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What's in Your Water: Fill a Glass from the Tap with Confidence

Original Blog Published in 2014

If you're drinking unfiltered tap water, you're getting more than you bargained for. The average glass of tap water has the potential to contain upwards of 300 different chemicals and pollutants---not ideal for the health of your family. Here is a breakdown of just a few of the unsavory ingredients that might be inhabiting your water and how you can identify and solve the problem.

Where Does My Drinking Water Come From?

The drinking water that is supplied to our homes comes from either a surface water or groundwater source. Surface water collects in streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, while groundwater collects in pores and spaces within rocks and underground aquifers. In order to move the groundwater into your home, wells are drilled and the water is pumped to the surface.

For your home you could have one of these options as the source for you water:

  • Individual water system
  • Local water utility
  • Private well

What's in My Water?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was passed in 1974 to protect public health, including the regulation of public water systems. This act requires the EPA to establish and enforce standards that public drinking water systems must follow, but that doesn't mean contaminants cannot sneak into your water supply. Let's take a closer look at the chemicals that could potentially harm your drinking water and how you can solve this problem.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, copper, and more, can leak into drinking water from household plumbing and service lines. Drinking high levels of water containing heavy metals are linked to a number of dangerous health problems, including anemia, liver and kidney damage, and cancer.

Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)

Chemical pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture often leech into the ground and make their way into our drinking supply. Past research has shown that some of these chemicals can cause damage to the reproductive system, kidneys, liver, and other internal organs.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a particularly controversial contaminant found in tap water, particularly because it is intentionally added to the water supply. It has been shown to strengthen teeth, which is the reason it's commonly added to the water supply, but evidence has shown that drinking excessive amounts can lead to thyroid problems.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

These are chemicals that are capable of mimicking or interfering with the normal hormones in the body. These can include disinfection byproducts, pesticides, and natural and synthetic estrogens.

How Will I Know My Drinking Water is Contaminated?

While the United States has one of the safest water supplies in the world, there are many conditions that can cause differences in your drinking water. If you have experienced any of the following when you pour water from the tap, we suggest you call Ohio Valley Pure Water immediately to have it tested.

  • Unusual taste
  • Chlorine smell
  • Sulfur smell
  • Cloudy or foamy look
  • Blackening or sediments in the sink
  • Government advisories and boil warnings

What Can I Do About It?

If you don't trust your drinking water and suspect there are signs of contamination, you may want to consider a water filtration system. At Ohio Valley Pure Water, we offer reverse osmosis water filters to help remove contaminants and allow you to enjoy healthy tasting water. These high-quality machines are affordable and easy to install, leaving you and your family feeling safe about the water you're drinking.

Ohio Valley Pure Water is the leading choice for home water purification systems in the Cincinnati and Tri-state Area. We offer free estimates on home water purification systems and information regarding water purity in your area. Contact us today and learn how you can begin living a healthier life---starting with clean water.

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