Is Tap Water Filtered Already? What You Need to Know

Approximately 145 million people in the US get tap water from groundwater sources. Of those folks, 102 million get their drinking water from public water systems. These are the utilities that must abide by Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

So, does that mean you can drink tap water without worrying about your health? Is tap water filtered before it even makes its way to millions of consumers? 

If those questions are running through your mind, we’re here to answer them all. So, read on to discover the truth about tap water.

Is Tap Water Filtered?

Yes, most facilities filter the public drinking water they supply to US consumers. Indeed, filtration is one of the several steps used by almost all utilities to treat water.

Before filtering the water, though, utility companies conduct coagulation and flocculation first. These involve adding chemicals to untreated water. They make dirt and particles in the water clump up together and form larger particles known as floc.

Because floc is heavy, it sinks to the bottom of a treatment tank. This part of the treatment process is what you call sedimentation.

The water at the top of the treatment tank becomes clear after sedimentation. That clear water then passes through filters made of stuff like charcoal, gravel, and sand. They help remove dissolved or tinier particles like chemicals, dust, and pathogens.

However, even filtration can’t remove all bacteria, parasites, and viruses in the water. That’s why many companies still disinfect it with chlorine or chloramine.

The final step is to add fluorine, the element that helps prevent tooth decay. Experts say drinking fluoridated water can reduce tooth cavities by 35% in kids and 26% in adults.

Should You Still Filter Tap Water?

Yes, it’s wise to filter tap water as contamination can occur after its initial treatment.

Drinking contaminated tap water, in turn, can result in gastrointestinal illnesses. It can also result in disorders of the nervous system and reproductive system. Experts even say that some chemical and mineral contaminants can cause cancer.

When Do You Need to Filter Tap Water?

Please filter your water if you have a private well system. The EPA doesn’t regulate it, so you could potentially be drinking contaminated water. You should also consider getting filters if your tap water tastes funny or looks murky. 

Do the same if you live in an area served by a utility with drinking water violations. While not that many, companies with a severe violation supplied water to 0.8% of the US population in 2021. The states with the worst problems include West Virginia, New Jersey, and Mississippi.

It’s also wise to filter your water if you have a household member with a compromised immune system. That’s because they’re more prone to contracting diseases from waterborne contaminants. In that case, you might want to use a whole-house water filter, such as those from Filter Outlet, Lowes, or Menards.

Consider Filtering Your Tap Water

There you have it, the guide answering the question, is tap water filtered? Now you know that in most cases, it is, especially if it comes from a public water system. However, it’s not if it’s from a private well unless you’ve installed a filter yourself.

Either way, it’s still best to install home filters for your peace of mind.

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