Chemical Contaminants in Drinking Water

Drinking water usually comes from one of two sources, a public source or from a private well or aquifer. Unfortunately, there are hidden dangers in tap water in the form of chemical contaminants. In some cases all it takes is an infinitesimal concentration of these contaminants to pose a significant health risk. In addition, some of these contaminants can be the result of industrial, manufacturing, mining, or agricultural run-off and leakage.

You cannot see or smell most of these contaminants, so you must protect yourself by properly filtering your tap water. In addition, you should test your tap water on a regular basis.

Here are some of the most common chemical contaminants in tap water…

Heavy Metals:

Description: There are many ways that heavy metals can get into drinking water. In particular, activities such as mining and construction can release large amounts of heavy metals into nearby ground water sources.

Danger: In high concentrations, heavy metals concentrations can lead to poisoning. Heavy metals are very dangerous because they tend to bioaccumulate. In simple terms, this means that the chemical can keep building up in humans and animals until they reach a toxic level. Heavy metals can enter a water supply by industrial and consumer waste, or even from acidic rain breaking down soils and releasing heavy metals into streams, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Heavy metals can cause a variety of health problems including cancer, gastrointestinal problems, increased blood pressure, brain damage, and many other adverse effects.

Fertilizers and Pesticides:

Description: Farmers apply fertilizers and pesticides to fields and crops, many fertilizers contain forms of nitrogen that can break down into harmful nitrates.

Danger: Nitrates are especially dangerous to children under 6 months of age. Exposure to nitrates in drinking water at levels above the drinking water standard may result in "blue baby syndrome," in infants under six months. “Blue baby syndrome” is life-threatening without immediate medical attention. This occurs when babies drink formula mixed with tap water that is high in nitrates. By boiling water, the level of nitrates is increased, due to a concentration effect.

Lead & Copper:

Description: Household plumbing materials are the most common source of lead and copper in home drinking water.

Danger: Lead can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells.

Other Chemical Contaminants in Your Tap Water:
• Radionuclides including alpha emitters, beta/photon emitter, radium, and radon gas
• Inorganic Contaminants :Antimony, Asbestos, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Cyanide, Mercury, Nitrate, Nitrite, Selenium, Thallium
• Synthetic Organic Contaminants and Herbicides
• Volatile Organic Contaminants (VOCs)
• Disinfectants and their byproducts
• MTBE (in US)