Is Tap Water Safe to Drink? \xa0 The short answer is yes. The longer answer is it depends on the water source and environmental conditions and can change over time. The United States has some of the most reliable and safe tap water in the world. Still, there is growing concern about modern contaminants, such as PFAS and microplastics, and increased natural disasters in the news that may affect your water supply. There’s no harm in having a healthy curiosity about your tap water, but first, let’s start with the basics! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets legal limits on over 90 contaminants in drinking water that municipalities must adhere to under the Safe Drinking Water Act, so you can be sure that your tap water is safe according to EPA standards. Plus, each municipal water treatment center publishes a water quality report once a year, and you are entitled to a copy. If you’re curious about the exact contamination levels in your tap water, consult your local water report. Also, city-treated water always contains chlorine, chloramines, and fluoride at levels safe for consumption as they are used in the water treatment process.\xa0
Now if you are ever put under a Boil Water Advisory, the answer to the above question is a different story. Your tap water is not considered safe to drink and may be vulnerable to microbiological contamination. It’s best to always take boil water advisories seriously and follow recommended procedures. You may even want aUV purification systemon hand as an alternative to boiling water if you ever need to disinfect your water. While tap water is generally safe, that doesn't mean there isn’t room for improvement! From point-of-use to whole-house systems, we offer a variety of water filters that can improve the taste and smell of your water, reduce hardness and scale, or simply give you peace of mind. Contact ourwater expertstoday to discuss the best filtration options for your home, and check out our tap water guide to learn more. |