Camp Lejeune is a military base, located in North Carolina. It was the site of one of America’s biggest scandals. Many of the soldiers stationed there went on to develop very serious health problems. Some of their children were even born with birth defects. The cause of these health issues and defects was identified as contaminated drinking water. Soldiers and their families had unknowingly been drinking water rich in chemicals and poisons for many years.
The quality of the water that we drink is important. If you do not drink clean water, then you will never be able to live a truly healthy life. This post will tell you why clean drinking water is important (and how you can ensure you have access to it).
Water Contamination
As the Camp Lejeune disaster shows, nobody is safe from contaminated water. It can happen in even the most secure, safe, and protected of places. Those joining in on the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit have had to deal with serious illnesses, diseases, infections, and health conditions because of the water that they were drinking on a daily basis. If you believe that you have been exposed to contaminated water, then you need to take action. The sooner you act, the faster you can get medical attention and switch to clean water as there have been many water contamination settlement amounts from Camp Lejeune.
Contamination Causes
There are many different potential causes of water contamination. In the public water supply, old pipes are usually responsible. Sometimes, people’s houses still have lead pipes. Lead pipes corrode over time and lead leaks out into their water. When consumed, this water puts them at risk of developing lead poisoning. Sometimes, chemicals get into the public water supply too. Those drinking groundwater are most likely to be exposed to contaminated water.
Treating Water
If you live in a country where there is no access to clean and safe drinking water, then you need to take action. You can purchase dissolvable tablets, which you can drop into the water to clean it. You can also boil water. Boiling water helps to remove microorganisms, bacteria, and sometimes even chemicals. That said, if you know the water you are drinking has been exposed to chemicals, it is better to try and find an alternative source than to boil it. Sometimes boiling chemicals can make them more unstable and bioavailable.
Using Bottles
One of the best ways to ensure that you aren’t exposed to chemicals and bacteria in the public water supply is to switch to bottled water. Bottled water is widely available. Again, if you live in a country where there is not wide access to clean drinking water then you should ensure the bottled water you are drinking has not already been opened before consuming it. Unfortunately, in some countries, it is common for shopkeepers to fill bottles with tap water, after consuming the safe water within. If a bottle’s seal has been broken, do not drink it.
Avoiding Microplastics
If possible, drink water from glass bottles. Plastic bottled water has been proven to contain high numbers of microplastics. While the evidence does not suggest that microplastics pose a serious threat to health, it is still better to avoid them. That said, we are exposed to large numbers of microplastics on a daily basis. They can be found in the food that we eat, the water that we drink, and even the air that we breathe. Even the world’s most remote places have tested positive for the presence of microplastics, meaning they are unavoidable. Still, limiting exposure to them is good for your long-term health.
Water Filters
A lot of people’s primary concern about the public water supply is hormone contamination. One of the best ways to ensure that you are not exposed to hormones, microplastics, or chemicals is to invest in a water filter, and maybe even a water purifier. You can buy two-in-one filter purifiers. Usually, though, filters attach to people’s taps and clean water as it passes through. It is significantly less expensive to buy an attachable water filter and an additional purifier. Then, you can pass water from your filter over to your purifier and refrigerate it.
Bottled Scams
You should know that some bottled waters are just scams. Unless the bottled water you buy is specifically labeled mineral water then it most likely comes from somebody’s tap. It is very common for big companies to sell water labeled mountain water when in reality it just comes from the tap of a water processing plant, located high in a mountain range somewhere. Such water does tend to be a lot cleaner, it still just taps water at the end of the day. Only ever buy mineral water, because mineral water legally has to come from natural springs, not the public water supply.
Reporting Contamination
Again, if you suspect that you have been exposed to contaminated water then it is essential that you take action and report contamination. Reporting contamination will help to prevent anybody else from unknowingly consuming it. If the water that you suspect has been contaminated does turn out to be contaminated, then you could be eligible for compensation. The amount of compensation you could be paid depends on the severity of the contamination and whether or not you were injured because of it. Water contamination often goes unnoticed though, sadly.
Taking Action
In order to take action, you need a lawyer’s help. A lawyer will be able to make a claim on your behalf and even take the person or company responsible for contaminating your water to court. In the Camp Lejeune case, individuals are told to get in touch with lawyers if they believe that they have been exposed, as many claims are being made at the moment. The government has acknowledged fault and has agreed to pay compensation to people. If you or a loved one was present at Camp Lejeune (or for any other water contamination scandal) then reach out to a lawyer who is dealing with similar lawsuits for other people, because that way, you can guarantee they are experienced.
The Camp Lejeune scandal shows one thing: Nobody is safe from contaminated water. You should always take steps to ensure the water you and your family drink is safe to consume. You can do that by filtering it, purifying it, and drinking from glass bottles when possible.
