Drinking water is essential for human survival, yet a recent investigation by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 85% of the population’s drinking water contains 316 contaminants, 60% of which have no safety standards and are not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. This highlights the need for updated safety standards and regulations for drinking water. To protect oneself and their family from the potential health risks of these contaminants, it is important for individuals to take personal responsibility for the safety of their drinking water by using appropriate filtration systems and staying informed about the quality of their local water supply.

While drafted and passed by Congress in 1974, The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) has had only two amendments, one added in 1986 and most recently in 1996. This means safety standards for drinking water in the United States have not been updated in 27 years, which is concerning. We strongly recommend that you have your home’s water source tested independently as some contaminates currently have no regulation. 

Call us and we will set up an appointment to test your home’s water for free, at no charge to you. Our water softener / conditioning systems as well as our reverse osmosis drinking systems are sure to reduce some of the following pollutants and contaminates from your home’s water.

Here is a list of the common types of water contaminates that find their way into our water either naturally or by people:

Forever Chemicals (PFAS)

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water sources pose significant dangers to human health. These are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their water- and grease-resistant properties. PFAS are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time. Exposure to PFAS through contaminated drinking water has been associated with a range of adverse health effects. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to increased risk of certain cancers (such as kidney, testicular, and thyroid cancers), liver damage, reproductive and developmental problems, immune system dysfunction, and hormonal disruptions. PFAS chemicals have the potential to stay in the human body for long periods and can bioaccumulate, meaning they build up in tissues over time. Due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment, PFAS contamination has become a significant concern globally. Stringent monitoring, regulation, and treatment strategies are necessary to reduce exposure to PFAS and protect public health from their detrimental effects. PFAS are often more commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”.

Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that can be found in the environment as a result of human activities such as mining, industrial processes, and the burning of fossil fuels. It can also be present in some consumer products, such as older pipes and fixtures in homes, and in paint. Lead can enter the water supply through corrosion of lead pipes and lead-containing solder in older buildings, and can cause health problems, particularly for young children and pregnant women, including developmental delays and behavioral problems, as well as damage to the nervous system, kidney and reproductive system and it can also increase blood pressure. Long-term exposure to high levels of lead can cause anemia, and damage to the brain and kidneys. To protect yourself and your family from the dangers of lead in tap water, it’s important to have your water tested for lead and to take steps to reduce exposure, such as using a water filter that is certified to remove lead, and replacing lead pipes and fixtures.

Chlorine

Chlorine is a chemical commonly used to disinfect drinking water and to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens. While it is effective in making tap water safe to drink, the use of chlorine can lead to the formation of disinfectant byproducts (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the water. Long-term exposure to these DBPs can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. Additionally, while chlorine is effective in killing bacteria and pathogens, it can also be harmful to aquatic life and can cause damage to fish and other aquatic organisms. To reduce the risk of DBPs, water treatment plants monitor the levels of DBPs in the water and use techniques like granular activated carbon filtration, ozonating, and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection to reduce the formation of DBPs. Water customers can also use home-treatment methods such as reverse osmosis or distillation to remove DBPs from their tap water.

Chloramines

Chloramines are a chemical compound, typically a combination of chlorine and ammonia, that is used to disinfect drinking water. They are less likely to produce harmful disinfectant byproducts (DBPs) than chlorine alone, but they can still lead to the formation of DBPs when they react with naturally occurring organic matter in the water. Long-term exposure to these DBPs can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. Chloramines can also be harmful to fish and other aquatic life, and may cause damage to the gills and other organs in fish. Chloramines can also be difficult to remove from tap water using home treatment methods such as reverse osmosis or distillation. To protect yourself and your family from the dangers of chloramines in tap water, it’s important to have your water tested for chloramines and to take steps to reduce exposure, such as using a water filter that is specifically designed to remove chloramines.

Disinfectant byproducts (DBPs)

Disinfectant byproducts (DBPs) are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals used to treat drinking water react with naturally occurring organic matter in the water. These byproducts can include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems if ingested in large quantities over a long period of time. Long-term exposure to these DBPs can also cause damage to the nervous system, liver and kidney, and can also increase blood pressure. To reduce the formation of DBPs, water treatment plants use techniques like granular activated carbon filtration, ozonating, and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, and customers can also use home-treatment methods such as reverse osmosis or distillation to remove DBPs from their tap water. It is important to have your water tested for DBPs and to take steps to reduce exposure to these chemicals in order to protect your health.

