What's in Your Tap Water?

Let’s get into tap water. 

We bathe, cook, and clean with it. But how much do we actually know about the water that flows from our faucets? In this article, we explore everything you need to know about tap water, where it comes from, and whether it’s really safe. 

So, where does tap water come from? 

Tap water comes from mainly two sources:

1. Surface water, including reservoirs, rivers, and lakes

2. Groundwater, including artesian and deep wells

But before it reaches our faucets, tap water undergoes a disinfection process. Disinfection can be accomplished by introducing chemicals that remove pollutants from the water. The number of purification steps taken depends on the quality of the water that enters the purification plant. This process destroys some of the most harmful organisms like bacteria and parasites. 

Despite this, some chemicals still prevail. 

What’s in my tap water? 

Yes, tap water is relatively safe. 

However, like every other substance, some of the most common contaminants that remain in our tap water after treatment include chlorine, fluoride, herbicide, lead, mercury, nitrates, and more. 

While EPA-controlled tap water in the United States is often regarded as one of the cleanest sources of drinking water on the planet, not all pollutants are regulated.  

And even if the water leaves the treatment plant clean, it has to travel through miles of old pipes where it comes into contact with lead pipes and breaks, letting in outside contaminants.  

The long-term health effects of chronic exposure to trace elements of these and the many other contaminants commonly found in tap water may have dangerous effects—especially when consumed in large proportions. Let’s explore a few of these chemicals. 

Chlorine 

Chlorine is commonly added to drinking water to prevent bacterial development as it travels through pipes. However, chlorine has shown a link to bladder cancer as well as reproductive and developmental effects.

Flouride 

Scientists began correlating high amounts of fluoride to low levels of tooth decay in the early twentieth century. 

But many experts now question the scientific basis for the intervention since toothpaste and other dental fluoride supplements also prevent cavities. Fluoride has now been linked to changes in tooth enamel and can alter the tissue’s structure and weaken the skeleton.

Lead  

Lead can enter drinking water as a result of a chemical reaction in lead-containing plumbing materials. This process is known as corrosion. Even at modest levels of exposure, lead can be hazardous.

And while the EPA has established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for public water sources, making the chances of catching a water-related illness relatively slim, it’s still important that we find alternatives to tap water. 

Tips For Tap: How can we improve the quality of our water?

While the quality of water varies from house to house, there are a few things you can do to start drinking more safely. 

Bottled water is a common alternative. However, bottled water doesn’t always prove to be a safer or cleaner alternative to tap water. Not to mention the consumption of bottled water has a significant detrimental influence on our environment.

Go Filtered. Filtration systems offer your own personal autonomy. A portable water purifier, such as the GOpure Pod, has been shown to remove high percentages of harmful contaminants while preserving the presence of beneficial minerals and ions.

It’s the smallest, most convenient portable water purifier on the planet. 

The GOpure Pod is:

• Earth-friendly 

• Works in any Container 
• Reduces Pollution 

This simple, inexpensive solution helps with cleaner, tastier, and more drinkable water. Learn more when you visit our website.  

Sources: 

• http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.1002.8675&rep=rep1&type=pdf 
• https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/fluoridated-drinking-water/ 
• https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/sources/water.htm 
• https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp172-c2.pdf 
• https://www.jstor.org/stable/3702609?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents