Children Need Clean Water: Understanding the Health Benefits and Different Types of Water

Filtered water is good but purified is best.

Access to clean water is a basic need for everyone, especially children. Their bodies are developing rapidly, making adequate hydration even more vital. Water plays a key role in maintaining hydration, promoting skin and hair health, and ensuring overall wellness. This post will explain how much water children need at different ages, the importance of hydration, and the various types of water available, including tap water, well water, bottled water, boiled water, filtered water, and purified water.

Hydration Needs for Children

The amount of water a child needs changes as they grow, based on age, activity level, and climate. Here’s a detailed look at the recommended daily water intake for children:

• Infants (0-12 months): Babies obtain most of their hydration from breast milk or formula. They typically don’t need extra water until around six months. After that, a few ounces of water can be introduced, especially during hot days.

  
  

• Toddlers (1-3 years): Children in this stage should aim for about 4 cups (32 ounces) of water each day. This total includes water found in food and beverages.

  
  

• Preschoolers (4-5 years): The intake recommendation rises to 5 cups (40 ounces) per day.

  
  

• Children (6-8 years): Kids here should target 7-8 cups (56-64 ounces) of water daily.

  
  

• Preteens (9-13 years): Girls should aim for 7-8 cups (56-64 ounces) while boys need about 8-9 cups (64-72 ounces) each day.

  
  

• Teens (14-18 years): Teenagers require about 8-11 cups (64-88 ounces) daily, influenced significantly by how active they are.

  
  

Staying well-hydrated is crucial for children. It helps control body temperature, keeps joints lubricated, and supports their overall health.

Health Benefits of Water

Drinking clean water is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Here are some key benefits:

• Hydration: Water is crucial for keeping the body hydrated, which is vital for all bodily functions. Babies have a body water composition of around 80%, children 70% and seniors 60%.

• Regulates Body Temperature: It helps maintain a stable body temperature through sweating and respiration. This is known as evaporative cooling.

• Aids Digestion: Water is necessary for the digestion of food and helps prevent constipation.

• Supports Nutrient Absorption: It assists in the absorption of nutrients and minerals from food.

• Detoxification: Water helps flush out toxins and waste products from the body through urine via the kidneys.

• Improves Skin Health: Adequate internal and external hydration can improve skin elasticity, moisture and appearance.

• Boosts Energy Levels: Staying hydrated can help maintain energy levels and reduce fatigue.

• Enhances Physical Performance: Proper hydration is crucial for optimal physical performance during exercise.

• Supports Cognitive Function: Drinking enough water can improve concentration and cognitive function.

• Weight Management: Drinking water before meals may help reduce appetite and calorie intake.

  
  

Incorporating adequate water intake into your daily routine can lead to numerous health benefits and overall improved quality of life.

Types of Water: Understanding the Differences

When it comes to drinking water, several types exist, each with its own traits. Knowing these differences helps families choose wisely about what they consume.

Tap Water

Tap water comes from municipal systems and is treated to comply with EPA safety standards. It usually contains beneficial minerals but may have a distinct taste due to additives like chlorine. While generally safe, its quality can vary depending on local sources and plumbing systems. Replacing aged lead lines is expensive but beneficial.

Well Water

Well water is sourced directly from underground aquifers. It is often free from some contaminants found in municipal water. However, families must regularly test well water biannually for bacteria, nitrates, and other harmful elements. For example, reports show that about 15% of private wells have contaminants, so safety testing is vital, especially for children.

Bottled Water

Bottled water is convenient but can be costly. Some brands simply repackage tap water. I only recommend Aquafina, because it has a TDS level of 1 ppm. Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to avoid photo-oxidation and microplastic leaching. Eco-friendly plastics are preferred, as a plastic bottle takes about 450 years to decompose.

Boiled Water

Boiling water effectively kills bacteria and viruses, making it a safe option for consumption. This method is especially recommended in regions where water safety is uncertain. While boiling precipitates the does not remove chemical contaminants, so users must be cautious about water quality.

