The human body is made up of 60 percent water in males and 55 percent water in females. Each and every cell in your body depends on water to function. But what if your water isn’t clean? According to Amrit Devgun, ND, doctor of naturopathic medicine, Natural Care Center at Woodwinds, clean water is essential to your body’s well-being.

“Contaminated drinking water can cause negative physical affects,” says Devgun. “Heavy metals may cause circulatory issues, an increase in blood sugar, high cholesterol, or cancer; high levels of lead may cause physical or mental disabilities; and a high concentration of fluoride can cause bone pain and mottled teeth.” Contaminations may be found in rural areas, urban areas, and suburban areas. The type of toxin will vary depending on where you live.

Devgun offers these tips to reduce your exposure to water contaminants:

• Run tap water for about a minute before using it. This will help to flush out any copper sediments in the piping;
• When running water, use cold rather than hot. Hot water will dissolve copper, while cold water will float it out of the pipe;
• When you are preparing food or making ice cubes, use filtered water;
• Use a shower head with a filter, especially if you have a problem with copper or lead;
• If you have microorganism contaminants in your water, boil it before use;
• Get your water tested. Call the Department of Health to set up the testing; and
• After your water has been tested, buy the appropriate filters to block the specific contaminants that are in your water. Filters that attach directly to your faucet are preferred.

Factories, landfills, refineries, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and corroding pipe lines can all contribute to water contamination. Although the Environmental Protection Agency works to keep drinking water clean, it is a healthy choice to monitor your own water as well.