What's Lurking in Tap Water

Tap water is often taken for granted as a safe and reliable source of hydration, but it may actually be a significant contributor to the development of various diseases.

One major concern is the presence of contaminants in tap water. While most municipal water systems are required to meet certain safety standards, they can still contain trace amounts of harmful chemicals such as lead, chlorine, fluoride, and pesticides. These contaminants can accumulate in the body over time and contribute to the development of chronic health conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and immune system dysfunction.

Another issue with tap water is that it is often treated with chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride, which can disrupt the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. This can lead to a host of digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease.

In addition, tap water can also be a source of heavy metals, which can accumulate in the body and contribute to the development of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Long-term exposure to heavy metals can also lead to developmental delays and behavioral problems in children.

It's important to note that not all tap water is created equal, and the quality of water can vary depending on location. Those who live in rural areas or have private well water should have their water tested regularly to ensure it is safe to drink.

To protect yourself and your family from the potential health risks associated with tap water, it's a good idea to invest in a water filter or invest in a good water purification system. This can help to remove harmful contaminants and ensure that the water you're drinking is safe and healthy.

Overall, tap water is often overlooked as a potential cause of disease, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect yourself and your family. By being mindful of the quality of your tap water and taking steps to ensure it is safe to drink, you can help to reduce your risk of developing chronic health conditions and improve your overall well-being.

Water systems we use and suggest:

Berkey Water Filter, this is a free standing filter that removes 99.9% of contaminates in water. Berkey Water Filter systems are capable of filtering both treated water and untreated raw water from such sources as remote lakes, streams, stagnant ponds and water supplies in foreign countries, where regulations may be substandard at best. So powerful, this Berkey Filter system is able to remove red food coloring from water without removing the beneficial minerals your body needs.

Clearly Filtered is one of our favorites because it’s one of the only systems that with just one filter it can remove fluoride from water. Unlike typical filters, Affinity® Filtration uses a unique dual-technology approach that can remove up to 99.9% of 365+ contaminants. That’s more contaminants and the highest level of contaminant removal of any water filter on the market. Their stainless steel water bottles are great for travel, especially to foreign countries where filtered water may be less accessible.

Life Straw is a great option and now offerers their filter in a stainless steel water bottle. This company also has a great mission that you support with every purchase. LifeStraw’s membrane microfilters are different than any filter on the market they are made of hollow fiber membrane technology – a similar technology used in kidney dialysis. These membranes are made of small straws that contain microscopic pores of 0.2 microns in diameter. Dirty water enters one side of the straws and clean water passes through the pores while bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt and other forms of turbidity are blocked and unable to pass through because they are too large. The result is safe drinking water flows into a clean chamber for drinking while contaminants are blocked.

Check what’s in your tap water here:

EWG Tap Water Database

Holly MacKinnon