Is Your Drinking Water Safe? The Truth About Hidden Contaminants (Part 5)
What’s Really in Your Tap Water—and How to Protect Your Health
Water is essential to life—but unfortunately, it isn’t always as clean or as safe as we assume.
Have you ever stopped to consider what’s actually in your drinking water?
Contaminants can enter the water supply from multiple sources, including industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, aging infrastructure, and even the chemical processes used to treat public water systems.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 77 million Americans may be exposed to contaminants in their drinking water, including lead, arsenic, chlorine, fluoride, and pharmaceutical residues (1).
We turn on the tap every day trusting that what flows out is safe. But growing evidence suggests that trust may be misplaced.
A nationwide analysis by the Environmental Working Group found that 22 known carcinogens in U.S. drinking water could collectively contribute to over 100,000 cancer cases. This was the first study to evaluate the cumulative health risks of multiple water contaminants—highlighting a critical and often overlooked reality (2).
The real concern isn’t a single chemical.
It’s a toxic cocktail of pollutants—each interacting with the others, compounding their biological effects over time. This cumulative exposure has serious implications for long-term health, contributing to chronic inflammation, hormone disruption, neurological stress, and increased disease risk.
The good news?
Awareness is the first step toward protection.
By understanding what’s in your water and how these contaminants affect the body, you can make informed choices to reduce exposure and protect your health and your family’s well-being.
Let’s take a closer look at the most concerning drinking water contaminants—and what may be lurking in your tap.
Water is essential to life, but unfortunately, it isn’t always as pure as we’d like to think.
The Six Most Harmful Contaminants in Drinking Water
Drinking water contamination can occur at multiple points—through industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, aging infrastructure, and even the chemicals used in public water treatment. Among the most concerning and well-documented contaminants are the following (3,4):
1. Heavy Metals: The Hidden Dangers in Your Glass
Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic are not just environmental pollutants—they are commonly detected in drinking water across the United States.
These metals enter the water supply through aging pipes and plumbing systems, industrial waste, mining activity, agricultural chemicals, and naturally occurring deposits in soil and bedrock. Unlike many contaminants, heavy metals accumulate in the body over time, increasing toxic burden and disease risk.
Health consequences of chronic heavy metal exposure include neurological impairment, kidney and liver damage, cardiovascular disease, hormone disruption, and increased cancer risk—with children and pregnant women being especially vulnerable.
Lead: A Silent but Serious Threat
Lead contamination most commonly originates from older plumbing infrastructure, particularly in homes built before 1986, when lead pipes, solder, and fixtures were still widely used.
Even very low levels of lead exposure are considered unsafe.
In children, lead exposure has been associated with:
Learning disabilities and reduced IQ
Developmental delays
Behavioral and attention disorders
In adults, chronic exposure has been linked to:
Hypertension and cardiovascular disease
Kidney damage
Bone demineralization and osteoporosis
Fertility and reproductive issues (5)
Because lead is colorless, odorless, and tasteless in water, contamination often goes unnoticed without proper testing.
Mercury: A Neurotoxin in Your Water
Mercury enters water systems primarily through industrial waste, coal-fired power plants, mining operations, and atmospheric deposition.
Even at very low concentrations, mercury is a potent neurotoxin. Chronic exposure has been associated with:
Tremors and impaired motor coordination
Memory loss and cognitive decline
Mood changes and neurological dysfunction
Developmental defects in children (6)
Mercury exposure is especially concerning during pregnancy and early childhood, when the nervous system is still developing.
Arsenic: A Naturally Occurring Poison
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in bedrock and groundwater in many regions, but industrial pollution, pesticide use, and agricultural runoff can significantly increase exposure levels.
Long-term arsenic exposure has been linked to:
Multiple cancers (including skin, bladder, and lung)
Cardiovascular disease
Peripheral neuropathy and nervous system damage
Immune dysfunction (7)
Because arsenic contamination varies widely by geographic region, private wells and rural water systems are particularly at risk.
