Despite the studies released year after year demonstrating just how dangerous, toxic, and unhealthy our tap water can be, we still keep using it. After all, it’s federally-regulated. Surely that must mean it’s safe? Surely if our local tap water were unsafe, someone in authority would have told us about it? Sadly, no.
Last month, The New York Times ran a feature article exposing the ills of our nation’s tap water system. It made me start to think: wow. Enough is enough. I need to seriously investigate the various kinds of extra filtration/purification systems out there.
You’ve got counter top systems, under sink systems, pitchers, faucet-mount systems and more. How do you know what the best buy is? Well, I’m pleased to announce that one of my sponsors, Marilyn from Urban Homemaker, has graciously decided to GIVE AWAY a Multi-Pure Aqua Dome Countertop water purifying system — named a Consumer’s Digest Best Buy in August of 2009.
Why Purify Your Water?
Many of us know of the standard objections to tap water. It’s chlorinated. It’s fluoridated. It’s contaminated with pharmaceuticals and other chemicals. It sounds so banal.
Yet, have you thought about what that all means? Ingesting chlorinated water is yet one more way in which we wage war against our gut — against the beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms that ought to populate a healthy intestinal tract. Fluoride is more poisonous than lead and only slightly less poisonous than arsenic. The latest science even makes it clear that it’s not all that good for our teeth, despite the shaky claims made by scientists back in the ’50s to the contrary.
And the chemicals! From the recent New York Times article:
Only 91 contaminants are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, yet more than 60,000 chemicals are used within the United States, according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates. Government and independent scientists have scrutinized thousands of those chemicals in recent decades, and identified hundreds associated with a risk of cancer and other diseases at small concentrations in drinking water, according to an analysis of government records by The New York Times.
But not one chemical has been added to the list of those regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act since 2000.
Other recent studies have found that even some chemicals regulated by that law pose risks at much smaller concentrations than previously known. However, many of the act’s standards for those chemicals have not been updated since the 1980s, and some remain essentially unchanged since the law was passed in 1974.
All told, more than 62 million Americans have been exposed since 2004 to drinking water that did not meet at least one commonly used government health guideline intended to help protect people from cancer or serious disease, according to an analysis by The Times of more than 19 million drinking-water test results from the District of Columbia and the 45 states that made data available.
In some cases, people have been exposed for years to water that did not meet those guidelines.
But because such guidelines were never incorporated into the Safe Drinking Water Act, the vast majority of that water never violated the law.
The full article is all-too revealing. Put simply, our tap water system is a mess. If you want clean water, you’re going to need to take it into your own hands. You’re going to need to be responsible for it yourself.
Why The Aqua Dome?
When trying to buy a water purification system, you need to balance the level of purification against the cost. According to Consumer’s Digest:
The Aqua Dome’s three-stage filtration process means that it filters water as effectively as most premium models do but at half the cost. This unit also has the best warranty that is on the market, particularly its 90-day money back guarantee. A 3-foot dual hose allows you to push this countertop model out of the way while you get filtered water from your tap faucet.
In other words, it’s the best buy. And, despite being on the countertop, it’s also not as in-your-face as many other systems. It’s also NSF certified for filtering the widest array of chemicals and pollutants. Consumer’s Digest likes it. I like it. The water from it tastes great, and I know it’s safe for all my cooking and fermenting needs.
How To Enter
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY, MARCH 1st.
If you want to be entered to win the Aqua Dome countertop water purifying system (worth $225!), the first step is to click on the link below. You’ll be taken to an entry form at the Urban Homemaker website. To be clear, you must enter your information in the form in order to enter the contest. You’ll also be automatically subscribed to the Urban Homemaker’s newsletter (full of useful information, and you can easily unsubscribe at any time).
(Note: If you can’t see the link above, it is because you have ad blocking software enabled or javascript disabled. Please disable your ad blocker to participate in the giveaway, or temporarily allow javascript use for this page.)
That’s good for one entry. For additional chances to win, do any of the following:
1. Blog about this giveaway and link back to this page on your blog. Comment below with the link. (1 extra entry)
2. Sign up for my email updates or RSS feed. Leave a comment below telling me that you signed up. You will also get an entry if you already subscribe — make sure to leave a comment! (1 extra entry)
3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Be sure to include the URL to this page in your tweet. Click the TweetThis button at the bottom of the post, or you can use the following tweet: “Win an Aqua Dome Water Purifier from @foodrenegade ($225 value)! (AND INCLUDE THE URL)” Leave a comment telling me that you followed & tweeted. (1 extra entry)
4. Email 5 friends about the giveaway, with a link to this page. Leave a comment below telling me that you did. (1 extra entry)
5. Stumble this post and leave me a comment telling me that you did. (1 extra entry)
There are a total of 6 possible entries.
