Scary Things That Might Be in Your Tap Water
Even if your tap water runs clear, it might be harboring contaminants that could harm your health. Discover scary things that might be in your tap water here.
When you turn on the sink tap, you probably assume that the water flowing out is safe for you and your family. However, there are scary things that might be in your tap water, lurking invisibly and posing a threat to your family’s health. Being informed is the first step in ensuring the water you and your children drink is free from harmful contaminants.
Lead
Lead is one of the most concerning contaminants that can make its way into your tap water. Primarily present in older homes with aging plumbing systems, lead can lead to developmental issues and learning disabilities in children. Municipal water treatment plants regulate and test for lead, but if your home has lead pipes, the substance can leach into the water after it has already been treated. Test your home’s water, especially if you live in an older neighborhood, and consider filters or other solutions to prevent lead exposure.
Radon
Another invisible threat that could be in your home’s water supply is radon. This natural radioactive gas results from the decay of uranium in the ground, and one of the ways radon gets into your drinking water is via your well, if you have one. In high concentrations, radon can cause lung cancer. Testing for radon in both your home’s air and water is the only way to know if this gas is a concern for your family.
Arsenic
Arsenic, a natural element that can contaminate groundwater, is a serious concern due to its high toxicity and prevalence in certain regions. Long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to various forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other serious health problems. If you’re on a private well, testing for arsenic is particularly important, as the EPA’s standards don’t regulate wells the same way that they do municipal water systems.
Bacteria
Water is a necessity for life, but it can also harbor life that endangers ours, such as bacteria. E. coli, Legionella, and other harmful bacteria can find their way into your drinking water through sewage overflows, contaminated stormwater, or broken water lines. Water utilities chlorinate the water to kill bacteria, but if your immune system is compromised or if your children are very young, make sure your home’s water is bacteria-free.
Mercury
Lastly, mercury is another heavy metal that can present a very real danger in tap water. Industrial processes can discharge mercury into water sources, which can accumulate in fish and, if not properly filtered out, end up in your drinking water. The health ramifications of mercury exposure, especially for pregnant women and children, are dire, including neurological damage and developmental delays.
Knowing the scary things that might be in your tap water helps you understand the potential health risks in your home and take steps to mitigate them. Create a safer living space for you and your family by testing for these contaminants and addressing any concentrations.
