Everyone knows that you shouldn’t drink tap water overseas, right? But what about the United States? A lot of people don’t think twice about tap water.
Is tap water safe to drink in the USA? What could be inside your tap water at home?
Here, we will talk about what could be inside your tap water, so you can make an informed decision about whether you want to continue drinking it or switch to a trusted filtration system.
First, we need to cover a surprising truth about your tap water.
Lead
Your tap water at home could be containing lead without you even knowing it. Lead is a metal that can be found in pipes and fixtures that bring water into your home. It can also be found in lead-based paint, and when this deteriorates, it can contaminate your water.
It is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women because it can cause developmental problems. If you think that your water might be contaminated with it, you can have it tested by a certified lab.
Teflon Chemicals
Because of industrialization, many synthetic chemicals end up in our water supply. One common type of contaminant is called PFASs, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They’re used to make products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and stain-resistant fabrics.
While these products are convenient, they can release PFASs into the environment when they’re manufactured or disposed of improperly. Once PFASs enter the water supply, they can be difficult to remove. Some PFASs have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health problems.
Although the EPA regulates some PFASs, many remain unregulated. So, it’s important to be aware of the potential contaminants in your water supply and take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a toxin that can be found in drinking water. It is a known carcinogen and can cause various health problems. While the EPA has set a limit for the amount of arsenic that can be present in drinking water, this does not mean that it is safe.
It can still be present in tap water, and it is important to be aware of this. There are a few things that you can do to reduce your exposure to it, such as using a water filter or drinking bottled water.
Fluoride
Your tap water at home could contain fluoride. The surprising truth is that fluoride may be in many public water supplies in the United States to promote dental health. However, some consider it to be a public health hazard.
There is evidence that fluoride can damage teeth, and can lead to cancer. Some communities have chosen to remove it from their water supplies for water safety.
Herbicides
It’s no secret that our tap water is not as clean as we would like it to be. However, what many people don’t realize is that there could be harmful herbicides lurking inside their tap water at home. They are commonly used in agricultural and urban areas to control weeds, and they can end up in our water supply through runoff.
Although most tap water is treated to remove impurities, herbicides can still end up in our drinking water. Some of the potential health effects of exposure to it include endocrine disruption, cancer, and reproductive and developmental toxicity.
Although more research is needed to fully understand the health risks of them in our water, it is clear that they can pose a serious threat to our health. We should all be aware of the potential contaminants in our tap water and take steps to protect ourselves and our families.
Pesticides
While many people believe that drinking water from their tap at home is completely safe to drink, the truth is that it may contain traces of pesticides. These can come from a variety of sources, including runoff from agricultural fields, landscaping, and even household gardening.
While levels of it in tap water are usually low, they can still pose a health risk, especially to young children and pregnant women. Some of the most commonly found pesticides in tap water include atrazine, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon.
If you’re concerned about the possibility of it in your tap water, there are some things you can do to reduce your exposure. Use a water filter that can remove pesticides, or drink bottled water that has been purified. You can also buy a home water distiller to help you have distilled water to drink.
You can also contact your local water utility to find out what, if any, pesticides are in your water supply.
Bad Gunk
While you may not be able to see it, there could be a surprising amount of bad gunk floating around in your home’s tap water. This gunk can come from several sources, including rust, decaying organic matter, and even pesticides. While the gunk itself is not necessarily harmful, it can give your water an unpleasant taste and smell.
Additionally, it can clog your pipes and filters, making it more difficult for your water to flow freely. If you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water, be sure to have it tested by a professional.
See the Surprising Truth Inside Your Tap Water at Home
While most filtered tap water is safe to drink, there are still trace amounts of contaminants that can be found in your water. These contaminants can come from a variety of sources, including rust, lead, and pesticides.
If you’re concerned about what might be lurking in your home’s tap water, you can have it tested. A water test will give you peace of mind and let you know if your tap water is safe to drink.
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