There are many harmful germs, bacteria and viruses commonly found in tap water. Most of these are removed by municipalities through disinfection techniques with ozone generators or chlorine. However, bacteria can be re-introduced through the delivery system and the use of chlorine as a disinfectant can also generate other contaminants like Chloroform, Haloacetic Acids, Trichloroacetic Acids and Trihalomethanes.
Tap water can sometimes harbor various viruses and bacteria, especially if the water source or distribution system is compromised. Common bacterial contaminants include *Escherichia coli* (E. coli), which is typically an indicator of fecal contamination and can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Other bacteria like *Salmonella* and *Campylobacter* may also be present, leading to similar health issues. Viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus are among those that can contaminate tap water, often resulting in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These pathogens typically enter water supplies through sewage spills, agricultural runoff, or insufficiently treated water. While municipal water systems generally have robust treatment protocols to remove or inactivate these microorganisms, incidents of contamination can still occur due to breaks in the distribution system, inadequate treatment, or natural disasters that overwhelm existing systems. Consequently, maintaining vigilant monitoring and advanced treatment measures is essential to ensure the safety of tap water.