Questions? Comment below.
This contest will end Saturday, February 27th at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be chosen via random.org, and will be announced on Monday, March 1st. The lucky winner will have 48 hours to contact me with his or her full name and mailing address.
Please note that Urban Homemaker is one of my sponsors, and as such I am being compensated for hosting this giveaway. That said, you can trust that I only accept sponsors whose products I whole-heartedly endorse and believe in. Urban homemaker is also an independent distributor (#103419) for Multi-Pure, the makers of the Aqua Dome.
Good luck, everybody!
FoodRenegade says
Win an Aqua Dome water purifier worth $225! How awesome is that? http://bit.ly/aRpbG2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Julie Lynn says
I already subscribe by email. =)
.-= Julie Lynn´s last blog post …Livy’s Bean Burgers =-.
Christie says
I’m subscribed to your feed 🙂
.-= Christie´s last blog post …Our current menu plan =-.
Zeke says
I clicked the link and already subscribe by email. Looks like a pretty nice water purifier.
.-= Zeke´s last blog post …Eat Natto Now! =-.
Godesigned says
Win an Aqua Dome Water Purifier from @foodrenegade ($225 value)! http://bit.ly/bTlNQB
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Christie says
Follower on Twitter, and I “tweeted” 🙂
http://twitter.com/Godesigned/statuses/9509525283
.-= Christie´s last blog post …Our current menu plan =-.
Christie says
And I sent an email to five of my friends 🙂
.-= Christie´s last blog post …Our current menu plan =-.
Jennie says
I tweeted! Thanks!
Jennie says
Signed up for for the rss feed as well! Thanks so much!
narsenau says
Reading @foodrenegade GIVEAWAY: Aqua Dome Water Purifier ($225 value!) http://tinyurl.com/yds9ww2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Natalie says
I subscribe to you via my blogger feed. Hope this counts!
Brie says
I am an RSS subscriber!
This could not come at a better time. I just came home yesterday from a vacation where I drank tap water with apprehension since bottled water was not available, and I woke up this morning and missed work due to a bladder infection. Safe drinking water is so important.
.-= Brie´s last blog post …Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies =-.
Brie says
I stumbled this post!
.-= Brie´s last blog post …Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies =-.
Sue says
I subscribe to the RSS. We’ve been looking for a new filtration option and this looks great!
TheFlourNut says
Reading @foodrenegade GIVEAWAY: Aqua Dome Water Purifier ($225 value!) http://tinyurl.com/yds9ww2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
The Flour Nut says
I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted this post.
Thanks for a great post!
CelluliteFiles says
Reading @foodrenegade GIVEAWAY: Aqua Dome Water Purifier ($225 value!) http://tinyurl.com/yds9ww2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Melissa @Cellulite Investigation says
I’m all about the water filtration! I stumbled, tweeted, and I already subscribe.
.-= Melissa @Cellulite Investigation´s last blog post …Lymph Drainage Therapy as a Cellulite Treatment: Interview with Dr. Bruno Chikly (Part V) =-.
Molly says
I am already an RSS subscriber! Great giveaway; thanks for promoting!
Sheri says
i signed up for your blog via email,
thanks,
sheri
Sarah Laughlin says
I signed up for your email updates and I emailed five friends about the contest.
Thanks!
Sarah
The Local Cook says
I already subscribe to you.
.-= The Local Cook´s last blog post …Gaia Cafe: Where the Local Cook Goes when Her Kitchen is a Wreck =-.
The Local Cook says
I already follow you on Twitter; I tweeted this.
.-= The Local Cook´s last blog post …Slow Cooker Chili =-.
The Local Cook says
I stumbled this too!
.-= The Local Cook´s last blog post …Fit Jerk Friday: Quinoa with Spinach =-.
Victor says
Subscribed to your feed and signed up at the site!
.-= Victor´s last blog post …The Company of Myself =-.
damaged justice says
I’m subscribed to your feed! (That’s an old email address, so just reply here if I get lucky 🙂
Vanessa says
I subscribed to your feed. I love your blog and recommend it to all. Thank you for all you do!
Susan says
Oh, this is a wonderful giveaway, thank you and your sponsor! I hope I win…I have two kids with serious health issues (autism and bipolar disorder) attempting the GAPS diet. I can’t help but hope we win!
