Philly H2O: Liquid Gold or Lemony Snicket Situation?
Let's face it, folks, when it comes to city water, you never quite know what you're gonna get. You could be sipping on a crisp, refreshing cascade of mountain goodness, or, well, let's just say some places make you yearn for the days of bathtub gin. So, what's the deal with Philadelphia's precious beverage? Buckle up, because we're about to dive deep (not literally, into the Delaware, please) into the world of Philly water.
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| How Is The Water In Philadelphia |
Myth Busters: Separating Fact from Folklore
First things first, let's clear the air. Philly has a bit of a reputation for suspect tap water. We've all heard the rumors: it glows in the dark, tastes vaguely of cheesesteaks, and can grant wishes (although that last one might be more Pat's vs. Geno's wishful thinking). Here's the truth, folks: Philadelphia's water meets all EPA standards and is perfectly safe to drink. The city treats the water from the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers using fancy filtration methods that would make Willy Wonka proud.
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However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Lead pipes can be an issue in older buildings, so if your house predates the lead ban, it might be worth getting your water tested. Also, Philly's water can be a bit on the hard side, meaning it has a higher mineral content. This can make it taste a little different than what you're used to, but fear not, dear reader, it won't turn you into a human stalactite.
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So, Should You Invest in a Brita or Just Bottoms Up?
This, my friends, is a matter of personal preference. Some Philadelphians swear by their Brita filters, while others chug that tap water with gusto. If you're a taste bud prima donna, a filter might be your jam. But for the more adventurous (or environmentally conscious) folks out there, the good ol' fashioned faucet is a perfectly viable option.
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Here's a handy dandy decision-making flowchart (patent pending):
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- Do you have a thing for fancy bottled water labels that would make a Kardashian jealous? Filter
- Do you find the soothing gurgle of a refilling Brita pitcher oddly comforting? Filter
- Is the idea of saving a few bucks and the planet appealing? Straight from the tap!
Bonus Tip: If you're new to Philly and the tap water has you doing a double take, try chilling it first. A little coldness can go a long way in masking any lingering mineral funk.
FAQ: You Asked, We (Sort of) Answered
- How to avoid lead in my tap water? If your house was built before 1978, consider getting your water tested. The Philadelphia Water Department also has a lead service line replacement program [water.phila.gov].
- How to make Philly tap water taste better? Try chilling it or adding a squeeze of lemon or cucumber.
- How to impress your friends with your knowledge of Philly water trivia? Casually drop the fact that Philly's water treatment system is award-winning!
- How to make peace with the fact that your city's water source is a river? Just be thankful it's not the Schuylkill Punch (look it up, history buffs).
- How to ensure a steady flow of delicious (or at least drinkable) Philly water? Don't clog your drains with FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease)! It can mess with the sewer system and ultimately impact your water supply.
So there you have it, folks. The truth about Philly water: it's not magic, but it gets the job done. Now go forth and hydrate responsibly (and maybe avoid swimming in the Delaware).
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