For a deeper clinical breakdown of exposure pathways, symptoms, and detoxification strategies, link here to your dedicated heavy metals blog:
→ Heavy Metal Toxicity & Detoxification
2. Pesticides & Herbicides: How Agricultural Runoff Contaminates Your Water
Pesticides and herbicides are chemicals commonly used in agriculture to control pests and weeds. However, these substances can leach into groundwater or be carried by runoff into nearby rivers, lakes, and reservoirs—eventually making their way into municipal water supplies. Long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to a range of health problems. (8)
Pesticides: Hidden Hormone Disruptors in Your Water
Pesticides such as organophosphates and carbamates are designed to disrupt biological processes in pests but can also adversely affect human health. These compounds interfere with the endocrine system, contributing to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and increased cancer risk. Children are especially vulnerable, with studies linking early-life exposure to developmental delays and behavioral disorders.
Herbicides: Chemicals That Linger in Our Water
Herbicides such as glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) are widely used to control unwanted vegetation. Due to its extensive agricultural use, glyphosate has been detected in surface water, groundwater, and municipal water supplies. Research links glyphosate exposure to endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, gut microbiome disruption, and potential carcinogenic effects. (9)
Atrazine: A Hormone-Disrupting Chemical in Your Water
Atrazine is one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States, particularly on corn crops. It is highly persistent in the environment and frequently detected in both surface water and groundwater. What makes atrazine especially concerning is its profound impact on hormonal regulation. Studies show atrazine exposure can lead to reproductive abnormalities, altered hormone signaling, and developmental disruption. (10)
The Frog Study That Shocked Scientists
One of the most well-known studies on atrazine was conducted by Dr. Tyrone Hayes at the University of California, Berkeley. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2002), the research demonstrated that atrazine exposure caused male African clawed frogs to develop female characteristics, including eggs in their testes. Some frogs became fully feminized and functionally female despite being genetically male. (11)
This study highlighted atrazine’s ability to suppress testosterone and increase estrogen activity, raising serious concerns about its potential effects on human reproductive development—particularly during fetal and early childhood stages.
Key concerns include:
Endocrine disruption: Atrazine mimics estrogen and interferes with normal hormonal development, especially during pregnancy
Water contamination: A 2009 Environmental Working Group analysis found atrazine in the tap water of over 30 million Americans at levels exceeding what independent scientists consider safe (12)
Health effects: Linked to menstrual irregularities, birth defects, fertility issues, and increased cancer risk
3. Pharmaceutical Residues: The Hidden Drugs in Your Water
Ever wonder what happens to medications after they’re flushed down the toilet or excreted from the body? Many pharmaceutical compounds—including antibiotics, hormones, antidepressants, and opioids—are not fully removed by wastewater treatment plants and persist in the environment as chemical pollutants.
These residues have been detected in rivers, lakes, groundwater, and municipal water supplies worldwide—sometimes even after filtration. As a result, trace amounts of pharmaceuticals can end up in drinking water, raising concerns about chronic, low-dose exposure and its long-term effects on human health. (13)
This type of exposure is particularly concerning for individuals already dealing with hormone imbalance, gut dysfunction, neurological symptoms, or immune dysregulation.
→ Gut Health & Digestive Restoration
→ Hormone & Metabolic Optimization
Antibiotics: Fueling the Superbug Crisis
Antibiotics enter the water supply through pharmaceutical manufacturing waste, hospital effluent, and conventional animal agriculture, where they are routinely added to livestock feed.
These residues can:
Disrupt the gut microbiome, reducing microbial diversity
Promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria (“superbugs”)
Undermine the effectiveness of life-saving antibiotics
Weaken immune resilience and increase infection risk
Once present in water systems, antibiotics selectively pressure bacteria to develop resistance—posing a major public health threat that the World Health Organization has identified as a global crisis.
