I looked down at Dewey's water bowl by my feet. The sides were stained white by hard water marks. The remaining liquid in the bottom of the dish had turned a copperish hue overnight. How could it be that I have long neglected the most obvious of health concerns for my canine compatriot? It was then that I came to the realization that I had been greatly negligent over the years. I had forgotten the most essential of life's nutrients and the most obvious of natures true health foods. For as long as I can remember, my dogs both past and present received bowls filled straight from the tap. This morning marked a turning point for me. If I was going to feed Dewey the highest quality food, train him endlessly, love him dearly, then I should not forget the building block of any organism here on Mother Earth...fresh, clean, pure...H2O!
According to the website USA Water Quality Organization in partnership with the USDA claim-"Both community and private sources of drinking water are susceptible to a myriad of chemical contaminants, biological pollutants and nuisance water problems that may vary depending on site conditions and other factors. Some of the more common chemical pollutants include pesticides, fertilizers, petroleum products, and industrial solvents. Some problem organisms, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and algae, cause nuisance problems with taste and odor while others are potential pathogens. Threats to drinking water quality come from animal and plant production agriculture, industrial activities and even activities around our businesses, residences, recreational areas and transportation systems."
If there are scientifically proven concerns about human health in relation to consumption of public and private drinking water then I can very confidently assume that the water flowing from my household tap and those across this country may very well NOT be the very best option for dogs. According to the website Free Drinking Water the following organic and inorganic contaminants are found in varying levels across the U.S. Although these studies are done only from the impact on humans...it is easy to see that are four legged friends are also in harms way.
Coliform bacteria are common in the environment and are generally not harmful. However, the presence of these bacteria in drinking water is usually a result of a problem with the treatment system or the pipes which distribute water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with germs that can cause disease.
Fecal Coliform and E-Coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.
Turbidity: Can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
Cryptosporidium: A parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes cryptosporidiosis, a mild gastrointestinal disease. However, the disease can be severe or fatal for people with severely weakened immune systems.
Giardia lamblia: A parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting, cramps).
Alpha emitters: Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Beta/photon emitters: Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation. Some people who drink water containing beta and photon emitters in excess of EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Combined Radium 226/228: Some people who drink water containing radium 226 or 228 in excess of EPA's standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Radon gas can dissolve and accumulate in underground water sources, such as wells, and in the air in your home. Breathing radon can cause lung cancer. Drinking water containing radon presents a risk of developing cancer. Radon in air is more dangerous than radon in water.
Arsenic: drinking water containing arsenic in excess of EPA's standard over many years could experience skin damage or problems with their circulatory system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Flouride: Many communities add fluoride to their drinking water to promote dental health. Each community makes its own decision about whether or not to add fluoride. EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for fluoride of 4 mg/L (some people who drink water containing fluoride in excess of this level over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones). EPA has also set a secondary fluoride standard of 2 mg/L to protect against dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis, in its moderate or severe forms, may result in a brown staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in developing teeth, before they erupt from the gums. Children under nine should not drink water that has more than 2 mg/L of fluoride.
Lead: typically leaches into water from plumbing in older buildings. Lead pipes and plumbing fittings have been banned since August 1998. Children and pregnant women are most susceptible to lead health risks.
MTBE: is a fuel additive, commonly used in the United States to reduce carbon monoxide and ozone levels caused by auto emissions. Due to its widespread use, reports of MTBE detections in the nation's ground and surface water supplies are increasing. The Office of Water and other EPA offices are working with a panel of leading experts to focus on issues posed by the continued use of MTBE and other oxygenates in gasoline. EPA is currently studying the implications of setting a drinking water standard for MTBE.Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.
Tap water may pose other risks. Hard water(such as my own here at my own home) contains iron, magnesium, or nitrates. But the MAJOR cause for concern is Chlorine and it's ill effects to humans...could this also be related to cancer in canines? I venture to guess it is highly probable!
