Safe drinking water is one essential aspect of our life that we take for granted. On average, each of us drinks two liters of water every day. As such, our drinking water is prone to be exposed to various substances.
We take actions only when we experience crisis, such as lead contamination. During this time, we investigate what are the chemicals present in our tap water source.
America is not the only region where problems in the tap water exist. As a matter of fact, it is felt throughout the world.
While there are cases won over the years, but every consumer must still be vigilant with regards to toxins lurking at the pipes and faucets.
Indeed, water contaminants can lead to adverse health effects which can be short or long term. Examples of which are reproductive health issues, gastrointestinal illness, respiratory, and cancer.
Here are some of the tap water contaminants that you don’t know existed in your water:
Arsenic
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are around 36 million Americans in 2000 that consumed water with arsenic at above 3 parts per billion.
In the early 2000s, the EPA has updated the arsenic standard based on the advancement of modern science. As such, the level of arsenic in the water across the country has gradually declined.
Health issues with Arsenic
When you are exposed to arsenic for a long period of time, it can possibly cause cancer of the lungs, skin, bladder, and kidney. Experts also show that it can cause various skin issues such as pigmentation and thickening. There is an increased risk of bladder and lung cancer for those who ingest arsenic at the water of 50 ug/ liter or lower.
Chlorine treatment by-products
One of the oxidants added to the municipal water systems to eliminate the microbes is the chlorine. It is very effective in eliminating viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Examples of which are the E.coli, salmonella, and the Giardia.
Unfortunately, chlorinated water can bring negative health effects. As one is exposed to it, it can be absorbed by the body. It can be through bathing or drinking.
Meanwhile, chloramines are produced whenever ammonia is added in the water with free chlorine. Typically, these are added as a secondary disinfectant. Chloramine and chlorine when combined will form the disinfectant byproducts (DBPs).
Health issues with Chlorine treatment by-products
Chlorine in the water is proven to cause reproductive problems. Haloacetic acids plus the trihalomethanes are known to cause cancer especially if it is present in high quantities. It can put the bladder at risk and cause breast and rectal cancer.
Also, chlorine can cause the dryness of the skin and the hair. It can irritate the eyes and the nose. Chlorine and chloramine are known to cause cell damage, impaired balance, and memory loss.
Fluoride
Fluorides are compounds that combine with fluorine plus other substances. Some water facilities add it to the water to help in the reduction of tooth decay, especially to children.
Health issues with Fluoride
High levels of fluoride are known to cause skeletal fluorosis. This is a painful health condition that causes pain and stiffness of the joint. Researches also state that drinking high-levels of fluoridated water can cause thyroid gland dysfunctions, hormone disruption, and cancer.
Lead
Lead can be compared to the most popular bad guy in your area. This chemical can cause leaching in the plumbing fixtures and the pipes. This is especially true when the flowing water is corrosive.
According to studies, lead is a common problem at places with older water systems. On the other hand, modern homes with new brass fixtures can still experience lead problems in their water.
Health Issues with Lead
The lead in the water can be the cause of several health issues. Examples of which are behavioral and neurological problems with the children.
Herbicides
Herbicides can enter the public water system by its accumulation in the water and soil. They enter into the water system from rainfall. It also goes into the irrigation which washes away the herbicides from the farmlands into rivers and lakes.
One of the commonly detected herbicides in the water source of the United States is the atrazine. Studies show that it can be found in the waters of the Southern and Midwest part of America.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) addressed the government to stop the use of atrazine in its entirety.
Health issues with herbicides
The atrazine is a popular endocrine disruptor. It can interfere with the hormonal activity and cause failure in the reproductive organs.
Mercury
Mercury is found in different natural deposits and it is a liquid metal. It can get into the public water system due to various ways. These include erosion of natural deposits, discharge from factories and refineries, cropland runoff, and landfill runoff.
Health issues with mercury
High level of exposure to Mercury can cause damage in the kidneys. Furthermore, mercury in the water can cause brain damage, muscle atrophy, cognitive dysfunction, skin problems, and memory loss.
Nitrates
Nitrates are known to occur naturally in low concentrations in soil and plants. But nowadays, nitrates have become a contaminant due to the fertilizers used. Runoff from farms and factory flows in the ground. As such, it ends up in our drinking water.
Health issues with Nitrates
The EPA has set the standard of 10 parts per million for nitrates which can be harmful to babies and pregnant mothers.
In rare cases, infants’ too much exposure on nitrates can cause the ‘blue baby syndrome’. This is a fatal disease that can prevent the oxygen to flow in the blood.
Pathogens
Through the years, modern technology has created better control of pathogens. After the 1993 water-borne outbreak in Milwaukee, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made the rules and regulations in the control of pathogens. However, there are still more to go.
Health issues with Pathogens
Pathogens are viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause diseases in the body. These pathogens are now present in the water which causes adverse health effects to us.
PCBs
The Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are manmade chemicals which big industries use. They are useful in the production of capacitors, refrigerators, and televisions. During manufacture, the PCBs enter the water, air, and soil. Wastes from the industries with PCBs were dumped in the landfills and dump sites. There are times that spills and leakages happen which causes the PCBs to enter the water source.
Today, there are traces of PCBs around the world. They are toxic and considered as a persistent organic pollutant, due to their long lifespan. These findings contributed to its banning in 1979.
Health issues with PCBS
As it enters the water supply, it can be very difficult to remove it. It acts as a neurotoxin which disrupts the hormone production. It interferes the immune system of the body and can even cause cancer in the long run.
