Many Americans now rank water pollution as their primary environmental concern, relying on solutions such as bottled water and a variety of filtration systems. Unfortunately, most bottled water is simply repackaged tap water with minimal additional treatment; it is also costly, and its plastic containers add to environmental waste. Filtration systems may help with some of the more toxic pollutants that the public water utilities miss, but generally do not remove chlorine from the water.

Most Americans do not consider chlorine as a health hazard because it has successfully eliminated many serious airborne diseases, such as cholera. However, chlorine can cause serious health problems. Studies link chlorine exposure to colon, breast, and bladder cancers, respiratory problems, and 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 can damage the hair and skin, and cause burning of the eyes. We take in chlorine from a number of sources: a shower exposes us to up to ten times more chlorine and other chemicals than from drinking water. Also, the air surrounding a swimming pool contains chlorine, which we swallow and absorb into our skin. A buildup of byproducts of chlorinated pool treatments, called chloramines, causes the smell most of us associate with public-pool swimming; it also causes slimy skin, dry skin, and skin rashes.

Since public water companies are unlikely to discontinue the use of chlorine, what are our options for eliminating chlorine from water? For bathing and swimming purposes, a system called ECOsmarte removes chlorine and other chemicals from water, using a system developed by NASA to disinfect water for the Apollo space program. ECOsmarte employs a copper-ionization process to remove chlorine and other chemicals from water. It has been used in the last several Olympic swim competitions due to the superior quality of the water it creates. We can use ECOsmarte as a point-of-entry fi ltration system for the home as well as the pool.

For drinking, an optimum approach is to use a point-of-use fi ltration system such as Kangen Water, which double-fi lters the water coming from an ECOsmarte or another pointof- entry fi ltration system. Kangen alkalizes and restructures the water for increased bodily absorption by separating the acidic molecules from the alkalized molecules. We can use the more acidic water to wash fruits and vegetables, and the more alkalized water to boost our immune system by using it for drinking. An alkalized diet supports a healthy immune system; drinking water that is highly alkalized helps to combat the acidity of the American diet. These two systems work together to promote a strong immune system and provide drinking water that is chemical-free and highly absorbent. At last, water can actually be good for us.

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 uses the water systems described in this article, offering a complete wellness experience with fi ve pools, massage services, and educational programs. For more information, visit thefl oatingstoneinn. com or call 520-398-3193.

Call for reservations while they last at 520 398-3193 or email info@thefloatingstoneinn.com.
Start Date: 2012-03-16
End Date: 2012-03-18

Call for reservations while they last at 520 398-3193 or email info@thefloatingstoneinn.com.
Start Date: 2012-02-08
End Date: 2012-02-12

Cost: $20 – Includes wine and light refreshments.
To RSVP: Call 520-398-3193
Start Time: 17:30:00
Date: 2012-02-03
End Time: 19:00:00

Limited to 10 students.
Cost: $450
To RSVP: Please visit losreyes.com or call at 520-398-2416 to find out more about the class and teacher.
Lodging: Call Floating Stone for a 10% lodging discount at 520 398-3193 or info@thefloatingstone.com.
Start Date: 2012-02-01
End Date: 2012-02-05

Cost: Free
To RSVP: Call 520-398-3193
Start Time: 16:00:00
Date: 2012-01-29
End Time: 18:00:00

Pati Hope – Author, Life Coach, & Bodywork Practitioner – evolvetolive.org
Angie Godfrey – Shamanic Astrologer/Foot Zoning/Bodywork Practitioner/Life Coach

Cost: $150 – Call the Floating Stone for a 10% room discount
To RSVP: Email info@evolvetolive.org or call Pati Hope at 530.913.8288
Start Date: 2012-01-27
Start Time: 10:00:00
End Date: 2012-01-29
End Time: 17:00:00

Cost: $10 – Bring a healthy dish to share.
To RSVP: Call 520-398-3193
Start Time: 17:30:00
Date: 2012-01-25
End Time: 19:00:00

Cost: $50 for 3 workshops or $20 per workshop
To RSVP: Call 520-398-3193
Start Date: 2012-01-25
Start Time: 10:00:00
End Date: 2012-02-01
End Time: 12:00:00

Cost: $185
To RSVP: Please visit losreyes.com or call at 520-398-2416 to find out more about the class and teacher.
Start Date: 2012-01-21
End Date: 2012-01-22