Chronic low-level exposure may further impair gut-immune signaling and detoxification capacity.
→ Immune Health & Autoimmune Support
Hormones: Disrupting the Endocrine System
Hormonal medications—including oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapies, and anabolic steroids—are commonly excreted in urine and are poorly removed by standard water treatment processes.
These endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can:
Alter reproductive hormone signaling
Trigger early puberty or delayed sexual development
Contribute to fertility challenges
Disrupt thyroid and adrenal balance
Affect aquatic life, including widespread feminization of fish populations
Pregnant women, children, and adolescents are especially vulnerable, as hormonal signaling during development is highly sensitive to disruption.
→ Hormone & Metabolic Optimization
Antidepressants & Antipsychotics: Neurological Wild Cards
Psychiatric medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and risperidone have been detected in drinking water at parts-per-trillion concentrations. While these levels seem small, even trace exposure may confirm biological activity over time.
Potential concerns include:
Altered mood regulation and stress response
Disrupted sleep-wake cycles
Cognitive and neurodevelopmental impacts in children
Behavioral changes in aquatic organisms, including impaired feeding and predator avoidance
While long-term human studies are limited, the presence of neuroactive compounds in drinking water raises valid concerns—particularly for children, pregnant women, and individuals with neurological or psychiatric vulnerability.
Opioids: A New Threat in the Water Supply
With the rise of the opioid crisis, traces of opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl are increasingly detected in surface waters and, in some cases, treated municipal systems.
Primary sources include:
Human waste following use or abuse
Improper disposal (flushing unused medications)
Hospital and pharmaceutical runoff
Although concentrations are low, repeated exposure may still exert subtle neurochemical effects—especially in children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illness. Low-level opioid residues may interact with opioid receptors, contributing to mood dysregulation, hormonal disruption, or altered pain sensitivity.
4. Fluoride & Chlorine: Are They Helping or Harming?
Municipal water systems commonly add fluoride and chlorine to drinking water to prevent tooth decay and control infectious disease. While these practices have public health intentions, growing research suggests that chronic, systemic exposure may carry unintended long-term health consequences. (14,15)
Understanding how these chemicals interact with hormones, the gut microbiome, and detoxification pathways is essential—especially for children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illness.
Fluoride: A Double-Edged Sword
Fluoride is added to drinking water in many countries under the premise of reducing dental cavities. While topical fluoride exposure may benefit tooth enamel, systemic ingestion raises important concerns.
Excessive fluoride exposure has been associated with:
Dental & Skeletal Fluorosis – Overexposure can discolor teeth and contribute to harder yet more brittle bones and enamel, increasing fracture risk.
Pineal Gland Calcification – Fluoride accumulates in the pineal gland, potentially disrupting melatonin production, circadian rhythm, and hormonal regulation. (16,17)
Neurological Concerns – Multiple studies associate higher fluoride exposure with reduced IQ scores and impaired neurodevelopment in children. (18,19)
Thyroid Dysfunction – Fluoride may interfere with iodine uptake and thyroid hormone signaling, potentially contributing to hypothyroidism.
Individuals with thyroid conditions, hormonal imbalance, or impaired detoxification may be particularly sensitive.
→ Hormone & Metabolic Optimization
Chlorine: A Necessary Evil?
Chlorine is widely used as a disinfectant to reduce waterborne pathogens. While effective at preventing acute infectious disease, chronic chlorine exposure introduces additional health risks—especially over a lifetime. (20)
Formation of Harmful Disinfection Byproducts
When chlorine reacts with organic matter in water—such as decaying vegetation or agricultural runoff—it forms disinfection byproducts (DBPs), including:
Trihalomethanes (THMs)
Haloacetic acids (HAAs)
These compounds have been associated with:
Increased cancer risk, particularly bladder and colon cancer
Reproductive complications, including miscarriage and low birth weight
Liver, kidney, and nervous system toxicity
Although the EPA sets limits on DBPs, cumulative exposure—especially through drinking, bathing, and showering—may still pose health risks.
