There aren't many images that can warm a parent's heart more than looking out the window to see their children laughing and playing in a sprinkler or kiddie pool. Clearly, such a sight would bring Norman Rockwell to tears. However, what your children may be playing in could make Norman Bates grin ear-to-ear. According to the USGS, sewage and other toxins have been found in water supplies across the country, along with contaminants such as chloramine, chlorine, fluoride and methane. Along with all of these things, disease-causing organisms could also be present, and several are known carcinogens. The article states that arsenic, which is also commonly found in bad water, is a naturally occurring element in rocks, soils and the waters in contact with them. This is a massive health concern because it can contribute to skin, bladder and other cancers. Arsenic can be released in the environment to surface waters and groundwater through a large variety of natural and anthropogenic sources, activities, or conditions, such as:

• Dissolution of arsenic-containing minerals in rocks
• Runoff from mining wastes
• Leachate form landfills
• Arsenic-treated wood
• Production of ceramics

Nobody wants to see their children exposed to these dangers, so what is a parent to do?

Take action By investing in a whole-house reverse osmosis system, your water will be purified and pristine for drinking, cooking, bathing and play time. Here is how it works: inorganic solids are removed from water via pressure from the incoming water supply. The pressure moves the water through a membrane that removes the impurities and contaminates from the water. The purified water is then stored in a tank where it is completely safe.

Be on the lookout Another thing to consider is your water's hardness. If you notice that you and your children are suffering from itchy skin or dry hair, your water may be hard. You can visit your local hardware store and pick up a simple take-home test kit for hard water awareness. If your water is hard, you will need to get a water softener system. Not only will you see improvements in your hair and skin condition, you will be protecting your home's plumbing from mineral build-up—a devastating condition that can result in the homeowner having to replace all of the home's pipes. Furthermore, hard water deposits can damage your dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator, and all the other expensive appliances you have that are connected to the water supply.

The choice is clear By making the one-time investment in a whole home reverse osmosis system and a simple water softener, you will be providing both family and home with clean, safe water. Don't run the risk of damaging your home's pipes, or the risk of seeing your children grow ill from contaminated water. After all, do you want the Norman Rockwell home setting, or the Norman Bates house on the hill?