There are literally hundreds of contaminants found in common tap water that can be adverse to the human body. Contaminants like: BACTERIA’s, GERMS & VIRUSES, 1,4-DIOXANES, ALUMINUM, ARSENIC, ATRAZINE, BARIUM, BROMOFORM, CHLOROFORM, CHROMIUM-6, FLUORIDES, GLYPHOSATE, HALOACETIC ACIDS (HAA5, HAA9), LEAD, MANGANESE, NITRATES/NITRITES, PERCHLORATES, PERFLUORINATED CHEMICALS (Forever Chemicals) (PFAS, PFOA), RADIUM, TESTOSTERONE, TRICHLOROACETIC ACID, TRIHALMETHANES (TTHMs), TRIHALMETHANES (TTHMs).
Tap water can contain a variety of contaminants, which may originate from natural sources, treatment processes, or the distribution system itself. Common contaminants include microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which can lead to illnesses if not effectively treated. Chemical contaminants are also prevalent, including disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine used during water treatment, as well as their byproducts such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, which can form when these disinfectants react with organic matter in the water. Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury can enter the water supply from corroded pipes and industrial discharges, posing significant health risks over time. Furthermore, pesticides and herbicides from agricultural runoff can infiltrate water sources, while nitrates and nitrites, often originating from fertilizers, pose particular risks to infants and pregnant women. Lastly, emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals and personal care products are being detected more frequently in water supplies, raising concerns about their long-term impacts on health and the environment.