Impact on the Gut Microbiome
Chlorine does not distinguish between harmful pathogens and beneficial microbes.
Chronic exposure to chlorinated water may:
Disrupt gut microbial balance, reducing beneficial species such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
Lower microbial diversity, a hallmark of metabolic dysfunction, autoimmunity, anxiety, and depression
Promote dysbiosis, allowing pathogenic bacteria to dominate and drive inflammation
→ Gut Health & Digestive Restoration
Leaky Gut & Immune Dysregulation
Chlorine and its byproducts may also impair intestinal barrier integrity.
This can lead to increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), allowing toxins, microbes, and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream.
Potential downstream effects include:
Systemic inflammation driven by immune activation
Autoimmune risk, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease
Food sensitivities and intolerances
Inhalation & Dermal Absorption Risks
Chlorine exposure is not limited to drinking water.
Chlorine vapors are inhaled during hot showers and baths
Chlorine is absorbed through the skin, particularly in warm water
Studies suggest that dermal and inhalation exposure may equal or exceed ingestion, making whole-house or shower filtration particularly important for toxin reduction.
→ Detoxification & Environmental Medicine
5. Radiological Contaminants: The Unseen Nuclear Threat in Your Water
Radiological contaminants—whether naturally occurring or introduced through human activity—can seep into groundwater and persist in drinking water supplies. Unlike many chemical pollutants, radiological elements emit ionizing radiation, which can damage DNA, disrupt cellular function, and increase long-term cancer risk. (21)
These contaminants are often invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making them especially concerning from a public health perspective.
Radium: The Bone-Seeking Element
Radium occurs naturally in certain rock formations and can enter groundwater through erosion.
Because radium behaves similarly to calcium, the body incorporates it into bones, where it can:
Increase the risk of bone cancer and leukemia
Weaken bone structure over time
Disrupt normal bone remodeling processes
Chronic exposure—even at low levels—raises concern for cumulative radiation dose, particularly in children and individuals with impaired detoxification.
Uranium: More Than Just a Radioactive Metal
Uranium contamination can occur near mining operations, military sites, or naturally uranium-rich geology.
Health risks include:
Kidney toxicity, as uranium acts as a heavy metal as well as a radiological agent
Potential contribution to radon gas formation, which is associated with increased lung cancer risk
Long-term cellular and DNA damage from radiation exposure
Chromium-6: The Erin Brockovich Chemical
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) gained notoriety through the Erin Brockovich case, but it remains a concern in water supplies near industrial sites.
Chromium-6 exposure has been linked to:
Stomach and gastrointestinal cancers
Liver and kidney toxicity
DNA damage and oxidative stress
Unlike trivalent chromium (a trace nutrient), chromium-6 is highly toxic and carcinogenic.
Tritium & Other Nuclear Byproducts
Tritium and other radioactive byproducts can enter water systems through:
Nuclear power plants
Medical isotope waste
Military or research facilities
These isotopes may:
Increase the risk of genetic mutations
Contribute to long-term cancer risk
Accumulate silently over time with repeated exposure
Because radiological contaminants are difficult to remove without advanced filtration, proactive water testing and treatment are essential.
→ Detoxification & Environmental Medicine
6. PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals” That Won’t Go Away
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used for their water-, grease-, and heat-resistant properties. They are commonly found in non-stick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam, and contaminated drinking water sources. (22,23)
PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment—or in the human body.
Why PFAS Are So Concerning
Even at very low concentrations, PFAS exposure has been associated with a wide range of serious health effects, including:
Cancer – Linked to kidney, testicular, and liver cancers
Hormone Disruption – Interferes with thyroid signaling and reproductive hormones
Immune Suppression – Reduces vaccine response and immune resilience
Developmental Issues – Associated with low birth weight, impaired growth, and neurodevelopmental effects
Liver and Kidney Damage – Accumulates in organs, contributing to metabolic dysfunction
Because PFAS bioaccumulate, exposure builds over time—often faster than the body can eliminate them.