Filtered Water

Filtered water uses a NSF-certified carbon filter to remove many impurities like radon, lead, PFAS, industrial pollutants and sediments, to an acceptable level. . Many families prefer this option because it enhances tap water's taste and quality, and is more affordable and portable. However, it is vital to maintain and change the carbon filter regularly to ensure effectiveness, as filtered water can still carry some contaminants.

Purified Water

Purified water undergoes extensive treatments, such as reverse osmosis or distillation, to eliminate impurities. This type of water lacks minerals and has a "clear" taste, so maintaining a well balanced diet rich in minerals is essential. I recommend this for all children. It's the only way to eliminate short-chain PFAS, fluoride and other small, molecular contaminants.

Alkaline water

Alkaline water is popular, expensive and has health claims based on it's high pH level of around 8 or 9, with 7 being neutral. The alkalinity is achieved by adding minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium. Since your kidneys and lungs maintain the body's acid-base balance, I recommend comprehensive metabolic lab testing for consumers.

Water Testing

Water testing in industrial settings involves a series of systematic procedures to ensure water quality and safety. Common methods to make it potable involve physical, chemical, microbiological and field testing, and laboratory analysis.

Testing at the tap, or home testing, can help you monitor its quality and safety. This is beneficial for environmental justice communities who suspect that their disease clusters may be related to water contamination. Here are some methods you can use:

• Water Test Kits: Purchase a home water testing kit that can measure various parameters such as pH, chlorine, hardness, and contaminants. These kits often include test strips or reagents.

  
  

• Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) Meter: This compact handheld device is essential for every household. It measures the electrical conductivity of water, indicating the presence of dissolved minerals, salts, and other inorganic substances. Although the EPA advises a maximum level of 500 ppm, our clients reach levels as low as 0 (zero).

  
  

• DIY Testing Methods: Simple tests like checking for chlorine can be done using a few drops of a chemical indicator that changes color in the presence of chlorine.

  
  

• Local Testing Services: Some local health departments or environmental agencies offer testing services for residents. You can collect a water sample and send it to them for analysis, especially if you or your child has lab documentation of elevated lead levels.

  
  

• Natural Senses: Observe the water through bright light for any unusual color or sediment, smell it for unusual odors, taste it before drinking to detect chemicals. Each of these can indicate contamination.

  
  

Regular testing, both in industrial and home settings, is crucial for ensuring water quality and safety.

Understanding Hard Water vs. Soft water

The difference reflects the amount of minerals in the water. Understand the advantages and disadvantages and what is in your control.

• Hard water (> 60 ppm): Though safe to drink, it is more beneficial in agriculture for plant growth, because it is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. It can cause limescale buildup in pipes and appliances, reducing efficiency and increasing costs. It also diminishes the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, forming compounds that hinder cleaning.

  
  

• Soft water (<60 ppm): Also safe to drink, it is low in calcium and magnesium. It enhances soap efficiency and cleaning resulting in cleaner and brighter laundry and dishes, and softer skin and hair. It prevents limescale buildup which can extend appliance lifespan.

Final Thoughts

Clean water is vital for children's health, affecting everything from hydration to skin and hair wellness. Understanding the recommended daily water intake for various age groups can help parents ensure their children stay hydrated. Additionally, being aware of different water types allows families to make informed choices about their drinking water.

From tap water to well water, bottled water, boiled water, filtered water, and purified water, each type has its unique benefits and considerations. By prioritizing clean water and maintaining proper hydration, we can significantly support children's overall health, helping them thrive.

In a world where access to clean water isn’t guaranteed for everyone, it is important to recognize the value of this precious resource and advocate for its availability for all.

Resources

Environmental Working Group Tap Water Database

A Cascade of Impacts: The Many Ways Water Affects Child Development

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