Water, often referred to as the essence of life, plays a central role in human biology and health. The human body is made up mostly of water, which is the basis of our circulatory system. Since drinking water is a basic daily need, knowledge of its quality is essential.
Groundwater: A reliable source
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The water from Adršpach is among the cleanest
Groundwater in the Czech Republic generally offers some of the cleanest water, thanks to a natural process of filtration through fine pores in the rocks, which removes impurities and leaves the water clean and odorless. An example is the city of Teplice nad Metují, which draws water from the untouched Broumovský promontory near Adršpach, which is so clean that it is used to make baby water.
However, not all groundwater is pristine. Shallow wells in particular can be contaminated with agricultural chemicals such as herbicides, as well as inorganic substances including phosphates, nitrates, ammonium ions and metals. Statistics show that more than three-quarters of water from shallow wells does not meet health standards. As part of the fight against this phenomenon, strict water quality regulations are applied in the Czech Republic to ensure public health.
Regional differences in water quality
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Water in Brno has the worst quality
The quality of tap water can vary significantly in different regions and cities. According to the assessment of Aquatest as, Mladá Boleslav boasts the highest water quality, while Brno is struggling with less satisfactory standards. Water quality in Prague is also worse compared to other regions, although the western part of the city is slightly better.
These assessments take into account factors such as pesticide, metal and microbiological safety, and compare both publicly available data and recent test results.
Perception of the taste of water
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Pure spring water is best
From an evolutionary point of view, humans are conditioned to perceive only significant deviations in the natural taste of water, which serves as a protective mechanism against possible poisoning. Although nuances in the taste of water are usually imperceptible, habitual consumption can lead to people identifying distinctive tastes, such as chlorine or a metallic taste, that are not necessarily related to water quality. However, when one switches to a source such as pure spring water or high quality bottled water, the difference is very noticeable.
Health implications of water quality
Water quality has a direct impact on health. Long-term consumption of contaminated water can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and cancer affecting the digestive system or bladder. Metals leached from pipes can cause problems with the liver, spleen and nervous system. In addition to health, poor water quality can lead to practical problems. Maintaining water quality is therefore essential not only for health, but also for the household economy.
Sources: dvojka.rozhlas.cz, vut.cz, aktin.cz
