Tap water is plentiful, and it’s a convenient source of H2O. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 286 million Americans retrieve their tap water from a community water system that’s regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).
But, is faucet water safe to drink? In many cases it’s fine, but drinking water is subject to contamination, so it’s not the safest.
Continue reading below to learn more about faucet water and how to prevent contamination.
Is Faucet Water Safe to Drink?
Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all drinking water—bottled water included—could contain trace amounts of contaminants. However, even if contaminants are present, that does not mean the drinking water isn’t safe or poses a risk to your health.
The EPA enforces legal standards, known as National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs). They limit the amount of contaminants that come from bacteria and parasites, industrial chemicals, fertilizers, and other harmful sources.
Also, there is a second degree of non-mandatory guidelines, known as the National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (NSDWRs). These regulations are for contaminants that may cause cosmetic damage, such as skin or tooth discoloration. Some contaminants could alter the taste, odor, or color of fauces water as well.
It’s important to note that water systems are not required to comply with NSDWRs. However, certain states choose to adopt them as enforceable rules.
How Do I Know Faucet Water Is Safe to Drink?
Every year you should receive an annual water quality report via mail from your water supplier by July 1. The report details what source your water comes from and what’s in it. The EPA has the authority to supervise all public water systems and set enforceable health guidelines regarding the contaminants in faucet water.
Although the EPA’s monitoring does not necessarily guarantee that tap water is contaminant-free, it does ensure that your drinking water doesn’t pose a health risk.
If there is a violation of the regulations, or if the water supply becomes polluted by substances that could illness, your water supplier is required to inform you immediately and provide alternative advice for clean drinking water.
Is Tap Water a Risk to My Health?
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to contaminated water. The question of, “Is faucet water safe to drink?” doesn’t have the same answer for everyone.
So if you fall into one of these categories, get a copy of your area’s annual water quality report and go over it with your doctor. You can make your decision based on what your physician advises.
But even if you’re not in one of these situations, it’s never a bad idea to switch to a safer alternative.
What are Other Options Besides Faucet Water?
If you feel that the water quality in your area is compromised, or you don’t want to run the risk of drinking bad water, there are alternatives.
Below are a few of them:
Bottled Water
Bottled water is a good alternative to faucet water, but you must choose a quality brand. The FDA regulates bottled water the same way that it does food. That means they require identification from the water source and mandate the allowable levels of contaminants in bottled water.
The FDA also ensures proper manufacturing practices for boiling and bottling and regulate the labeling process. But they don’t have the authority to oversee a mandatory testing program. They can only issue a recall if an issue occurs. Therefore, every bottle isn’t guaranteed safe.
However, if you’re an environmentalist, drinking bottled water might not be for you. It’s fine to recycle, but drinking from reusable bottles is the best way to cut down on production.
Not only that, but bottles can still make their way into landfills or body’s of water if you’re not careful.
Water Filters
Filters are about the same as bottled water when it comes to safety and cleanliness. If you invest in a good filter, then it should provide the results you’re looking for. It’s best to pick one that removes the exact contaminants you’re concerned about.
Furthermore, be sure the filter product is independently certified by the Public Health and Safety Organization or a similar organization. Doing so will ensure that you’re getting the most efficient filter for the job. Otherwise, it’s the same as drinking tap water.
Lastly, it’s vital to maintain the filter and change it out per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Remember that you not only have to worry about whether your faucet water is clean, but also other sources of water— like your refrigerator. With that in mind, if you need guidance on how to find a water filter, click the highlighted link.
Boiling Faucet Water
Boiling tap water is quite effective, but that all depends on the contaminants that are in the water.
High temperatures kill germs and other harmful pathogens. However, it doesn’t get rid of lead, pesticides, or nitrates. Actually, boiling water could increase the amount of these types of contaminants. Once the volume of water decreases during the boiling process, the level of contaminants will remain the same.
So, just be aware that boiling isn’t a fool-proof method, but it does help.
Is it Safe to Drink Faucet Water? You Decide
Chances are you’ve drunk tap water plenty of times before and you were fine. But continually drinking faucet water isn’t smart. Public sources of water can easily become tainted and you don’t want to run the risk of drinking contaminated H2O. Therefore it’s best to use a filter or drink bottled water to stay on the safe side.
Did this article answer your question of “Is faucet water safe to drink?” We hope so. If you’re interested in discovering more content, feel free to continue reading our blog posts. Our website covers tons of topics that we’re sure you’ll enjoy.
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