Most people don’t think about where their water comes from.  They just turn on the tap and expect it to be there.  

*The EPA has not updated the legal limit standard for any drinking water contaminate in three decades!  

Bottled water (plastic)

“Bottled water companies don’t produce water, they produce plastic.”

Some bottled water companies, most of which use plastic containers, charge exorbitant prices, often bottling tap water and then marking it up by as much as 3,000%. Shockingly, a significant portion of bottled water brands in the United States surpass recommended contaminant levels for bacteria and harmful chemicals. The problem intensifies due to the repeated heating and cooling of plastic bottles, which leads to a greater presence of microplastics and Phthalates in the water.

Phthalates (tha·layt) are chemicals known to disrupt the body's hormonal system. They can inhibit the production of androgen, a vital male hormone responsible, among other things, for generating testosterone. While the impact on males, boys, and male fetuses is evident, Phthalates also pose a risk to women and girls by causing hormonal disturbances.

Historically, plastic bottles contained BPA, a chemical with a strikingly similar structure to human hormones. Since 2008, BPA has been widely recognized as dangerous and toxic. Even at extremely low doses, long-term exposure to BPA increases the risk of infertility. Furthermore, BPA has been linked to a host of health issues, including accelerated puberty, an elevated risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and birth defects.

When concerns about BPA's hazards came to light, most bottled water companies switched to an alternative chemical called BPS, claiming their bottles were now BPA-free. However, recent studies and evidence have revealed that BPS acts in a manner virtually identical to BPA, raising continued concerns about the safety of plastic bottled water.

Chlorine

Chlorine, when used as a disinfectant in water treatment, can have both benefits and potential drawbacks. Chlorine is effective in killing harmful microorganisms and ensuring that drinking water is microbiologically safe. However, the consumption of excess chlorine or its byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs), can pose health concerns. THMs are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water and have been associated with an increased risk of cancer and other health issues.

Chloramine

Chloramine is a disinfectant used in water treatment to ensure the safety of drinking water by killing harmful microorganisms. While chloramine is effective at its primary job, it can have potential health concerns if consumed in excess. Some individuals, particularly those with certain medical conditions, may be more sensitive to chloramine. When chloramine interacts with organic materials in water, it can form harmful disinfection byproducts, such as nitrosamines, which have been linked to health risks, including cancer.

Prescription medicines 

Your tap drinking water may contain a surprising array of pharmaceutical substances, including painkillers, blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, birth control medications, narcotics, antibiotics, anti-epileptic drugs, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and hormones. What's concerning is that these pharmaceuticals are now being detected in our tap water at levels previously unheard of.

Most municipal water treatment systems, which are responsible for treating tap water, do not effectively remove antibiotics from the water supply. Studies on fish downstream of major water treatment plants have revealed alarming effects, with male fish exhibiting signs of feminization and some being born with intersex characteristics. Many of these fish have shown feminization, even to the extent of having eggs in their testes. Furthermore, traces of antidepressants have been discovered in the brains of some of these aquatic creatures.

In the United States, water samples from various locations have been tested, revealing the presence of up to 56 different pharmaceutical drugs. This means that whatever medications your neighbors are taking, you may unwittingly be exposed to them through your tap water.

PFAS-PFOA-FTFE (Forever Chemicals)

PFA's and PFAS, often referred to as 'forever chemicals,' are pervasive in the United States and nearly ubiquitous worldwide. These substances possess remarkable resilience as they do not degrade in the human body or the environment, rendering them almost indestructible. Once in our systems, they cling to our blood, and their levels tend to accumulate over time.

The presence of these chemicals poses significant health risks, potentially leading to various diseases and health issues. Exposure to 'forever chemicals' can adversely affect multiple bodily systems, resulting in a range of health consequences. Studies have linked exposure to these substances with conditions such as cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, adverse effects on childhood development, including low birth weight and birth defects, as well as potential impacts on the immune system.

Micro plastics

Microplastics are harmful to drink in water due to their potential health risks and environmental implications. These tiny plastic particles, often invisible to the naked eye, can contaminate drinking water sources and, when ingested, may pose health hazards to humans. They can accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to various health issues, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential disruption of the endocrine system. Furthermore, microplastics in water can enter the food chain, affecting aquatic life and, ultimately, human consumption. Beyond health concerns, the presence of microplastics in water contributes to the ongoing problem of plastic pollution in the environment, threatening ecosystems and wildlife. Addressing the issue of microplastic contamination in drinking water is essential to safeguard both human health and the planet's ecological balance.

