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The water where I live is larded with lime and other chemicals, plus city-added chlorine. Besides not being healthy, the water simply does not taste or smell good. Using a filter removes a great many of the chemicals and the bad tastes and smells. Coffee and teas both taste and pour as clearly as they should.

EVERYTHING tastes better with filtered water, even in cooking. Definitely use it on house plants; the difference in the foliage is amazing.

In addition, not only does filtered water improve the taste of coffee and tea, but the simple taste of water, itself. For truly good health, drink water comparative to 60% of your body weight every day. And that should be water, not coffee, tea, Kool-Aid type drinks or other soft drinks. Add a bit of lemon to your water if you dislike plain water. Lemon also is good for you and helps balance your digestive system. Limes are good, too, for a spicier, different flavor.

The best way to work yourself onto a water drinking schedule is to have at least one eight-ounce glass before grabbing for that first cup of coffee or cup of tea. Carry a big container of ice water to work with you and drink it before your first coffee or tea break. Make a habit of drinking a glass of water after meals (preferably warm; it's better for digestion) before you have your coffee or tea.

None of us want to give up the comforts of coffee and tea or other favorite flavored drink, but we can (should) work plenty of water into our days, too.

As far as filtering systems go, I don't like the taste of soft water so I don't have a whole-house system (soft water is great for washing and bathing; saves enough soap in a hard-water area to pay for itself). I had poor luck with grandkids breaking the faucet filters. I may go back to one of those in the kitchen now that they are older and understand how to handle things better. In the meantime, I use a large Brita pitcher in my kitchen with small ones in the bathrooms. Once you get used to the taste of filtered water, even toothbrush and rinse water does not taste right with straight tap water. There are good brands of filter pitchers and systems other than Brita, but I started back when Brita was about the only one around. I'm satisfied with is so I stick with it.

I also keep bottled water in the refrigerator for guests who prefer cold water (I prefer mine at room temperature except in iced tea since warm drinks really are better for digestion) and when I have to take water with me on drives or to doctor's appointments. Some places have filters on their drinking fountains, others do not. One thing I recently read about bottled water, though, is that one never should freeze any plastic-container drink (which I previously did in order to have a fast cold drink or one that would thaw out at a ball game or picnic). One of the big cancer centers came out with a warning that freezing anything in this type plastic can encourage cancer - and so can microwaving anything with plastic. But just refrigerated, bottled water is great with no health problems attached.

Learn more about this author, Margaret Shauers.
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