There’s a very fundamental basic value system that I think America was built upon, and that’s mutual respect, honor, integrity and concern for our environment and the right to clean water. And we have moved away from it.”
~ Erin Brockovich, American paralegal, consumer advocate, and environmental activist
By Sarah Campise Hallier
There’s nothing quite like stepping into a hot shower after a long day, or quenching your thirst with a cool glass of water. Whether you are washing away the stress, or hydrating after hours in the sun, you rely on clean, refreshing water to revitalize you. But have you stopped to wonder what’s in the water flowing from your tap? Beneath the soothing stream, the water you use to cleanse your body and nourish yourself contains a hidden mix of contaminants that could be harming your skin, hair, and overall health. While city water systems and agencies work to remove these unwanted guests, the disinfection process can introduce byproducts that pose health risks as well.
America’s relationship with clean water has always been a turbulent one. As cities expanded during the 1800s, the rush to provide clean water to growing communities exposed problems—from crumbling city infrastructures, to converting wastewater into drinkable water. These issues helped shape the complex water systems you rely on today. By the 1970s, the Clean Water Act was introduced to tackle these concerns, creating a framework for regulating pollutants and ensuring surface water quality. Overseen by the Office of Water (OW), the goal was not only to safeguard drinking water, but also to revive ecosystems, protect public health, and support everything from economic ventures to recreational activities. Yet, even with these efforts, questions about the quality and safety of your water persist.
Under the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in charge of regulating and guaranteeing the safety of drinking water in the United States. It establishes national guidelines for the quality of water, controls pollutants, and monitors public water systems to adhere to safety regulations. To safeguard the public’s health, the EPA also tracks compliance, offers technical support, and takes enforcement action against systems that don’t follow the rules. It also navigates the water treatment process in America. Whether you are using well water or city water, concerns about the cleanliness of your tap are widespread, as both can contain harmful substances. Well water is unregulated, and may harbor bacteria, pesticides, and heavy metals. With over 15% of Americans—roughly 43 million people—relying on private wells for drinking water, ensuring the quality of your water source is imperative.
America’s water treatment rules and guidelines are complex and multi-layered, containing several crucial steps. Water treatment involves a five-key process: screening, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, where chemicals are added to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses. As with any process involving chemical additives, introducing foreign substances into water treatment brings a host of concerns that can complicate human health and environmental safety. While these chemicals play a significant role in purifying water, killing harmful pathogens, and ensuring its safe transport to your home, they also raise questions about side effects, long-term exposure risks, and the balance between disinfection and contamination. Two key issues arise in water treatment: the contaminants that must be removed, and the chemicals used to eliminate them. Common water contaminants include:
- Microorganisms – Bacteria (E. coli), viruses, and parasites can cause waterborne diseases
- Heavy Metals – Lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium can harm your nervous system and organs
- Chemicals – Pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals (e.g., poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—both man-made chemicals—can enter water from agricultural runoff and industrial waste
- Pharmaceuticals – Trace amounts of medications from human waste and improper disposal
- Nitrates – Often from fertilizers and animal waste, posing a risk to infants and pregnant women
- Radionuclides – Radioactive elements like uranium and radon, which are naturally-occurring, or from industrial activities
- Microplastics– “According to current research published by Orb Media, tap water and plastic bottled water in cities on five continents is contaminated with microscopic plastic fibers.” Although scientists are not exactly sure how microplastics are finding their way to water systems worldwide, most experts agree this poses harm to your health.
These contaminants can have various health impacts, ranging from gastrointestinal illnesses and skin issues to long-term diseases like cancer. According to the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) at the National Cancer Institute:
“DCEG researchers in the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch (OEEB) investigate a number of water contaminants that are thought to be associated with cancer risk. These include naturally-occurring substances, like arsenic, fertilizer by-products like nitrate, as well as disinfection byproducts (DBP), which are compounds formed when chlorine used to disinfect water comes into contact with organic material in water.”
While not a contaminant, it is important to note that fluoride has been added to over 75% of the nation’s water supply since the 1940s, and this controversial chemical has been proven to cause a myriad of health issues. In September 2024, a federal judge ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must take action regarding fluoride in drinking water. The ruling was, in part, based on a study from the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program that showed drinking fluoridated water resulted in lower IQs. Municipal water systems clearly need to be cleaned. From bacteria and viruses to heavy metals and industrial chemicals, the risks are too significant to ignore. So how does the government ensure that the water flowing from your tap is safe to drink? By setting standards, overseeing treatment facilities, and enforcing compliance, the government plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health. However, key methods used to treat and purify the water you rely on daily are problematic:
- Chlorine is widely used due to its effectiveness in killing pathogens, and its ability to maintain water quality as it travels through distribution systems. However, chlorine can react with organic matter in water, forming potentially harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which have been linked to a multitude of health issues. According to the Safe Drinking Water Foundation, “Chlorinated water has been associated with increased risk of bladder, colon and rectal cancer.”
- Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia, and is used as a secondary disinfectant to maintain long-lasting protection as water moves through pipes. While less reactive than chlorine, chloramine can lead to the formation of various byproducts that may affect kidney function, and irritate the skin and eyes in some individuals.
- Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that destroys microorganisms by breaking down their cell walls. It is highly-effective and doesn’t produce harmful disinfection byproducts like chlorine. However, it is unstable, and it doesn’t provide lasting protection, meaning water may need additional treatment before distribution.
- Chlorine Dioxide is a potent disinfectant that effectively kills a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Unlike chlorine, it doesn’t form harmful byproducts, but it can produce chlorite, a compound that may pose health risks if concentrations are too high.
The dichotomy of clean water is more complex than it seems at first glance. While it’s an essential resource for human survival, the reality is that the contaminants and chemicals that come with it introduce a web of health risks. Fortunately, there are safer, more reliable ways to ensure that the water flowing from your faucet won’t be harmful—methods that effectively eliminate many harmful substances, without introducing new concerns to your health.
Identifying Contaminants and Choosing a Filtration System
The first step in determining the condition of your current tap water is by having it tested so you can identify what’s in it. Testing the water coming into your home can detail the quality and contaminant levels. For those on city water systems, you should receive an annual water quality report called a CCR, or Consumer Confidence Report (if not, contact your local water supplier and request one). Some reports are also listed on the EPA’s website. If you are on well water, you must order your own report. There are many at-home test kits, and laboratory testing companies are available to complete the assessments. Keep an eye out for bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical byproducts—each capable of creating a mountain of health imbalances. Compare your results to established safety standards from the EPA or your local environmental agencies to assess whether your water requires treatment. If you determine there is reason for concern about the quality of the water flowing into your home, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Water contamination isn’t always visible, but the effects can be felt on your skin, hair, and body over time. Fortunately, with a bit of savvy planning, you can ensure the water you use daily is as clean and safe as possible. From “GAMA – Domestic Well Testing”:
“If your results come back with high concentrations of constituents, or you are aware of a contaminant in your water, you will want to compare the test concentration to known Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL), set by the United States (US) and/or the California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An MCL is the highest level of contaminant allowed in drinking water, typically based on health risks from exposure. While MCLs are an enforceable standard for public supply systems, it is recommended you observe the same levels in your domestic well.”
Once you’ve assessed your water quality and identified contaminants, the next step is to choose the right filtration system and filter to address the issues. While there are many options, choosing the right system depends on what you’re looking to remove from your water, and the scope of your concerns. If you are dealing with widespread contamination throughout your water supply, a whole-house filtration system may be the most effective solution, ensuring all the water entering your home is treated. Alternatively, if you’re focused on improving the water in your kitchen or bathroom, for example, a portable filter, under-the-sink system, or shower filter might suffice.
- Whole-house water filtration systems are typically installed at the main water line, and generally involve a more detailed installation over other systems. They often have larger cartridges that may last longer than faucet filters. In terms of water quality, whole-house systems provide higher quality water throughout the entire home. Carbon filters are the most popular whole-house filtration systems, which work better for large-scale contaminant removal. These systems will cost you approximately $2,000, plus installation at around $200 to $900.
- Under-sink filtration systems are a good choice if you’re looking to improve the quality of your drinking water without the expense (typically $200–$300) of a whole-house system. Under-sink systems are typically installed directly under the kitchen sink (although some can sit on the countertop), filtering water through a tap mounted on the sink. There are various types of filters used in under-sink systems, with the most common being reverse osmosis (RO) and carbon block filters. Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at removing contaminants like heavy metals, fluoride, chlorine, and microorganisms by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane. Carbon block filters, on the other hand, are great for improving taste and odor by removing chlorine, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some advanced under-sink systems offer multi-stage filtration, combining different filter types to address various impurities. These systems are ideal for thorough yet compact water filtration solutions that don’t take up valuable counter space. The downside is that these filters only treat water at a specific tap. However, they make it easier to filter out specific contaminants like fluoride. If fluoride removal is your priority, a faucet filter might be a good choice.
- Portable filter systems: Unlike whole-house or under-the-counter filtration systems, portable water filters, sometimes called table-top filters, are ideal if you’re looking for an affordable, temporary way to improve your drinking water quality. They are easy to use, and you can move them from room to room if needed. Portable filters also offer protection against common contaminants, harmful chemicals, and bacteria. They come in different sizes, shapes, and styles. In addition, portable filter systems provide many choices of filter types, from charcoal, osmosis, and UV.
