Prepared for The Institute for Public Health and Water Research
By Sharon K. Hall, Ph.D., CEO of KidDATA

The concern of parents about their children’s health is a wonderful sign of the times. Every day, adults are becoming more aware of health benefits and risks in the lives of their children. Your questions about the health of your children and drinking water are important to us.

Question: I use bottled water and think that I’m getting better water as a result. What do you know about bottled water?
Answer: Most bottled water comes straight from the same public water supplies that run into every house across the nation. So, if you’re using bottled water from California, Texas or Arkansas, the likelihood that you’re drinking the same water the residents of these states get from their tap is quite high.

Question: I use bottled water that says minerals and vitamins have been added. How do I know if this is true?
Answer: There are truth-in-advertising laws that say a manufacturer must be accurate in the information on the label of a product. It is likely you are buying a product with the advertised ingredients. What percent of these ingredients you are getting is probably not on the label, however. Be wary of additives to water.

Question: With all of the energy drinks and sodas on the market, how do I know which one is best for my child?
Answer: The first thing you should investigate about any energy or soft drink is the sugar content. Drinks that are high in sugar content are not healthy choices for children and may contribute to the development of obesity and diabetes. Federal government nutritionists state that sugar or vitamin fortified drinks should be avoided and that WATER IS THE BEST choice for healthy development of children.

Question: I'd like to get my adolescent to drink more water. Any suggestions?
Answer: The best way to help insure that your adolescent drinks water is to start when your child is young, even of toddler age. Your water consumption must be evident to your child. When you model this healthy behavior, your young child will repeat it. Limit your child’s intake of drinks with high sugar content. Limit yours. Show your child that sugar should be consumed in moderation and in conjunction with other healthy behaviors, like exercise. With that said, your teen may not have developed a habit of drinking water. Try this: Dermatologists state that drinking water helps to improve the complexion of teenagers.

Question: I have heard that there are things in public water supplies that could be bad for my child’s health. What should I be looking for?
Answer: Most water supplies are regulated by state and federal government agencies, and most municipal water supplies are good. Your water information can be found by locating either the local water district or the state agency, usually found in the state capitol. Keep track of their efforts to supply you with drinking water and the level of environmental contaminants your state allows in its drinking water. Be an advocate for continual improvement of the local water supply!

Question: Are there any contaminants in my public drinking water that I should be concerned about?
Answer: Today, the federal government is investigating environmental contaminants in drinking water to see if any of these substances are related to diseases in children, including diabetes and immune function irregularities. Some studies from across the world have found that nitrates in the food chain make their way into our water systems and that these are related to childhood disease. Other studies about this important link have failed to support that claim. Therefore, it is most important that our Federal government expand its research support of investigations of drinking water, the presence and level of specific contaminants, and the health outcomes for children.

Question: I know that making sure my family drinks the best water possible is a great goal for their health. How can I accomplish this?
Answer: The best strategy is to educate yourself about your local water supply, as well as the important issues nationally. Being well informed will help you to make the best possible choices for your family in the management of your drinking water.