Home water purifiers have been around for awhile but many people never understood the benefits. They either thought their tap water was perfectly safe to drink or that drinking bottled water was a feasible alternative.

Recent research has found that neither one of those beliefs is true. And the problem isn't getting better. In fact, the quality of the water you're drinking either from your tap or out of that plastic bottle is getting worse.

But do not just take our word for it. Look at some of the health benefits your family can reap from using home water purifiers.

Reduced Exposure to Chemicals

When that water comes out of your tap, it contains more than just hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Take pesticides, for example. When these chemicals are sprayed on fields, the rain and irrigation eventually wash those chemicals out into the general water supply. There is also lead, PCP, and other dangerous elements in the water.

Another recent issue is the amount of prescription drugs in the water. In 1999, samples of water taken at different points along the Ohio River found traces of three major types of antibiotics in the water. More recently, the EPA has been conducting tests, too. Our tap water now contains caffeine, anti-depressants, birth control pills, and other medication that are passed into the water supply through our excretions.

Home water purifiers can help eliminate these chemicals from the tap water and can make it much safer for your family to drink.

Chlorine & Cancer

Our water treatment facilities are hopelessly out-of-date in most of the country. They are still using the same processes to treat our water that they used a century ago, including the addition of chlorine.

Recent studies have found a strong link between chlorine and cancer risks. One such study found the risk of developing cancer was 93% higher among people who were exposed to chlorinated water than those who were not.

Home water purifiers use more effective filtering methods and don't rely on chlorine to "clean" your water.

Increased Water Consumption

Water is essential to good health. You may be able to prevent dehydration by drinking soda, coffee, tea, juices, or other beverages but none of them are as good for your health as clean, fresh water.

Water has no calories, carbohydrates, or caffeine. However, many people choose not to drink much water because they don't like the boring taste.

The good news is that home water purifiers can often enhance the taste of your water by adding minerals or by processes such as reverse osmosis. Remember that when something tastes good it is more likely to be consumed so if you want your family to drink more water the purifier is a good investment.

If you're wondering why bottled water isn't an equally acceptable alternative, consider the recent revelations that bottled water is usually nothing more than the same tap water you don't want to drink in the first place. Add to that the harmful effects of producing and throwing away all of those empty bottles and you have a couple of good reasons to invest in home water purifiers.