This excerpt is from the website Pure Earth "The U.S. General Accounting Office reports that there are serious deficiencies in water treatment plants in 75% of the states. More than 120 million people (about 50% of the population) may get unsafe water according to a study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council. U.S. Health Officials estimate 900,000 people each year become ill - and possibly 900 die - from waterborne disease. The General Accounting Office estimates 66% of Safe Drinking Water Act violations are not reported. The contamination of water is directly related to the degree of contamination of our environment. Rainwater flushes airborne pollution from the skies, and then washes over the land before running into the, rivers, aquifers, and lakes that supply our drinking water. Any and all chemicals generated by human activity can and will find their way into water supplies. The chemical element chlorine is a corrosive, poisonous, greenish-yellow gas that has a suffocating odor and is 2 1/2 times heavier than air. Chlorine belongs to the group of elements called halogens. The halogens combine with metals to form compounds called halides. Chlorine is manufactured commercially by running an electric current through salt water. This process produces free chlorine, hydrogen, and sodium hydroxide. Chlorine is changed to its liquid form by compressing the gas, the resulting liquid is then shipped. Liquid chlorine is mixed into drinking water and swimming pools to destroy bacteria.
Until recently, concerns about drinking water focused on eliminating pathogens. The chlorine used to reduce the risk of infectious disease may account for a substantial portion of the cancer risk associated with drinking water. Chlorination of drinking water was a major factor in the reduction in the mortality rates associated with waterborne pathogens. The use of chlorine was believed to be safe. This view is evident in an article, which appeared on the back page of the New York Times. The report stated that with the use of chlorine, "Any municipal water supply can be made as pure as mountain spring water. Chlorination destroys all animal and microbial life, leaving no trace of itself afterwards". This statement reflected opinion accepted until recent years when halogenated organic compounds, such as chloroform, were identified in chlorinated drinking water supplies. Recent surveys show that these compounds are common in water supplies throughout the United States. These concerns about cancer risks associated with chemical contamination from chlorination by-products have resulted in numerous epidemiological studies. These studies generally support the notion that by-products of chlorination are associated with increased cancer risks. Chlorine is used to combat microbial contamination, but it can react with organic matter in the water and form dangerous, carcinogenic Trihalomethanes. According to Dr. Joseph M. Price, MD, in Moseby's Medical Dictionary, "Chlorine is the greatest crippler and killer of modern times. It is an insidious poison".
There are many reasons to concern ourselves with our water supply. But what can we do to cost effectively bringing good clean water to my glass and my dog's bowl after a hard day of hunting the upland country? Drinking bottled purified water is a possibility but economically and environmentally speaking it is not the best option for most. I decided to investigate the do-it-yourself filters available for sale at most home goods retailers everywhere. After much research I chose a PURwater filter. As advertised, it will remove 99% of contaminants possible from a stand alone filter system. Fortunately, Chlorine will dissipate from standing water in about 24 hours. I bought a jug type filter so that should work effectively for removing both the chlorine as well as removing heavy metals, cyst cultures, and organic/inorganic bacteria by the action of it's carbon filter. I will caution, some municipalities in this country are no longer using traditional chlorine. Instead they are using Chlorimine which does NOT dissipate from standing water like chlorine. Chlorimine is basically chlorine mixed with ammonia. I suggest you investigate what your city or town uses immediately. Chlorimine is an unproven alternative but is more cost effective for municipal water suppliers to use. During my research for this post I could find no definitive studies directly linking chlorimine to documented health issues. But with all synthetic chemical concoctions I would be VERY concerned.
May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month sponsored by PETCO Animal Supplies in partnership with the Morris Animal Foundation and Blue Buffalo Dog Food. I am not a Scientist, a Vet, or Medical Professional. I'm just a humble gun dog guy and passionate outdoorsman who cares greatly about our four legged friends. What I do know is 50% of all dogs die from some type of cancer related issue in this country every year. Could we speculate it is from abnormalities in our drinking water? After first investigating the possibilities, it is with great reason why I wrote this post. I feel it is highly possible given the data provided. If half of our dogs die from cancer, the great unknown is how many of those dogs develop cancer due directly to the very water they drink? I urge each of you to consider the quality of water you are supplying your dog. As always, preventative measures early on could equal less trips to the vet later.
I realize in this economic downturn priorities to survive are first and foremost. If you do choose to give a dog a home please try to provide him or her with with the best chances to live a long and happy life. Remember this...dogs where once wild creatures and only domesticated by early man to help provide an advantage when hunting for tribal food stores. In turn, canine prowess proliferated our human race by helping our forefathers harvest sustenance in times of need. It is our turn to repay their favor.
Best of luck to each of you out there. -Mark
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