven to ten times more chlorine and other chemicals from showering than from drinking water.

Most Americans do not consider chlorine as a health hazard because it has so successfully eliminated many serious airborne diseases, such as cholera and the common cold. However, chlorine can cause serious health problems. Studies link chlorine exposure to colon, breast, and bladder cancers as well as to respiratory problems and even coronary heart disease. There is also a connection between high exposure to chlorine and a condition called thrush, an oral yeast condition not easily eradicated. Chlorine exposure also causes drying and damage to the hair and skin as well as burning of the eyes.

Chlorine is swallowed and absorbed into the skin, and vapors are inhaled from the air surrounding a swimming pool. A buildup of a byproduct of chlorinated pool treatments, called chloramines, can cause slimy or dry skin, rashes, and the potent smell that many associate with public-pool swimming.

Because chlorine has been such an effective agent in treating airborne diseases for over 100 years, it is highly unlikely that public water companies will discontinue the use of chlorine. So, what are the options for eliminating chlorine from water?

For bathing and swimming purposes, a system called Eco Smarte removes chlorine and other chemicals from water by using a system developed by NASA to disinfect water for the Apollo space program. Eco Smarte, used extensively throughout Australia and Europe, employs a copper-ionization process to remove chlorine and other chemicals from water. This process has been used in the last several Olympic swim competitions due to the superior quality of the water it creates. One can use Eco Smarte as a point-of-entry filtration system for the home as well as the pool.

For drinking, an optimum approach is to use a point-of-use filtration system such as Kangen Water, which double filters the water coming from an Eco Smarte or other point-of-entry filtration systems. Kangen alkalizes and restructures the water for increased body absorption. It does this by separating the acidic molecules from the alkalized molecules. With this system, it is possible to use the more acidic water to wash fruits and vegetables, and the more alkalized water to boost one’s immune system by using it for drinking. It is well known that an alkalized diet supports a healthy immune system, so drinking water that is highly alkalized helps to combat the American diet, which tends toward acidity. These two systems, working together, provide drinking water that is chemical free and highly absorbent, as well as promoting a strong immune system.

Linda Ellinor is the founder and owner of the Floating Stone Inn & Aqua Spa, located in the artists’ village of Tubac, Arizona, just 45 minutes south of Tucson. This boutique inn and spa, which uses the water systems described in this article, offers a complete wellness experience with five pools, massage services, and educational programs. For more information, visit thefloatingstoneinn.com or call 520-398-3193.

Floating Stone Owner, Linda Ellinor

We are gearing up for our official opening in Winter 2011!

Throughout the summer, we will be sending you updates on our construction progress and news about our pre-opening specials.

The Floating Stone Casitas have been open for guests since 2008 under the name of Posada Linda. We recently renamed the Casitas and just installed the sign, surrounded by this lovely bed of springtime poppies.

For more detailed information about the Floating Stone, please visit our web page at www.TheFloatingStoneInn.com and our Facebook Fanpage at http://bit.ly/aVlKQW.

The Vision & the Mission of the Floating Stone

The vision of the Floating Stone is to bring eco-living and wellness together to create a sustainable world.

The mission of the Floating Stone is to provide education and inspiration within a nurturing, supportive environment for living in balance with nature and community.