What’s in Tap Water? 7 Ingredients That May Surprise You

Hey you! Put that glass down. Before you take a sip of water, read this article first.

Have you ever thought about what’s in tap water?

Tap water may be convenient, but some severe chemicals are better out of your drinking water. There are multiple chemicals that you have not have realized, lurking in your water.

Though you like your water may be clean, these chemicals say otherwise and can bring long-term adverse effects of overexposure.

If you want to taste clean, crisp water that is chemical-free, or just learn how to avoid these harmful but common chemicals, then we are here to help.

Here are the nine tap water ingredients that may surprise you.

1. Lead

Lead is one of the most notorious chemicals found in drinking water.

A heavy metal, lead is most present in public water fountains. The amount of lead present in drinking water depends on a variety of factors, such as the length of time the water has been in pipes, and how long the corrosion affects the waterways.

This corrosion can occur from poor upkeep, and general wear and tear of waterway pipes.

Though lead can expose you to harmful health effects, such as decreased kidney function, higher blood pressure, and reproductive problems, it is still a common chemical found in waterways that are older or not well-maintained.

However, it is still imperative to take precaution, even if you have a newer water system, does not mean that your water is lead-free.

2. Chlorine

Chlorine is a chemical that is mostly found in pools and cleaning supplies.

However, chlorine in excess is not a chemical you want in your water.

Chlorine is exceptionally harsh, due to its sanitation properties, and its added to water to purify it. However, exposure to too much chlorine, such as running baths, you can dry out your skin.

Though having a little bit of chlorine in your water is generally safe and necessary against water-borne diseases, too much in access may lead to trouble breathing, fatigue, and blurred-vision, among other symptoms.

3. Pathogens

Though compared to the 1900’s, our water is objectively much cleaner when it comes to pathogens. Some treatments are added to our water to prevent pathogens, such as bacteria, diseases, and parasites.

However, these disgusting (and sometimes dangerous) forms can sneak into water supplies, especially those not adequately treated.

These pathogens are common in private water cells since they do not always receive the same severe treatment as public ones do.

Still, even in public water systems, if they are poorly maintained, it can cause contamination with sewage systems and even animal excrements.

4. Nitrates

Most commonly, fertilizers for plants and greenery have nitrates. However, due to their extreme use, they are one of the largest contaminant in public water systems.

Additionally, nitrates are also naturally found in plants and soil at low levels, but their presence, when used as fertilizer, heightens. Nitrates can sneak their way into your water by runoff as well, due to factory farming.

Humans consume nitrates more often than we realize. For example, leafy green and packaged meats commonly have nitrates present.

There are still studies analyzing the effects of nitrates and their impact on individuals who are exposed; however, some argue that nitrates can cause cancer or intestinal issues in humans who are overexposed.

5. Fluoride

A typical chemical added to water to assist in decreasing tooth decay, fluoride has recently risen as a harmful chemical.

Most commonly, the use of fluoride-free toothpaste is on the rise, as people speculate about fluoride and its long-term effects.

Fluoride, in its chemical makeup, is a neurotoxin. According to a Harvard Study, fluoride is alongside lead and mercury as another chemical that can cause damage to the development of the brain if overexposed.

6. Mercury

Mercury is another heavy metal that is undesirable when present in drinking water.

Not only is mercury associated with causing kidney damage, but it can get into the water by processes such as the earth’s natural crust degassing, and fossil fuels or factory farm releasing mercury from runoff and industrial processes.

Additionally, mercury is a neurotoxin that can affect a human in a variety of ways. There are more ongoing studies to support the various issues mercury can cause, especially in the brain and other organs.

7. Arsenic

Arsenic is a harmful chemical found in drinking water and occurs naturally in rocks and soil. However, when present in water, arsenic is toxic if exposed long-term.

Arsenic enters the drinking water supply from the industrial of farm-related pollution and allows arsenic to remain in the environment for a long time.

Additionally, long-term exposure to arsenic in the form of drinking water can lead to the development of cancers of various organs, cardiovascular diseases, developmental issues in children, and respiratory issues.

How to Keep You and Your Family Safe from What’s in Tap Water

With these seven chemicals, it is understandable if you are wary about your tap water. However, there are precautions to help ease the exposure even to eliminate it.

First, you can invest in ionized alkaline water; alkaline water proves to help reduce your bloodstream’s acid and even boost metabolism and energy.

Alkaline water offers benefits compared to its tap water counterparts and is worth the switch if you have concerns about your water.

Additionally, you can flush the water by running it for a couple of minutes or until it becomes frigid. Running water can flush out any toxins that floated around while the water was off for a while.

Moreover, you can smell the water to make sure that it is normal. A rotten egg, earthy, or metal smell is a sign of something less-desirable in your water.

If you find an odor, consult your public water service to troubleshoot further.

Peace of Mind When You Sip

Now that you know what’s in tap water, you can take the proper precautions to make sure that your family is safe from these harmful chemicals.

Want to learn more about keeping your water safe? Well, then check out our products for more information.