Arsenic

Arsenic is harmful to drink in water due to its severe health risks. When consumed in elevated levels over time, arsenic contamination can lead to a range of health problems, including various types of cancer, such as skin, bladder, and lung cancer. It can also cause skin lesions, cardiovascular issues, and negatively affect the nervous system. Arsenic is particularly concerning because it accumulates in the body, and even low to moderate exposure levels can result in long-term health consequences. The presence of arsenic in drinking water is a significant public health concern, and ensuring safe drinking water free from this toxic element is crucial to preventing these harmful health effects.

Nitrates

Nitrates in drinking water can be harmful, particularly when present in elevated levels. These compounds, often originating from agricultural runoff and industrial activities, can contaminate water sources. When consumed, nitrates themselves are relatively harmless, but they can be converted into nitrites within the body. Nitrites can react with hemoglobin, reducing its oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to a condition called methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome," especially in infants. Prolonged exposure to high nitrate levels in drinking water can result in severe health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and infants. Therefore, it's essential to monitor and control nitrate levels in drinking water to prevent potential health risks and ensure the safety of water supplies.

Lead

When tested even in small amounts, lead can to blindness and anemia.  Lead exposure in children can cause developmental delays, speech and language problems, decreased bone and muscle growth, poor muscle coordination, damage to the nervous system, kidney problems, seizures, and hearing issues.

Pesticides

Pesticides in drinking water pose significant health and environmental risks. These chemical compounds, designed to protect crops from pests and diseases, can leach into water sources through runoff, contaminating the water supply. When consumed, pesticides can have adverse effects on human health, including the potential to disrupt the endocrine system, impair neurological functions, and lead to developmental issues, especially in children. Long-term exposure to pesticides in drinking water has been linked to various chronic health conditions, including cancer. Additionally, the presence of pesticides in water can harm aquatic ecosystems and non-target species, causing imbalances in the environment. Therefore, safeguarding water quality from pesticide contamination is essential to protect both human health and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers, when present in drinking water, can be harmful due to their potential to introduce excess nutrients into water bodies. Nitrogen and phosphorus, common components of fertilizers, can lead to nutrient pollution in water sources. When these nutrients enter waterways, they can stimulate the overgrowth of algae, a phenomenon known as eutrophication. This excessive algae growth can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to the death of aquatic life and the creation of "dead zones." Additionally, some fertilizers may contain contaminants, such as heavy metals, which can further harm the environment and pose health risks if they find their way into drinking water supplies. To protect water quality and public health, it is essential to manage and regulate the use of fertilizers, adopting practices that reduce nutrient runoff and the associated risks to both ecosystems and human consumption of water.

Fluoride

Fluoride in drinking water can be harmful when present in excess levels. While fluoride is often added to public water supplies to help prevent tooth decay, excessive exposure to fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition that affects tooth enamel, causing discoloration and pitting. In severe cases, high fluoride intake can also lead to skeletal fluorosis, resulting in joint pain and potentially severe bone deformities. Furthermore, there is ongoing debate and research regarding potential adverse health effects associated with prolonged exposure to elevated levels of fluoride, including its impact on neurological development.

Heavy Metals 

Heavy metals in drinking water are harmful due to their toxic nature and the serious health risks they pose. When metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are present in water sources and ingested, they can accumulate in the body over time, leading to a range of health problems. Lead exposure, particularly concerning for children, can result in developmental issues, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Mercury can harm the nervous system, affecting cognitive function and motor skills. Arsenic is a known carcinogen and can lead to various cancers, while cadmium exposure is associated with kidney damage and other adverse health effects. The long-term ingestion of heavy metals in drinking water can cause chronic health conditions, making it imperative to monitor and regulate these contaminants to ensure safe and healthy drinking water for all.

E. coli

Escherichia coli, or E. coli, in drinking water is harmful because it can indicate contamination by fecal matter and potentially dangerous pathogens. While not all strains of E. coli are harmful, some can cause severe illness and pose a significant health risk when ingested. Exposure to pathogenic E. coli strains can lead to gastrointestinal infections, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. In severe cases, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly, E. coli contamination can lead to life-threatening complications. Therefore, detecting and eliminating E. coli in drinking water is crucial for public health and the prevention of waterborne illnesses.

Glyphosate

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide in agriculture, can pose concerns when detected in tap water. Its presence in drinking water, especially in excess, raises potential health issues. Research has suggested a possible link between glyphosate exposure and health problems, including cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Glyphosate residues in tap water can result from runoff from agricultural fields, and it's important to monitor and regulate its levels to minimize potential health risks.