Test Your Water

Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health.

This week I sat down with water purification expert Cody Warren to really dig into something we take for granted every day—the quality of our water. As someone who recently moved into a home with both city and well water, I've become particularly interested in how these sources differ—and what we’re actually ingesting or absorbing through our skin. Cody shared his firsthand experience testing local water, tackling everything from city-supplied chlorine-laden tap water to the unpredictable nature of wells, and why it’s critical that every household knows exactly what’s coming out of their taps.

Our conversation highlighted just how much has changed over the past few decades when it comes to understanding water quality. Not long ago, few people thought twice about drinking straight from a hose or the faucet. Now, with so much information readily available online—not to mention a laundry list of possible contaminants from bacteria to chemicals—being proactive about testing and purifying your water makes a lot of sense. Cody broke down what you should be looking for in your water, the pros and cons of different treatment systems, and why it’s not just what you drink, but what you bathe and cook with, that matters.

PODCAST NOTES

• Testing is Essential: Regardless of whether your household relies on public city water or a private well, it is absolutely vital to have your water tested regularly. Cody emphasized that contamination can take many forms—sometimes invisible to the naked eye and undetectable by taste or smell. City water can have issues with taste, odor, and mineral buildup, and well water often harbors bacteria and sediment. Both sources are susceptible to changes over time, so regular testing ensures you’re ahead of any potential risks to your family’s health.

• Varied Contaminants: The contaminants found in water supplies can differ widely based on the source. For well water, bacteria like E. coli and coliform are the most concerning, as well as high mineral content such as calcium, iron, and sulfur, which can stain fixtures and create unpleasant tastes or smells. In city water, chlorine is added to kill bacteria but often affects the flavor and odor and can contribute to skin irritation. There’s also the subject of added fluoride, which while beneficial for dental health, is debated when it comes to ingesting it throughout your life.

• Reverse Osmosis Removes Fluoride: Among household filtration systems, reverse osmosis stands out as the only typical method effective at removing fluoride from drinking water. The subject of fluoridation is a controversial one—while it can play a role in reducing cavities, some people, including myself and Cody, question the necessity of ingesting it through all sources of water and for all populations. If you’re concerned about fluoride, a reverse osmosis system is a solid choice for your kitchen tap.

• Hard Water Harms More Than Pipes: Many people think of hard water merely as a nuisance that leaves spots on dishes or scale in coffee makers, but it can have a broader impact. Excess minerals in hard water—primarily calcium and magnesium—can clog and wear out plumbing systems and appliances much faster. More importantly, hard water has been linked by many to skin problems such as eczema and even potential increases in kidney stones, making filtration not just a convenience, but a health improvement.

• Whole-House Systems vs. Kitchen Filters: While many families install filtration systems only at the point of use (like the kitchen sink), this approach doesn't address the water you use to shower, bathe, or wash clothes. Cody strongly recommends whole-house systems, pointing out that our skin absorbs much of what’s in water, including chlorine and other chemicals. Since your skin is your largest organ, making sure all the water that touches your body is pure is a smart investment for long-term health.

• American-Made, Quality Equipment Matters: Not all purification systems are created equal, and the quality of the system you choose will have a huge impact on water purity and system longevity. Cody’s company exclusively uses American-made products from Clack, a well-established name in the business. Investing in solid equipment generally means less maintenance, better results, and a warranty that secures your investment—similar to buying a reliable car versus a cheap, unreliable one.

• Affordable, Personalized Solutions for Every Home: One of the misconceptions about water purification systems is that they are prohibitively expensive. In reality, there is a range of solutions for almost every budget. Whether starting with a simple, affordable filter or investing in a top-of-the-line, full-house purification setup, the key is to do something to improve water quality. Products can be tailored to your specific water results, and even a basic filter is better than using your body as the "filter."

• Water Quality Impacts Overall Health: Proper hydration is fundamental for metabolic and organ function, skin health, and even mental clarity, but the quality of that water makes all the difference. Drinking more water only helps if that water is clean and free of harmful chemicals and microbes. Cody and I both have seen patients and customers improve in skin conditions, digestion, and overall well-being after making the switch to filtered or purified water.

In closing, remember that water is foundational to good health—yet not all water is created equal. If you haven’t tested your water lately, I urge you to make it a top priority. Even if you think you’re safe with city water, you might be surprised at what’s lurking in your pipes. 

Reach out to an expert like Cody, get a clear read on what you’re drinking and bathing in, and consider investing in a purification system that fits your needs and your budget. Your body and your skin (your appliances, and maybe even your pets) will thank you! 

Stay educated. Stay healthy.

Till next week.