PFAS in Drinking Water
One of the most significant sources of PFAS exposure is contaminated municipal and well water, particularly near:
Military bases
Airports (firefighting foam use)
Industrial manufacturing sites
Standard municipal water treatment systems do not effectively remove PFAS, making advanced filtration essential for risk reduction.
→ Advanced Functional Lab Testing
→ Hormone & Metabolic Optimization
Why PFAS Matter in Chronic Illnes
From a functional medicine perspective, PFAS exposure contributes to:
Impaired detoxification pathways
Hormonal dysregulation
Immune system overload
Increased inflammatory burden
This makes PFAS particularly problematic for individuals with autoimmune conditions, fertility challenges, thyroid disorders, metabolic dysfunction, or unexplained chronic symptoms.
Common Sources of PFAS Contamination
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used extensively for their water-, grease-, and heat-resistant properties. Because they do not readily break down in the environment or the human body, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
PFAS exposure does not come from a single source—it occurs through daily, cumulative contact with a wide range of consumer products and environmental pathways.
Below are some of the most common sources of PFAS exposure in everyday life:
Non-stick cookware – Especially Teflon-coated pans and bakeware, which can release PFAS into food during high-heat cooking
Waterproof and stain-resistant fabrics – Jackets, outdoor gear (e.g., Gore-Tex), furniture, and carpets treated with stain repellents
Fire-retardant furniture and carpets – Many couches, mattresses, and rugs—particularly older or commercial-grade products
Athletic and synthetic clothing – Moisture-wicking and water-repellent sportswear (e.g., leggings, compression gear)
Food packaging – Fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, paper plates, and grease-resistant containers
Cosmetics and personal care products – Waterproof mascaras, eyeliners, foundations, and long-wear lipsticks
Cleaning products – Degreasers, stain removers, and some multipurpose sprays
Dental floss – Certain national brands use PFAS coatings to improve smoothness and durability
Tampons and pads – Conventional menstrual products, especially those marketed as “leak-resistant” or moisture-wicking
Ski wax and performance gear – Fluorinated waxes used in competitive skiing can contaminate snowmelt and water systems
Electronics and appliances – PFAS are used in circuit boards, wiring, and non-stick internal coatings
Tap water – Many communities are exposed through contaminated municipal water supplies, often near industrial sites, airports, or military bases
Because PFAS exposure is cumulative and often unavoidable without intentional intervention, reducing contact across multiple sources is essential for lowering long-term toxic burden.
For practical guidance on minimizing exposure, see Environmental Working Group Guide to Avoiding PFAS Chemicals
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Water Contaminants & Ensure Cleaner Water for the Future
The good news is that you are not powerless. While water contamination is widespread, there are practical, evidence-based steps you can take to significantly reduce exposure and protect your long-term health.
Reducing toxic burden begins with awareness—but meaningful change comes from upgrading filtration, limiting plastic exposure, and making informed daily choices.
Smart Ways to Safeguard Your Drinking Water
Invest in a High-Quality Water Filter
Not all water filters are created equal. Reverse osmosis (RO), activated carbon, and distillation systems are the most effective at removing fluoride, chlorine, pesticides, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, PFAS, and other contaminants.
Filtered water should be used not only for drinking, but also for cooking, coffee, tea, and infant formula preparation. Refrigerator filters are inadequate and can even become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria if not maintained properly.
For guidance on effective filtration systems, consult the Environmental Working Group Tap Water Database and Water Filter Guide
Review Your Local Water Quality Report
Municipal water systems are required to publish annual water quality reports. These reports identify detected contaminants, regulatory limits, and potential health risks.
The Environmental Working Group Tap Water Database allows you to quickly look up your zip code and view independent testing data, often revealing contaminants present below legal—but not necessarily safe—limits.
