Here in the United States, public water systems are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are required to treat and test their water to meet strict federal standards. However, despite these safeguards, a variety of contaminants can still find their way into your water supply. This can happen through pollution of source waters, issues within our aging water infrastructure, or even from the plumbing inside your own home.
Eventually, you will notice that these unwelcome substances affect everything from the taste, smell, and color of your drinking water to your family’s overall health and wellbeing. In order to properly combat these contaminants, you need to understand exactly what’s in the glass of water you’re holding. To get you started, we’ve broken down the top ten most common contaminants found in tap water across the United States.
1. Lead
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is particularly dangerous because you cannot see, taste, or smell it. Its presence in drinking water is almost always due to the corrosion of pipes and plumbing fixtures. As the water sits in or moves through lead plumbing systems, the lead can leach into the water.
You should be concerned about the levels of lead in your water supply because the associated health risks are severe, especially for children and pregnant women. Even low levels of exposure can lead to permanent brain damage, lowered IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems in children. In adults, lead exposure can cause kidney problems, high blood pressure, and reproductive issues.
2. Chlorine
Chlorine is a disinfectant deliberately added to water at treatment facilities to kill off harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause serious waterborne diseases. While this practice is important for public health, it does have its downsides. For example, many people dislike the “pool-like” smell and taste that chlorine adds to their water. Others find that the chemical can be irritating to their skin and eyes.
3. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
Dubbed “forever chemicals,” PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals that are incredibly resistant to breaking down in the environment and in our bodies. They have been used for decades in countless consumer and industrial products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam. These chemicals enter our water supply through industrial discharge, leaching from landfills, and runoff from areas where firefighting foams were used.
The EPA has linked PFAS exposure to a host of serious health problems, including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and developmental issues in infants and children. Since PFAS generally don’t affect the taste or smell of water, it’s important to schedule regular water testing.
4. Arsenic
Arsenic is a semi-metallic element that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust. It can enter groundwater and surface water supplies through the erosion of natural deposits or from industrial and agricultural pollution. While it’s found throughout the country, some regions have naturally higher concentrations in their soil and rock formations, leading to a greater risk of water contamination.
Because arsenic is a known human carcinogen, long-term exposure can lead to an increased risk of developing skin, bladder, and lung cancers. It can also lead to skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, and neurological problems.
5. Nitrates
Nitrates are chemical compounds that can enter water sources through runoff from fertilized lands, leaking septic systems, and animal waste. While they are a natural part of the ecosystem, high concentrations in drinking water pose a significant health risk, particularly for the most vulnerable among us.
Those most affected by nitrate levels are infants. Consuming nitrate-heavy water or formula can lead to methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” a life-threatening condition where the blood’s ability to carry oxygen is dangerously reduced. In adults, some studies have suggested a link between long-term nitrate exposure and an increased risk of certain cancers and thyroid problems.
6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are a broad category of carbon-containing chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. They are found in thousands of products and can get into water supplies from a variety of sources, including industrial solvents, fuel spills, pesticides, paint, cleaning supplies, and even as byproducts of water disinfection. Common VOCs found in water include benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), and tetrachloroethylene.
The health effects of VOCs vary widely depending on the specific chemical and the level and duration of exposure. They can range from short-term issues like headaches, nausea, and dizziness to long-term chronic problems like damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and an increased risk of cancer.
7. Microbial Contaminants
This broad category includes disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella), viruses (Norovirus, Hepatitis A), and protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium). These contaminants typically enter water supplies that have been contaminated with human or animal waste, often through sewer overflows, failing septic systems, or agricultural runoff.
Unlike many chemical contaminants, microbes can cause immediate illness. For example, ingesting them can lead to acute gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, and fever. While most healthy adults recover, these waterborne illnesses can be severe and even fatal for individuals with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and young children.
8. Herbicides and Pesticides
Millions of pounds of herbicides and pesticides are used each year in American agriculture and on suburban lawns and gardens. Runoff from rain and irrigation can carry these powerful chemicals into rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers that supply our drinking water.
Many of these chemicals are designed to disrupt biological systems, and long-term exposure has been linked to a range of health issues, including endocrine disruption (interference with hormones), reproductive problems, and an increased risk for various types of cancer.
9. Iron and Manganese
These two elements are naturally occurring minerals that often appear together in water, especially from groundwater wells. While not considered a primary health risk at the levels typically found in tap water, they can still have annoying effects. For instance, iron causes reddish-brown staining on fixtures, dishes, and laundry, while manganese leaves behind brownish-black stains. Both can give water an unpleasant metallic taste and clog pipes and appliances over time. Their presence can also promote the growth of certain types of iron bacteria, which can create a slimy buildup in plumbing and contribute to bad tastes and odors.
10. Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products
A growing concern is the presence of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in our water. These include everything from prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs to hormones and antibiotics. They enter the water system when people excrete them or when unused medications are flushed down the toilet. Wastewater treatment plants are generally not equipped to filter out these microscopic compounds.
The science on the long-term health effects of consuming low-level mixtures of pharmaceuticals and personal care products is still emerging. However, key concerns include potential hormone disruption and the contribution to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Serv-All Has a Clear Solution for Clean Water in Las Vegas
Reading about these potential contaminants can certainly be unsettling, but there is good news. You have the power to protect your home and your family from these risks. While no single filter can remove every contaminant from every water source, our experts at Serv-All Water Conditioning are here to provide a proven and effective solution.
One of the most comprehensive and reliable technologies for home water purification is a reverse osmosis (RO) system. A multi-stage RO system works by pushing water through a series of advanced filters, including a special semi-permeable membrane. This membrane has microscopic pores that are so fine they block an incredibly wide range of contaminants, including lead, arsenic, PFAS, nitrates, iron, manganese, and many more, while allowing pure water molecules to pass through. The trapped contaminants are then flushed away, leaving you with nothing but clean, safe, and delicious-tasting water right from a dedicated tap at your sink.
Are you interested in a reverse osmosis system installation? Contact Serv-All Water Conditioning today to schedule a water analysis in Las Vegas, NV. We’ll test your water, explain the results, and help you find the perfect water treatment solution for your home. (And don’t forget that we can also help you address water hardness with a water softener installation.)