Tap water: it’s convenient, readily available, and for most of us, a staple in our everyday lives. But have you ever stopped to consider what might be lurking in that seemingly harmless glass? The truth is, tap water can be a cocktail of contaminants—some of which are potentially hazardous to your health. Here’s a breakdown of what you could be ingesting and why it matters.
Common Contaminants in Tap Water
Pesticides:
Runoff from agriculture can seep into groundwater and make its way into our taps.
Possible Side Effects: Disruption of hormones, cancer risk, liver/kidney damage, and developmental issues.
Prescription Drug Residue:
Medications flushed down the toilet or excreted in human waste can end up in the water supply.
Possible Side Effects: Antibiotic resistance, hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems.
Chlorine:
Added to kill bacteria and other pathogens, chlorine can react with organic matter to create harmful byproducts.
Possible Side Effects: Respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, increased cancer risk (due to disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes).
Fluoride:
A toxic nuclear waste byproduct, often hailed for its supposed ability to prevent cavities, fluoride is now finally under scrutiny for it's negative effects.
Possible Side Effects: Dental and skeletal fluorosis, cognitive impairment, thyroid disruption.
Bromide:
Found in both natural and man-made sources, bromide is a lesser-known contaminant with serious risks.
Possible Side Effects: Neurological issues, thyroid problems, and hormone disruption.
Chloramines:
Used in place of chlorine by some water utilities, chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia.
Possible Side Effects: Respiratory problems, skin irritation, and harmful effects on kidney function.
This is just a breif overview of some of the dangers associated with these water additives, please do your own deeper dive into each contaminant to research the far reaching effects, as there is too much to cover in this post.
Sneaky Ways Tap Water Finds Its Way into Your Diet
It’s easy to overlook just how often tap water creeps into our daily lives without us realizing. Here are some of the most common ways:
Water used to brew coffee or tea
Restaurant ice cubes
Canned soda, iced tea, or other beverages
Soda machine drinks (often mixed in-house and filled with mold/bacteria due to poor maintenance)
Water served at restaurants
Soups, stews, broths, and sauces at eateries
Water used to cook pasta, rice, or steam vegetables
Essentially, any food or beverage made with water in a restaurant or café is likely made with tap water.
Best Water Purification Methods (Brita is Not Enough)
When it comes to filtering your water, it’s important to go beyond the typical store-bought pitcher filters like Brita, which do very little to remove dangerous contaminants. Instead, consider these more effective options:
Ceramic and Silver-Infused Gravity Filters:
Ceramic filters remove particulates, while silver is antibacterial, preventing microbial growth. These are great for camping or in emergency situations because no electricity is used and river or lake water can be filtered if necessary.
Reverse Osmosis (RO):
One of the most thorough methods, RO forces water through a membrane to remove contaminants. However, it also strips out beneficial minerals.
Distillation:
Pure but mineral-deficient, distilled water evaporates and condenses, leaving contaminants behind. Be cautious, though, as long-term use can leach essential minerals from your body.
Self-Harvested Spring Water:
If you’re fortunate enough to live near a clean natural spring, this is one of the best options for pure, mineral-rich water. Check out https://findaspring.org to locate one near you.
The Importance of Minerals and Re-Mineralizing Your Water
If you opt for purified water like reverse osmosis or distilled, it’s crucial to reintroduce minerals into your diet, as these methods remove both harmful substances and essential nutrients. Consider adding:
Trace minerals
Sea salt read our blog post on the benefits of sea salt HERE
Fulvic acid, which contains over 70 minerals and electrolytes
Both options can help maintain your body’s electrolyte balance and overall health.
A Historical Look at Water Purity
In ancient times, humans drank from pristine springs, rivers, and lakes. Unfortunately, industrialization and pollution have drastically changed our water supply. Even in places where natural water sources were once clean, runoff from pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals has compromised many waterways.
Despite this, there are still a few spots on the globe where you can scoop water straight from the source, such as the Swiss Alps and Iceland. Some underground aquifers also provide naturally filtered, pure water, but access is limited.
Well Water: Benefits and Risks
Well water taps directly into underground sources, but it’s not always as clean as you might think. If your well is untested, you could be exposed to:
Heavy metals like lead and arsenic
Bacteria and viruses
Agricultural pesticide runoff
Regular testing is a must if you rely on well water. On the plus side, well water can be mineral-rich and free of many of the contaminants found in city water systems.
Avoiding Plastics: Why You Shouldn’t Drink from Plastic Bottles
Even if a water bottle is labeled BPA-free, it can still leach harmful chemicals when exposed to heat (like sitting in your car) or cold (when frozen). Some of these chemicals include:
Phthalates
BPS (Bisphenol-S)
Microplastics
Not to mention, most bottled water isn’t the fresh mountain spring water the label suggests—it’s often just filtered (or unfiltered) tap water in a toxic package. A high-quality glass or copper bottle is a much safer alternative.
The Controversy Over Alkaline, Hydrogen, and Structured Water
There’s plenty of debate surrounding the benefits of alkaline water, hydrogen-infused water, and structured water. While proponents claim various health benefits, it’s important to remember that the quality of the source water still matters. Contaminants in tap water won’t magically disappear just because the water’s pH or molecular structure changes.
Final Thoughts: Do Your Own Research
Clean water is essential to nearly every function in your body, from detoxification to digestion. While opinions on the "best" water may vary, what’s clear is that quality matters. Whether you opt for a high-quality filter, spring water, or another method, take the time to ensure you’re fueling your body with the purest water possible.
Remember, do your own research. What works for one person may not work for another, and there’s a lot of conflicting information out there when it comes to water purification methods.
Closing Note
Your health depends on clean water—don’t skimp on it! The difference between cheap water and well-purified water is more than worth the investment.
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