Mercury

Mercury is a toxic metal that can be found in the environment as a result of human activities such as mining and industrial processes. It can also be present in some consumer products and it can enter the water supply through natural deposits and human activities. Exposure to high levels of mercury can cause serious health problems, including damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system. It can also cause developmental delays and behavioral problems, as well as damage to the nervous system and reproductive system. Long-term exposure to high levels of mercury can cause anemia, and damage to the brain and kidneys. To protect yourself and your family from the dangers of mercury in tap water, it’s important to have your water tested for mercury and to take steps to reduce exposure, such as using a water filter that is certified to remove mercury, and being careful about consuming fish that may be high in mercury.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are a group of chemicals that can be found in many different products and materials, including cleaning supplies, pesticides, and fuels. They can also be released into the air and water through industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels. VOCs can be harmful to human health and can cause a range of symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Long-term exposure to VOCs can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer. To protect yourself and your family from the dangers of VOCs in tap water, it’s important to have your water tested for VOCs and to take steps to reduce exposure, such as using a water filter that is specifically designed to remove VOCs, and being careful about the products you use in your home and workplace.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals are drugs and other chemical compounds that are used for medical treatment and research. They can enter the water supply through various ways, such as through the discharge of treated wastewater from homes and hospitals, the excretion of drugs by individuals, and the leaching of drugs from landfills. These compounds can be harmful to human health and the environment. They have been found in drinking water sources, even after treatment, and can have effects on endocrine system, reproductive system and other organ systems. Long-term exposure to low levels of pharmaceuticals can cause chronic health problems and can also lead to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. To protect yourself and your family from the dangers of pharmaceuticals in tap water, it’s important to have your water tested for these compounds and to take steps to reduce exposure, such as using a water filter that is specifically designed to remove these compounds, and properly disposing of unused or expired medications.

Herbicides

Herbicides, also known as weed killers, are chemicals that are used to control and eliminate unwanted plants. They can seep into the soil and groundwater, and they can also be carried by runoff into surface waters. Once in the water, herbicides can have a variety of effects on both human health and the environment such as causing skin irritation and allergic reactions, increasing the risk of certain types of cancer, damage to the liver, kidney and other organ systems, and also being toxic to aquatic life. To reduce the risk of herbicide contamination in tap and well water, it’s important to use herbicides in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, to use alternative methods of weed control, have your water tested for herbicides and to take steps to reduce exposure, such as using a water filter that is specifically designed to remove these compounds.

Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals used to control and eliminate pests, such as insects, rodents, and weeds. They can seep into the soil and groundwater, and can also be carried by runoff into surface waters. Once in the water, pesticides can have a variety of effects on human health and the environment, such as causing skin irritation and allergic reactions, increasing the risk of certain types of cancer, damage to the liver, kidney and other organ systems and being toxic to aquatic life and organisms that are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems. To reduce the risk of pesticide contamination in tap and well water, it’s important to use pesticides in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, to use alternative methods of pest control, have your water tested for pesticides and to take steps to reduce exposure, such as using a water filter that is specifically designed to remove these compounds.

Cysts

Cysts are small, protective structures found in certain types of microorganisms such as bacteria and parasites that allows them to survive in harsh environments like water contaminated with chlorine. They can cause health problems like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting and severe illnesses such as severe dehydration, malnutrition and death, particularly in people who have compromised immune systems. To protect from dangers of cysts in tap water, it’s important to have your water tested for these organisms, to use a disinfectant that is effective against cysts, such as ultraviolet light or ozone, to ensure that any water treatment systems are properly maintained and serviced, and to use a water filter that is specifically designed to remove cysts.

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE)

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a chemical compound that is often added to gasoline to reduce emissions of pollutants, but it can be a serious problem for drinking water supplies as it can easily contaminate nearby groundwater when spilled or leaked. It is highly soluble in water and can move quickly through soil and into underground aquifers that supply drinking water. MTBE exposure can cause health problems such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and long-term exposure to high levels can increase cancer risk. To reduce the risk of MTBE contamination, it’s important to prevent spills and leaks of gasoline containing MTBE, to have your water tested for MTBE, to use alternative fuel such as ethanol or biodiesel instead of gasoline, and to take steps to reduce exposure, such as using a water filter that is specifically designed to remove MTBE.

Arsenic

Arsenic in drinking water sources poses significant dangers to human health. It is a highly toxic element that occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust and can contaminate groundwater supplies. Chronic exposure to arsenic through drinking water has been linked to various health problems, including an increased risk of cancer (such as skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancer), cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and developmental issues in children. Even at low levels, long-term exposure to arsenic can have detrimental effects on the immune system, respiratory system, and overall well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other regulatory bodies have set strict limits on arsenic levels in drinking water to minimize these health risks. Proper monitoring, treatment, and mitigation measures are crucial to ensuring safe drinking water and protecting public health from the dangers of arsenic contamination.

What can we do about them?

East Coast Water Quality’s high-end 4-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Filtration System and Protector Series Whole Home Water Conditioner can work together to provide effective protection against water contaminants. Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and dissolved solids. It can significantly reduce the presence of harmful substances, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water. The Protector Series can remove or reduce specific impurities like chlorine, sediment, and organic compounds, providing an additional layer of filtration and enhancing the water’s overall palatability. By combining the filtration capabilities of reverse osmosis with the conditioning effects of the Protector Series, these systems offer comprehensive protection against a variety of water contaminants, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable drinking, bathing, and cleaning experience.