Using tap water to make baby formula is probably not a wise decision given the possible contaminants that can exist in tap water nowadays. If you are a parent, please read this article in its entirety. I have some valuable information to share with you. Are you aware of just how vulnerable your baby is?

 1. Microbial Threats

In the spring of 1993 a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium parvum was responsible for more than 100 deaths in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It arrived via the city’s water supply because a water treatment plant failed to filter it out. Nowadays stricter regulations help to ensure that our drinking water is monitored and treated efficiently before ending up at our taps.

 However we should not relax because there still are a number of waterborne bacteria that still cause illnesses. The list includes nontyphoid Salmonella, pathogenic Escherichia coli and Legionella. All are still very active, Legionella grows vigorously in warm water, such as in a shower where it can be inhaled through the steam.

 2. Lead

Perhaps the most feared of all contaminants because of the damage it can cause to the brain. A recent sampling of tap water in Washington D.C. exposed lead levels five times the EPA standard. The lead is most likely to come from your own household plumbing. This can happen if your house has lead pipes, or copper pipes soldered with lead and it also depends on the age of your house.

 In fact the EPA recommend that you only use cold water for cooking, drinking and especially for making baby formula. This is because your hot water is more than likely to contain higher concentrations of lead. You are at the greatest risk from any exposure to lead if you are a young child or if you are pregnant

 3. Chlorinated solvents

Do you use any of the following, drain cleaners, shoe polish, waxes, oven cleaners? These contain chlorinated solvents, they belong to a chemical family that is widely used in household and industrial processes. In 2006 samples of drinking water in twelve states were examined and ten percent were contaminated with chlorinated solvents.

 4. Chemical Contaminants

Over the years we have produced many synthetic organic chemicals such as antibiotics, herbicides, pesticides to name but a few. Many of these find their way into our water supplies, through various means, whether from illegal dumping of waste material or through the action of rain water. Once these end up in our drinking water they posses a very real threat to our health.

 When they do end up in our water supply, according to the authorities they are at “such a low concentration that they do not pose a health risk to consumers.” It sounds very comforting, however I would ask what about the long term exposure to these low concentrations? A low level of pollutant probably would not affect an adult, but what would it do to a child?

5. Chlorine

Chlorine has been used in our water supply for around one hundred years now. It is still a valuable and effective disinfectant, and it keeps working all the way up to your tap. However chlorine does have an Achilles heel, water naturally contains organic matter and when this comes into contact with chlorine the result is disinfection by-products. These by-products can affect the health of your central nervous system, liver and kidneys.

 Your baby is extremely vulnerable to any one these contaminants so it’s a good idea to stop using tap water to make baby formula today. What you need to do is obtain an effective water purifier. May I suggest a combination of active carbon filters, ion exchange, and sub micron filtration. This will help remove of virtually all the contaminants present in water. If possible, get a whole house water system and make sure you use purified water for all your baby’s needs. This way, you can ensure that your baby stays safe and healthy.