Boil Water Only in Emergency Situations
During natural disasters or short-term contamination events, boiling water for 1–3 minutes can eliminate many bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
However, boiling does not remove heavy metals, PFAS, pesticides, or pharmaceutical residues and should never be relied on as a long-term purification strategy.
Test Your Water Regularly
If you rely on a private well or live near agricultural, industrial, or military zones, routine water testing is essential. Home test kits can screen for lead, nitrates, bacteria, and PFAS, while laboratory testing provides more comprehensive analysis when concerns arise.
Reduce Exposure to Hidden Waterborne Toxins
Eliminate Plastic Bottled Water
Many bottled waters contain microplastics and plastic-derived endocrine disruptors that leach from packaging. These compounds can interfere with hormone signaling and contribute to cumulative toxic burden.
Filtered tap water stored in glass or stainless steel containers is often a safer and more sustainable option.
Choose Spring Water in Glass When Needed
When filtered water is unavailable, opt for verified natural spring water bottled in glass. Ensure the source provides transparency around testing for contaminants, including PFAS and heavy metals.
Filter Shower and Bath Water
Water contaminants are not only ingested—they are also absorbed through the skin and inhaled as steam, particularly during hot showers.
Chlorine, chloramine, and volatile byproducts can irritate the skin, burden detox pathways, and impact respiratory health. Shower filters or whole-house systems can meaningfully reduce this exposure.
Everyday Lifestyle Changes That Lower Chemical Load
Switch to Low-Toxicity Personal Care Products
Many soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and hygiene products contain PFAS, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances that add to overall toxic burden. Choosing fragrance-free, transparently labeled, and EWG-verified products reduces daily chemical exposure.
Use Fluoride-Free Toothpaste with Hydroxyapatite
Fluoride exposure occurs from multiple sources, including water and dental products. Hydroxyapatite is a biocompatible, enamel-rebuilding alternative that supports oral health without systemic fluoride exposure.
Avoid Antibacterial Soaps Containing Triclosan
Triclosan is a known endocrine disruptor and contributes to antibiotic resistance. Regular soap and water—or natural castile-based formulas—are sufficient for effective hygiene without added risk.
Dispose of Medications Properly
Never flush unused medications down the toilet or rinse them down the sink. Pharmaceuticals that enter wastewater systems are difficult to remove and contribute to drug residues in drinking water.
Use local Rx Take Back programs or designated disposal sites to ensure medications are handled safely and responsibly.
Final Thoughts: Simple Steps to Protect Your Health from Water Contaminants
Water contamination is a serious issue, but small, informed choices can make a meaningful difference. Whether it’s filtering your water, staying informed through local water quality reports, or making more intentional purchasing decisions, each step helps reduce cumulative exposure to harmful contaminants.
Clean water is not a luxury—it is a foundational requirement for health. By taking proactive measures today, you not only protect your own well-being but also contribute to a future where safe, clean drinking water is accessible for everyone.
Protect Your Health Today
At Denver Sports & Holistic Medicine, we understand that water contaminants can contribute to a wide range of health concerns, including hormone disruption, neurological symptoms, chronic fatigue, skin conditions, and digestive dysfunction.
If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms or suspect environmental exposures may be impacting your health, your water quality could be an important—and often overlooked—factor.
We take a personalized, root-cause approach to help you:
Identify potential environmental contributors to your symptoms
Reduce exposure to harmful pollutants
Support detoxification pathways
Restore balance across key systems of the body
Ready to take the next step?
Request a free consultation with Dr. Martina Sturm to learn how water quality and environmental toxins may be affecting your health—and how a targeted, integrative plan can help you reclaim clarity, resilience, and long-term well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drinking Water Safety & Contaminants
What are the most common contaminants found in tap water?
Common drinking water contaminants include heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic; disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine; fluoride; PFAS (often called “forever chemicals”); pesticides and herbicides from agricultural runoff; pharmaceutical residues; and radiological elements such as radium and uranium.
