Ah, tap water. One of the most amazing achievements of the modern world. The majority of the world still lacks access to clean water, so we should be grateful for this miracle, right?. It's cheap, affordable, and abundant.
However, what if I told you that tap water around the world has so many chemicals, hard minerals, and other pollutants in it, that drinking it is like smoking cigarettes. Sure, one glass won't kill you, but drink enough of it over your lifetime and you may accumulate high levels of toxins that can destroy your bones, hormones, and other systems.
Although tap water is generally treated and deemed safe by regulatory bodies, several studies highlight potential dangers lurking in our municipal water supplies. Consequently, many are turning to advanced filtration systems like reverse osmosis (RO) to ensure the purity of their water at home. And we think you should too.
Understanding the Contaminants in Tap Water
One of the most pressing issues with tap water is the presence of contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, chlorine, household cleaners, pharmaceutical drug residues, pesticides, hard minerals, and more.
Basically anything that goes down the drain, could remain in the water, even after the most thorough cleaning.
-
Chlorine: Often used in water treatment processes to kill bacteria, chlorine can have adverse effects on human health. While it effectively disinfects, chlorine can react with organic materials in water to form trihalomethanes (THMs), which have been linked to an increased risk of the big "C" and other health issues over prolonged exposure.
-
Lead: This heavy metal is a notorious contaminant that can leach into tap water from corroded pipes. Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children, affecting brain development and leading to cognitive impairments. Even in small amounts, lead poses significant health risks, making it a primary concern for anyone prioritizing their health.
-
Pharmaceuticals: Medications flushed into the water system can end up in our tap water. While the concentrations are typically low, the long-term effects of continuous exposure to various pharmaceuticals are not yet fully understood. This cocktail of drugs, ranging from antibiotics to hormones, can potentially disrupt endocrine systems and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
- Other Contaminants in Tap Water: Also lurking in your water are sediment like dirt and rust, hard minerals like inorganic calcium and magnesium, pesticides, herbicides, household cleaners, paint, auto fluids, and more.
By drinking tap water you are trusting that your local water authority is removing all of them. We know from cases like Flint, Michigan this is not always the case.
While you may not know what is in your water, you can measure the amount of unidentified substances dissolved in the water. A simple Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter will tell you how many unidentified pollutants are lurking in your water. Obviously, the closer you get to zero the better.
Anything over 150 ppm, and you should avoid consuming it entirely...in our opinion at least. Under 50 is ideal.
You can buy a cheap TDS meter on Amazon, or buy a ZeroWater pitcher. A TDS meter is included with all ZeroWater products.
Health Risks of Drinking Contaminated Tap Water
The presence of these contaminants in tap water can lead to numerous health issues, both short and long term. If you are looking for a simple biohack you can start now, it is to only drink purified water. No tap ever, unless it is all you have access to.
Stay Informed About Local Water Quality
Being proactive about the quality of local tap water is essential. Regularly review local water quality reports, which are often available online through municipal websites or local health departments. These reports can provide crucial information about the presence of contaminants and help you make informed decisions about water consumption.
Healthier Alternatives to Tap Water
-
Filtered Water: Investing in a good filtration system, like a reverse osmosis system can significantly reduce contaminants in tap water. Reverse Osmosis systems can be expensive, so using a multi-stage filter like the ones made by ZeroWater are also good options.
-
Bottled Water: While convenient, bottled water is not always the best alternative due to environmental concerns and potential chemical leaching from plastic bottles. However, it can be a safer option if sourced from reliable brands that test for contaminants. Look for those in glass bottles if you can.
Note: Most good water cleaners remove everything, including healthy minerals. Make sure to replenish these with a dash of clean sea salt in every glass.
In conclusion, while tap water is a convenient and generally safe option for many, the presence of contaminants like arsenic, fluoride, drug residues, and hard minerals cannot be overlooked, especially when water regulators do not consider water dangerous until it reaches 500 ppm in total dissolved solids...YIKES!
Investing in something like a reverse osmosis filter not only enhances the quality of water, but also ensures the safety and well-being of you and your family. Water is second most important thing we put in our body after oxygen, so get the cleanest source possible.
Sources
Purification of contaminated water with reverse osmosis: effective solution of providing clean water for human needs in developing countries
Effect of different reverse osmosis water filters on fluoride content of drinking water
Removal of arsenic as a potentially toxic element from drinking water by filtration: a mini review of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis techniques
Point-of-use water filters can effectively remove disinfection by-products and toxicity from chlorinated and chloraminated tap water