Consider your household needs. Whole-house systems are better for larger households with higher water consumption, while under-the-sink systems are best suited for smaller households with fewer water needs. From an environmental perspective, whole house systems can potentially reduce plastic waste from filter cartridges, making them a more environmentally-friendly choice. A variety of filter options are available depending on the system you choose:
- Reverse osmosis – Scientists started working on special materials in the 1960s that helped clean water by removing salt and other particles. These materials, called membranes, act like filters. Today, there are two main types of reverse osmosis filters used to turn unclean water into drinkable water:
- Cellulose-based membranes (CA) – made from plant-based materials
- Thin-film composite membranes (TFC) – made by layering thin composite
Reverse osmosis filters offer various options, such as under-the-sink systems, or faucet attachments near the sink. Some of the most commonly used filter products were created over 30 years ago. Since these filters are cheap to produce and do a great job of removing contaminants from water, companies haven’t changed them much. Currently, scientists are looking at ways to improve these filters. They want to make the outer layer of the filter stronger so it doesn’t get clogged as quickly, and can handle harsh chemicals and high temperatures more effectively. They also want to make the inner part of the filter, which supports the structure, more rigid and able to let water flow through faster without breaking.
- Ceramic filters – Less expensive than many other filtration devices, ceramic filters easily catch bacteria, but can miss smaller particles like viruses. A stone water filter purifies water by channeling it through millions of tiny pores within the ceramic material, some as small as 0.5 microns. These pores act as barriers, trapping contaminants as the water passes through. This natural filtration process effectively removes bacteria and sediment, and reduces many other impurities. Similar to how water is naturally purified by passing through rock layers, the ceramic filter mimics this process to deliver cleaner water. A ceramic water filter is particularly effective at eliminating harmful bacteria like E. coli, along with cysts, sediment, and lead. The downside is that they do not filter out chlorine. Although popular, they must be cared for properly to maintain a long shelf life. Cleaning regularly can help ceramic filters last longer.
- Ultraviolet filtration– Although less common than most water filtration systems, UV filtration is effective at eliminating bacteria and microbes. According to Edstrom Industries, a leader in the UV filter market, “Ultraviolet or UV energy is found in the electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and x-rays and can best be described as invisible radiation. In order to kill microorganisms, the UV rays must actually strike the cell.” UV treatment doesn’t change the water or add any chemicals—only light energy is used to treat it. While UV light kills harmful microorganisms, they aren’t physically removed from the water. Also, this method doesn’t eliminate dissolved substances or particles in the water, such as organic or inorganic materials. Additionally, UV radiation does not remove heavy metals, forcing you to use it with additional filter options. Although highly effective when the two types are utilized, the expense is often not realistic.
- Carbon filters– According to the University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, “Activated carbon filtration can effectively reduce certain organic compounds and chlorine in drinking water. It can also reduce the quantity of lead, dissolved radon, and harmless taste and odor-causing compounds.” A whole-house carbon water filter can be set up where the main water line enters your home, ensuring all the water used inside is treated. This system removes harmful chemicals, preventing them from being consumed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin during activities like bathing or washing.
- Bone charcoal filters – Bone char is a product obtained from the calcifications of bovine bones at high temperatures in the absence of air. These filters are designed to significantly reduce a wide range of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, chlorine, benzene, and trihalomethanes (THMs). They also target radon, solvents, and numerous other synthetic chemicals often lurking in tap water. With a rich history of purification, charcoal is recognized as one of the most effective adsorbents available, making it an essential component in providing cleaner, safer water for your household.
Your shower may be an overlooked source of exposure to water contaminants, which can dry out your skin and hair, or be inhaled by steam. According to Doug Anderson, senior director of global engineering, research, and development for Culligan, “Shower water often has impurities like chlorine, heavy metals, and sediments, which can irritate sensitive skin, further damage dry hair, and even clog plumbing fixtures over time.” Showerhead filters can help mitigate these risks by addressing common impurities. The filtration parts may differ between types of shower filters, but most can target sulfur, iron, and chloramine. In addition, shower filters are usually easy to install, so you rarely incur installation costs.
There are two main types of showerheads: In-line varieties are installed between your current showerhead and the showerhead arm. All-in-one versions replace your showerhead and include a built-in filter. As a targeted solution, they can make a meaningful difference in reducing your daily exposure to harmful chemicals. No matter what system you choose, regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your water clean. Filters need to be replaced periodically to maintain their effectiveness. For whole-house systems, this may mean replacing filters every three to six months, while faucet and showerhead filters typically require more frequent attention. Get familiar with the manufacturer guidelines, and stay diligent to ensure your filtration system continues working as it should.
Water quality standards are constantly evolving, and new contaminants are always emerging. Stay informed by following updates from the EPA, local environmental agencies, and trusted sources. Awareness is key to maintaining healthy water in your home, especially as water quality issues become increasingly prevalent. By taking these steps, you can protect your household from the hidden contaminants lurking in tap water. Whether it’s through testing, filtration, or just increasing your awareness, there are practical ways to safeguard your health. Water may be a basic necessity, but ensuring it’s clean and safe is anything but simple. Luckily, with the right approach, you can regain control over your water quality, and take meaningful steps toward a healthier home.
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Published on November 14, 2024.
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