What’s in Your Cup: Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Did you know that water can constitute up to 70 percent of an average person’s weight? When you’re relying on water to cleanse your body of waste and keep your mind alert, you need to stay hydrated. But you also want to stay safe when you reach for a glass of water.
Is tap water safe? Read on to learn if you’re filling your glass with clean water!
Tap Water May Contain Minerals and Disinfectants
While you might associate disinfectants with cleaning products, they can be linked with water — in a good way. In regulated tap water, controlled amounts of disinfectants can provide a notable health benefit.
For instance, chlorine helps ward off germs when added to water. Another common additive is fluoride. It can fortify teeth and decrease the chances of developing cavities.
Minerals — like zinc, iron, and calcium — are present in tap water. You’ll find copper and sodium, too, and these minerals can help you meet your daily intake needs. How much of each mineral is present can impact a water’s taste.
Know About the Chemicals in Tap Water
Not everything in your water is safe, however, and you may be more vulnerable depending on your water supply. Well water, for instance, is not subject to monitoring standards from the Environmental Protection Agency. Public systems, by contrast, are tested for chemicals and bacteria.
Those lead pipes that let water enter your home can contaminate water if left unchecked. Tap water may contain low levels of arsenic, too, from manufacturing or agricultural runoff. And bacteria can enter water systems, leading to local water alerts.
Don’t Fall for Tap Water Myths
You might believe that bottled water is a safer and better alternative. But don’t let the fancy packaging fool you. This water isn’t tested as often as tap water — and the plastic will contaminate the water supply when it ends up in a landfill.
You’ll lose more money buying one-use bottles, too. You can trust that public drinking water systems meet federal guidelines to keep you safe. And if the chlorine seems too pungent in your tap water, you can always get a filter.
Consider Filtration Systems for Clean Water
A sampling station or filtration system can ensure that your water supply stays safe. Especially if you drink from a private well, you may want to pursue a reverse osmosis system. This will remove contaminants like nitrates.
An ion-exchange system gets rid of limescale to create softer water. And, if you’re most interested in improving taste, a carbon filter should remove odors and bad flavors. These filters also can remove some contaminants, like radon, through an adsorption process.
Is Tap Water Safe?
Are you still wondering, “Is tap water safe?” Public water systems must meet strict standards to provide safe drinking water to your tap that is free of contaminants. If you want to err on the side of caution or improve your tap water’s taste, consider getting a filtration system.
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