Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Water?

At Culligan, we’re celebrating World Water Day by bringing you the facts about how water impacts all aspects of our lives. Test how much you really know about hydration, water safety, and the important role water plays in our wellness by taking the quick quiz below.

1. Can hydration can help your immune system?

The answer is yes.

“Water is vital for the functioning of all of your organs, and it’s a huge part of keeping your immune system functioning at an optimal level,” says Dr. Jyothi Tirumalasetty, assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health in the department of clinical immunology and allergy. “We are made of 60 percent water. If we are dehydrated, the whole system of immunity could start breaking down.”

Technically, no amount of water can prevent you from ever getting sick. However, maintaining proper hydration levels equips your body to fight infection in the quickest and most efficient possible manner. Many studies have found that intaking an adequate amount of water is beneficial in treating a wide variety of morbidities such as heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.

2. Is it possible for single-serve bottled water to contain contaminants?

It is.

The truth may be hard to swallow, but water packaged in single-use plastic bottles may not be free of pollutants. These products can come from a variety of sources, including municipal water systems, and may or may not undergo treatment before bottling.

A recent study sampled water from three common brands and found microplastic levels ranging from 110,000 to 400,000 particles per liter. Scientists also found that most of the microplastics in the samples were not present when the bottles were filled, but rather were slowly leached from the bottle into the water.

Microplastics aren’t the only potential issue to worry about in single-serve water bottles. Another study found potentially toxic PFAS, or forever chemicals, in 38 out of 101 tested bottles of water labeled as purified or spring water. An acronym for polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS is a chemical class of nearly 5,000 compounds that have been linked to cancer, learning delays in children, and other potential health issues. They earned the nickname forever chemicals because they take so long to break down in the environment – not to mention in your body.

3. Does drinking water increase water retention?

It doesn’t.

As water makes up more than half of our body weight, we need adequate fluid intake to perform at our best. When we do not drink enough water to support our physical activity, the body conserves extra water by holding it in our body tissues.

This excess fluid, or “water weight,” can make us feel tired, bloated, and increase overall body weight. When we replace the missing fluid, we restore our proper hydration levels and allow the body to release the conserved water. Therefore, drinking enough water everyday can actually help you release water weight instead of increase.

4. Does dehydration decrease cognitive function?

Yes, it can.

We all know that drinking water can improve your physical health, but did you know it makes for a stronger mind as well? Even minor dehydration can have an impact. In one study, for example, researchers at Georgia Tech conducted cognitive tests before and after participants had been dehydrated by only two percent of their body mass. Across the board, scientists found that participants’ attention, motor functions and ability to complete tasks were all significantly compromised.

The study also reported that participants did not report noticeable thirst as a symptom until they were approximately in the studied hydration deficit. This means that if you’re feeling parched, chances are you are already dehydrated enough to the point it could impair your mental function.

5. Does sparkling water aids in digestion?

It does not.

While sparkling water has been reported to ease symptoms of nausea and indigestion, it does not necessarily help digest your food. For some, excess consumption of sparkling water can actually induce gas, bloating, and acid reflux.

Sparkling water is an exponentially growing industry, with a $3.6 billion value. It can be a great alternative to sugary beverages, as it replenishes your body’s hydration with minimal additives and can even satiate hunger. However, carbonated water can also include up to 200mg of sodium per serving – a number that adds up over time and can deplete your body’s hydration level – so it should not replace non-sparkling water in your hydration plan.

World Water Day is a great time to start thinking more about hydration, but quality water deserves more than one day to be celebrated. If you’re ready to explore having fresh, filtered water on tap that you can enjoy all year long, contact your local Culligan water experts for a free, in-home consultation.