Pure, clean, clear water. Every living creature on earth needs water. "Eight glasses a day", the experts say for humans. "Change water daily" for all our furry and feathered friends, and watch out for harmful chemicals in our aquariums. Public concern over water safety and purity has increased over the last few years. Environmental issues involving pollution create questions about what we put in and on our bodies. Bottled water sales have also increased-with good reason. Government regulations regarding what can and cannot be in water have been standardized. We the public can now make more educated choices for our pets and ourselves.

We are consuming more natural products, and water has fast become the preference over soft drinks for our health conscious society. Pure water is necessary to rehydrate, help our kidneys to cleanse and generally remove unnecessary elements from our bodies. Water helps to keep our bodies in balance. Animals can live longer without food than they can without water.

Our pet birds and aquariums are especially susceptible to chemicals in our average tap water. Chemicals such as fluoride, chlorine and others may present problems for us as well as our pets. Using bottled water for birds may help control their chemical intake. You've heard the expression eats like a bird. We know birds really consume great quantities of food compared to their size. The same is true for water consumption.

Here's an example:

A little finch takes in approximately 1/2 tsp. of water daily

Parakeet................ 1 tsp.

Cockatiel............... 2-3 tsp.

Parrot.................. 2-3 tbs.

So, these pets do consume water and the chemicals in it do need to be monitored for optimum health. The water in our aquariums needs to be checked for chemicals as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Bottled water may be used in our aquariums, BUT NOT DISTILLED WATER. It contains no chemicals, no minerals, and by itself does not offer the proper balance for your fish. You should check with your aquarium expert for tips on testing the content of the water in your fish tank.

All animals, our cats, dog, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc. all need fresh clean water daily. Health problems may be helped or prevented by serving fresh, pure water in clean bowls and water bottles.

You have several choices regarding the water you consume:

¥ Well water

¥ Standard tap water (public water)

¥ Distilled bottle water

¥ Purified drinking water in bottles

¥ Spring water in bottles

The natural waters (spring, well or artesian) may be acceptable for human use. Therefore these waters require minimal disinfecting and filtering. Bottled drinking and distilled waters receive more processing and may include deionization, distillation and/or reverse osmosis. This removes most minerals and harmful chemicals. Tap water/public water municipalities or private companies treat and filter the water, which is then piped into homes and businesses.

These days you have many choices for taste, health, and additives (wanted and unwanted) in your water. Each has its own merits and is considered "still waters" (non-carbonated). Whichever you choose, drink lots of water. It's refreshing and so good for your family pets and you!

For more information on the benefits of purified water, you may check with your local library, veterinarians, and water companies.

-Marcie Hoffman is part owner of Jenmars Waterworks, a water company serving Dade & Broward Counties. For more information call (954) 680-6088.