Is Your Tap Water Safe? A New Report Raises Concerns

A new report has revealed that over 70% of U.S. tap water contains harmful contaminants. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found pollutants like PFAS, heavy metals, and radioactive substances in tap water across the country.

What the Report Found

The latest update to the Tap Water Database—compiled from safety data collected between 2021 and 2023—identified 324 contaminants in water supplies across nearly every state. Some chemicals have been in the water for years but are only now being detected thanks to improved testing methods. Others appear to be new additions, stemming from industrial pollution and environmental changes.

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Key Contaminants Found in Tap Water

Contaminant	Potential Health Risks
Disinfection Byproducts	Linked to bladder cancer at high levels.
Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium-6)	Cancer-causing, linked to industrial pollution.
Nitrate	High levels pose risks to infants and are linked to cancer.
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)	Immune system suppression, hormonal disruption, liver damage, and various cancers.
Perchlorate	Affects thyroid function, particularly in children and pregnant women.

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Who Oversees Tap Water Safety?

The Safe Water Drinking Act of 1974 put the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in charge of drinking water safety. However, experts argue that many of the safety limits set by the EPA are outdated, and the regulatory process is too slow to keep up with new contaminants.

Currently, 11 states have set their own stricter limits for PFAS in drinking water:

Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Wisconsin

Last year, the EPA established national PFAS limits, but legal challenges could weaken or delay enforcement. Meanwhile, California is pushing for new laws to solidify these limits at the state level.

Your Tap Water is Likely, Not Safe

Based on the findings, your tap water is most likely not safe to drink without proper filtration. Here’s how you can reduce your risk:

Use a Water Filter
- A home filtration system can reduce exposure to contaminants.
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  - NSF/ANSI 58 Certified
  - 5-stage filtration system
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- A compact, easy-to-use alternative
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  - 6-month ultra-filtration
  - Fast 2-minute filtration
  - Removes 99% of lead, PFAS, mercury, and chlorine
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Use High-Quality Replacement Filters
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Check Local Water Quality
- The EWG database allows users to search by ZIP code to find out what contaminants are in their water supply.
Limit Bottled Water Use
- Bottled water isn’t necessarily safer than tap water and may contain microplastics.
Push for Stronger Regulations
- Contact legislators to advocate for stricter water safety laws.

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Common Questions About Water Safety 💦

Can Cancer Be Caused by Drinking Dirty Water? True or False?

True. Long-term exposure to contaminated water can increase the risk of certain cancers due to chemicals like arsenic, nitrates, and disinfection byproducts.

What Is Turbidity and How Does It Happen in Drinking Water?

Turbidity refers to cloudiness in water caused by suspended particles. It occurs due to erosion, industrial waste, or microbial growth, potentially leading to health risks.

Do Swimmers Get More Cancer?

Swimmers who frequently swim in chlorinated pools may have increased exposure to disinfection byproducts, which have been linked to bladder cancer and other health risks.

Can Well Water Cause Cancer?

Yes, if the well is contaminated with arsenic, radon, or other harmful substances. Regular testing is crucial for private well owners.

Burning Fuels Such as Coal Releases the Toxin Which Can Cause Cancer

Yes. The burning of coal releases heavy metals, arsenic, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can contaminate air and water, increasing cancer risks.

What Are Trihalomethanes?

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are byproducts of water disinfection that have been linked to cancer and reproductive issues when present at high levels.

Water Contamination and Cancer: What’s the Link?

Contaminants like PFAS, nitrates, and heavy metals in drinking water have been linked to various cancers, including kidney, liver, and bladder cancer.

Chlorinated Water Cancer Risk: Should You Be Concerned?

Chlorine itself isn’t harmful, but its byproducts, such as THMs, have been associated with increased cancer risks.

The Bigger Picture

The safety of American drinking water remains a complex issue, shaped by industrial practices, outdated regulations, and environmental pollution. While home filtration can help, long-term solutions require stronger oversight and more proactive policies to ensure clean drinking water for all.

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