Katy@ThoughtForFood says
Tweeted.
.-= Katy@ThoughtForFood´s last blog post …Lemon curd, and windows of egg opportunity. =-.
man_vs_world says
Win an Aqua Dome Water Purifier! http://bit.ly/cTDzc6 (actually, don’t – I want to!)
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Nicole says
I RSS you!
.-= Nicole´s last blog post …Meals for the Week =-.
Aaron M Fraser says
Already signed up for RSS feeds.
I Tweeted this…
AND I stumbled it…
AND I tumbled it.. cuz that’s what I thought it originally said >.>
.-= Aaron M Fraser´s last blog post …Make Your Computer a Little More Primal with F.lux =-.
Aaron M Fraser says
Is that technically blogging??
.-= Aaron M Fraser´s last blog post …Make Your Computer a Little More Primal with F.lux =-.
Joy Cable says
Thanks for the give-aways, information, and helping us stay healthy. I entered – would love to win something just one time – and will look at this product closer…
Maura says
I subscribe to your RSS through google, thanks!
Kyrsten says
I already subscribe via email!
Kyrsten says
I also told five friends about this giveway by sending them an email!
Cara @ Health Home and Happiness says
Entered and tweeted!
.-= Cara @ Health Home and Happiness´s last blog post …Dehydrated Pears =-.
Becky says
I subscribe and love your posts!
.-= Becky´s last blog post …great article =-.
Becky says
I emailed 5 friends and would love another chance to win. I’ve been debating about a water filter for ages.
.-= Becky´s last blog post …great article =-.
SMPSMidAtlantic says
Reading @foodrenegade GIVEAWAY: Aqua Dome Water Purifier ($225 value!) http://tinyurl.com/yds9ww2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
JennNull says
Reading @foodrenegade GIVEAWAY: Aqua Dome Water Purifier ($225 value!) http://tinyurl.com/yds9ww2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Jenn N says
I subscribed via email, and tweeted this chance for the aqua dome!
Kim says
I’m already subscribed to your feed. It has sent me many interesting articles.
Maggie says
I subscribed to your feed.
Thanks for posting this. I’ve been thinking about our water quality lately, but had no idea how many possible contaminants there!
.-= Maggie´s last blog post …My Recipe Is A Finalist! =-.
Elizabeth Hall says
I subscribe to your feed through bloglines!
Ashley D. says
I am subscribed to your email updates.
Saara says
I’m already subscribed to your RSS feed, love your blog, btw. So enter me in again please! 🙂
pat says
I signed up for email updates for another chance to win.
thank you!
Stephanie F. says
I’m a subscriber with google reader!
Jillian says
I tweeted! I already follow, but did also sign up for newsletter! fingers crossed!
Jennifer Lachman says
I blogged about this contest http://pathlesspagan.blogspot.com/2010/02/clean-your-waterwin-water-purifier-from.html
.-= Jennifer Lachman´s last blog post …Clean Your Water/Win A Water Purifier from Food Renegade =-.
Jennifer Lachman says
I subscribe via RSS
.-= Jennifer Lachman´s last blog post …Clean Your Water/Win A Water Purifier from Food Renegade =-.
Marjorie says
I just signed up to receive email updates 🙂
Beth says
Tweeted this giveaway! http://twitter.com/ecosphericblog/status/9543994395
.-= Beth´s last blog post …EPA Backs Down From Industrial Polluters, Again =-.
Anna says
Stumbled it!
Katie says
What an incredible giveaway! I have been dragging my feet about getting a new purifier for my new house. Your post reminded me that I need to get on the ball and find something! Thanks! I enjoy your blog on my RSS feed!
Meredith says
I have your blog on my RSS feed and check in every day. Thank you for offering this giveaway, it reminds me that I really need to do more than just brita my water.
Quaker Orts says
Just Stumbled this page.
Thanks!
Meghan Waldeck says
Hi Kristen,
Just letting you know that I blogged about this with a link to your site (www.ironandspice.blogspot.com) and I just subscribed via google reader!
Ellen says
i follow you on my RSS feed!
Ellen says
i follow you, and tweeted this giveaway: http://twitter.com/ellen1214/status/9549882866
micaela6955 says
Win an Aqua Dome Water Purifier from @foodrenegade ($225 value)! https://www.foodrenegade.com/giveaway-aqua-dome-water-purifier-225-value/
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Elizabeth @ The Nourished Life says
Follwing you now on Twitter, and Tweeted this post (can’t believe I wasn’t following you already, actually!).