Perchlorate
The perchlorate is found in various industrial activities. Examples of which are the explosives, road flares, and rocket fuels.
Perchlorate has been detected in the water of the 26 states of the country. Up until now, there is no standard for its presence. But, it is being finalized and we are expecting the EPA to issue the final version in 2019.
Health issues with Perchlorate
According to studies, Perchlorate can possibly interfere with the thyroid hormone production. It messes with the regulation of the metabolism.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals are synthetic products. These are found as prescription or for veterinary medicine. Some patients flush out their unused medicines in the toilet or sink. Others were released due to the body wastes. But the majority of the traces of pharmaceuticals in the water are due to improper disposal and poor manufacturing facilities.
Radioactive Contaminants
The radioactive elements found in the drinking water can occur naturally. However, there are radioactive materials produced from the nuclear weapons, medicines, and energy which can get into drinking water. This can be due to leakage and improper water storage.
Health issues with radioactive contaminants
According to studies, the radioactive contaminants in the water can potentially lead to kidney failure. In the long run, one can also possibly develop cancer.
Vinyl Chloride
The vinyl chloride is a chemical which is used to make PVC plastic products. Examples of which are the pipes we use inside the home. Old pipes can lead to leakage of vinyl chloride in the water. This is true for some communities in the United States. Vinyl chloride can cause cancer when there is high-quantity of it in the water.
Volatile Organic Compounds
The Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can include various chemicals which are emitted as gases. Today, there are thousands of products which have VOCs. As such, it is no surprise that these elements end up in our drinking water. When it is heated and vaporized, the body can absorb these contaminants.
Quality of Tap Water
The quality of the tap water differs greatly between cities and countries. First, it depends upon the water sources that are available for each region.
It is also dependent upon the kinds of man-made and natural infrastructures which are located near water resources.
The quality of tap water also depends upon the water treatment processes utilizes. The chemicals involved will also determine its end product.
Moreover, the standards set out by the health and government authorities have a lot to say regarding the water quality. Finally, the conditions, age, and materials of the water delivery infrastructure also determine the water quality.
How to Keep the Water Safe
One of the effective ways to prevent health issues due to contaminants is to make sure that the water meets the standards. Protect your water sources, provide effective water treatment, and monitor your water quality. There are various laws and regulations at the federal and state level to implement these strategies.
In the United States, the EPA regulates the drinking water supply in public. The country has one of the most reliable public water systems which delivers water across millions of consumers. While there are regulations and infrastructure that assures the quality of the water, many areas have contaminant levels which pose risks to many people.
On the other hand, there is little assurance for those consumers of small community water supply which is not covered by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Examples of which are the private domestic wells which are unregulated by the government. With this, the exposures and hazards of contaminants in the drinking water still remain an important aspect of public health.
The Berkey Water Filter System
To protect the water source, one of the effective methods is by investing and installing a water filter system inside your home. This can produce clean drinking water without issues of contaminants. There are various brands available in the market, but one of the best among them is the Berkey Water Filter System.
Our company provides the Berkey Water Filter Systems which are the best gravity water filter element in the market. It can eliminate all the toxins without messing the healthy minerals on it.
Our product line has surpassed other filtering methods with its ability to remove harmful contaminants and viruses. According to the test results done by the Envirotek Laboratories Inc. in New Jersey, the Berkey Water can remove up to 99.9% of the following chemicals:
- Bisphenol-A
- Chloramine
- Pharmaceuticals
- Petroleum Contaminants
- Heavy Metals
- Coliform and E-Coli
Meanwhile, the testing done by the Analytical Services, Inc. shows that our product materials do not leach into the water. Unlike other brands where plastic and metals leach the water stored inside. Indeed, the Berkey Water Filters can purify and not just filter the water.
Furthermore, the Environmental Toxicology Laboratory in Los Angeles conducted a series of studies with our products. There is a 95% reduction of nitrates, MBAs, and arsenic in the drinking water versus other brands.
Product Line
We have 7 various products here at the Berkey Water Filter. All of our products contain the Black Berkey Purification Elements. This water purifier can remove 99.9% of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. It has been tested by the state authorities. Furthermore, it has been accredited by the laboratories of EPA to exceed NSF/ ANSI standard 53.
Here are some of our best-sellers:
- Big Berkey Water Filter-2.25 gallons
- Royal Berkey Water Filter– 3.25 gallons
- Travel Berkey Water Filter-1.5 gallons
- Crown Berkey Water Filter-6 gallons
- Imperial Berkey Water Filter-4.5 gallons
- Berkey Light Water Filter-2.75 gallons
- Sport Berkey Water Bottle
- Go Berkey Kit
Grab yours now today! Protect your family from the adverse health effects of contaminants in your water. Produce your own clean and safe drinking water anywhere you go. You can have this at your home. You can also bring this to camps or at work. Moreover, the Berkey Water Filters is a good gift to give to your loved ones.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, there are various contaminants in our drinking water today due to the presence of chemicals in our environment.
You can protect your family by converting the contaminated tap water into clean drinking water. This can be effectively done with the use of a water purification device, such as the Berkey Water Filter System. Check out our website and choose the products that satisfy your family’s needs.
EcoBlueLife.com is a replacement water and air filter company located in the United States. The views and opinions contained herein are solely those of the original author and do not represent Eco Blue Life or its affiliates. This article was originally published on TheBerkey.com
