Did you know that there are hundreds of known toxins in our water table, (e.g. chlorine, petrochemicals, organochemicals, and heavy metals) contaminated by outside sources.
Water quality is as important to pet health as to our own. This is something many people don't think about, filling the water dish straight from the tap when we'd never drink for it ourselves.
All water available to our animals should be filtered. The best option is a point of source filtration unit at your faucet or on the main line to your house. There are many units available but please do the research to make sure you are getting four or five stage filtration. Brita filters and smaller units (e.g., Braun) that sit on top of your faucet outlet do not get enough contact time with the water to be even marginally effective. Reverse osmosis units are costly and also not the best alternative because they remove vital nutrients/minerals from the water.
From the research I've done, I really like the Aquasana unit because of the detail that went into its research and development, its ease of installation (5-10 min.) and its affordable price. For more info on Aquasana – visit http://www.aquasana.com/ or call Sun Water Systems (817) 536-5250. (Mention referral “NV1” code for additional discount).
The next best alternative to your own point of source filtration unit is to get your water jugs refilled at a water store where they have a quality point of source filtration unit. I do not recommend water vending machines – there is not enough quality control and the water is sitting in storage areas.
Bottled water is acceptable, but please note that there is absolutely no regulation on bottled water and you’ll have to rely on the honesty of the company as to which filtration system is used and the source of their water. Some companies may just use a carbon filter to remove the chlorine to improve the taste, but it is the tasteless components that are toxic. Bottled water also sits on a shelf for indefinite periods of time in storage facilities and since water is a solvent some of the plastic compounds can end up in your water. Plus, it isn't good for our environment.
Next time you go to fill up your pet's bowl, think about what else might be sliding along into the water, presenting a risk to your pet's health!