.-= Elizabeth @ The Nourished Life´s last blog post …Multimedia Monday: Podcast – Raw Milk Diet Cure, Day 11, More on Fructose, and Health Cartoons =-.
Elizabeth @ The Nourished Life says
I also stumbled this post! Thanks for the chance to win!
.-= Elizabeth @ The Nourished Life´s last blog post …Multimedia Monday: Podcast – Raw Milk Diet Cure, Day 11, More on Fructose, and Health Cartoons =-.
Jessie says
I RSS you.
.-= Jessie´s last blog post …… Wedded To … =-.
Deborah Rosen says
I signed up for email updates.
AsTheNight says
Reading @foodrenegade GIVEAWAY: Aqua Dome Water Purifier ($225 value!) http://tinyurl.com/yds9ww2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Deborah Rosen says
Following you on Twitter; here’s my Tweet: http://twitter.com/AsTheNight/status/9553094397.
Deborah Rosen says
Stumbled your post (id: AsTheNight).
LV says
I signed up for newsletter
Stephanie says
Thanks for the giveaway.
Lisa says
Hi! I signed up for emails, forwarded it to friends, and stumbled it!
tina says
I subcribed!
Kelly says
I subscribe to your emails.
Vicki says
already subscribe….
great giveaway!
Ben says
I subscribe to your RSS feed and have posted about the give away here: http://completebody.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/water-filter-give-away/
.-= Ben´s last blog post …Instability, cultural alienation, and investment in society =-.
Nicole says
Just signed up – thanks for hosting!
Ann says
I already subscribe to this bolg via email.
Rebecca K says
I am an RSS subscriber.
Jessie says
I happily subscribe to your RSS feed via Google Reader 🙂
Karen says
I subscribe to your RSS feed. Thank you for all the wonderful information you provide.
Because of your website, I have discovered raw milk and after being “lactose intolerant” for the past 15 years am able to drink milk and use CREAM! joy.
Jana says
I subscribe to the RSS feed and Stumbled this post.
zigweegwee says
Reading @foodrenegade GIVEAWAY: Aqua Dome Water Purifier ($225 value!) http://tinyurl.com/yds9ww2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Annie says
Hi, Kirsten – what a great giveaway! I signed up, stumbled, tweeted and here is my comment. God bless you.
Xabbyy says
I’m already subscribed to your newsletter
Thanks!!!
Rachel says
I subscribe to your RSS feed. This is a great giveaway–thanks!
.-= Rachel´s last blog post …Just a general update =-.
nancyb says
i’m already signed up!
Heather Stein says
I subscribe to your RSS feed already. Thanks for this giveaway!!
Heather Stein says
I emailed 5 friends about this giveaway. Thank you!!
Raine Saunders says
I Stumbled and Tweeted, and I already subscribe to your web site. Thanks for hosting!
.-= Raine Saunders´s last blog post …Our Homemade Salad Dressing =-.
AgriSociety says
GIVEAWAY: Aqua Dome Water Purifier ($225 value!) http://shar.es/m0Y8b via @sharethis
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Lilla says
Your RSS is in my reader! 🙂
Kali Lilla: Healthy Simple Living
FoodRenegade says
Win an Aqua Dome water purifier worth $225! How awesome is that? http://bit.ly/aRpbG2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Katie says
I e-mailed five friends about this giveaway. Thanks!
Brittany says
I subscribe via Google Reader!
FoodRenegade says
Only 1 day left to enter to win a FREE Aqua Dome water purifier worth $225. Don’t miss out! http://bit.ly/aRpbG2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
BodyEarth says
Win an Aqua Dome Water Purifier from @foodrenegade ($225 value)! http://bit.ly/aRpbG2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Ellen says
I follow you on Twitter and I tweeted!
.-= Ellen´s last blog post …Worth a Closer Look: Dietary Fat and Stroke =-.
Alexis says
Already subscribed to your RSS feed
Alexis says
Follow and tweeted giveaway on Twitter
Anna says
I subscribed to your email updates. Thanks!
Ali says
I’m a follower and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/ACC90
Ali says
I suscribed for your e-mail updates..
Melissa W. says
I’m already signed up for your email and RSS updates.
matt4melis says
Win an Aqua Dome water purifier worth $225! How awesome is that? http://bit.ly/aRpbG2
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Melissa W. says
follow you on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/9762933085
Melissa W. says
stumbled this post
Gena says
I’d love to win this for my daughter!