Gold in our taps
Are you drinking +/-2 litres water per day?
This is the average recommendation for all adults – but of course, we come in different shapes and sizes and the bigger we are the more water we need to drink. You should also add more if you are doing heavy exercise, its hot (and it is!), or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Simple water is the best drink you can possibly have. It not only truly quenches thirst but it keeps our skin and body young, helps us maintain our body temperature, helps with memory and concentration (80% of our brain is water!) and transports all the minerals, vitamins and other nutrients around our bodies…. Not bad!
Not getting enough, on the other hand, makes us dehydrated, tired, can result in stomach and headaches, lack of concentration, bad breath, urinary infections, constipation…
A lot of people ask me which water they should drink?
Tap water is the most controlled and tested substance that we consume… 60 criterion of quality – therefore it is absolutely no problem to drink the water from your tap. If you would like to check out the water in Brussels for where you live, go to www.vivaqua.be
Is bottled water not healthier?
But sometimes it tastes funny…
Tap water is a natural product whose taste can vary. Sometimes an inoffensive amount of chlorine is added to stabilise bacteria and it may have a slight chlorine smell. But chlorine is volatile and evaporates off when the water is poured into a jug or carafe with a large opening, so try pouring your water out a few minutes before you drink it.
Also water can differ in levels of calcium, magnesium, iron etc. – this will have an influence on taste (same with bottled water). Careful – bottled water also contains much more salt (sodium).
My tap water looks milky
Milky coloured water comes from tiny air bubbles and depends on the pressure and temperature of the water. Again leave for a minute and they will disappear.
Should I filter?
Filtering water reduces its quality… the filter, if not changed regularly enough, can become a bacteria nest, that could irritate stomach and intestines.
Water in Brussels is so hard – should I use a softener?
Softeners on taps take out the magnesium and calcium and replaces with sodium – not good for heart, arteries and blood pressure. Your body does not heat up to the same temperature as your kettle – so don’t worry – you insides do not look like the inside of the kettle!
Not yet convinced?
Buying 1,5 litres of bottled water every day will cost you at least 2 euros per day – that’s 730 euros per year, not to mention all the plastic waste, the production and transportation….
1,5 litres of water from your tap in Brussels every day for 1 year costs you 2 euros for the whole year!
What would you do with the extra 728 euros a year?