Is bottled water safer than tap water?
Not necessarily. Many bottled waters are simply filtered municipal water and may contain microplastics or chemicals leached from plastic packaging. Spring water bottled in glass from a verified, tested source is generally a safer option.
What health problems are linked to water contaminants?
Chronic exposure to water contaminants has been associated with hormone disruption, neurological symptoms, thyroid dysfunction, increased cancer risk, fertility issues, immune suppression, gut microbiome imbalance, and developmental delays in children.
How can I check what’s in my local water supply?
You can review your municipality’s annual Consumer Confidence Report or use the Environmental Working Group Tap Water Database to identify contaminants detected in your local water system.
What type of water filter is best for removing contaminants?
Reverse osmosis, activated carbon, and multi-stage filtration systems are the most effective for removing contaminants such as PFAS, lead, fluoride, chlorine, and pharmaceutical residues. High-quality systems like AquaTru reverse osmosis filters and Clearly Filtered carbon filters are commonly recommended for their performance and reliability.
Can water contaminants be absorbed through the skin?
Yes. Chemicals such as chlorine and chloramine can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as vapor during showers and baths. Shower filters or whole-house filtration systems can significantly reduce this exposure.
What are PFAS and why are they harmful?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and food packaging. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily and can accumulate in the body, contributing to cancer risk, hormone imbalance, immune dysfunction, and metabolic disruption.
How often should drinking water be tested?
If you rely on private well water or live near industrial or agricultural areas, annual testing is recommended. Municipal water users should still review annual water quality reports and may benefit from periodic home testing.
Does boiling water remove toxins?
Boiling water can kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites but does not remove chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, fluoride, PFAS, or pharmaceutical residues. Proper filtration is still required.
What are the best ways to reduce exposure to water toxins?
Effective strategies include using a high-quality water filter for drinking and cooking, filtering shower and bath water, choosing spring water in glass when appropriate, avoiding plastic bottled water, using fluoride-free oral care products, minimizing toxic personal care items, testing water regularly, and properly disposing of medications instead of flushing them.
Resources
Environmental Working Group – Study estimates more than 100,000 cancer cases could stem from contaminants in tap water
Environmental Working Group – EWG Tap Water Database: Chemical Mixtures May Interact and Raise Cancer Risks
Healthline – 15 Common Water Contaminants and Their Potential Risks
World Atlas – The Six Most Harmful Contaminants in Drinking Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Basic Information About Lead in Drinking Water
World Health Organization – Mercury in Drinking Water
U.S. Geological Survey – Arsenic and Drinking Water
PubMed Central – Pesticides in Drinking Water: A Review
IntechOpen – Water Resource Pollution by Herbicide Residues
Environmental Working Group – Atrazine: A Harmful Weedkiller Taints Tap Water for Millions in the United States
PubMed – Hermaphroditic, Demasculinized Frogs After Exposure to the Herbicide Atrazine at Low Ecologically Relevant Doses
Environmental Working Group – EWG Review of Atrazine in Tap Water
U.S. Geological Survey – Pharmaceuticals in Water
PubMed Central – Swallowing the Pharmaceutical Waters
ScienceDirect – Fluoride Contamination in Groundwater: A Global Review of Status, Processes, Challenges, and Remedial Measures
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – EPA Will Expeditiously Review New Science on Fluoride in Drinking Water
National Institutes of Health – Study Reveals How Too Much Fluoride Causes Defects in Tooth Enamel
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey – Fluoride Exposure and Sleep Patterns Among Older Adolescents in the United States
Pediatrics Journal – Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
National Institutes of Health – Fluoride Exposure: Neurodevelopment and Cognition
World Health Organization – Chlorinated Drinking Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Radioactivity in Drinking Water
Environmental Working Group – Interactive Map: PFAS Contamination Crisis Across the United States
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule Data Summary, January 2025