It is no secret that drinking water is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, not all water is safe for consumption. More and more Americans are becoming aware of the potential dangers of drinking tap water. However, many people are still in the dark or simply choose to ignore the negative effects that tap water can have on their health and overall wellbeing. Despite stringent government regulations, countless contaminants could be lurking in your unfiltered tap water. These contaminants often go undetected and end up in a drinking glass. While the United States has higher quality tap water than most other countries, it is still not perfect and there are many potential dangers to consuming unfiltered water.
The Possible Dangers of Unfiltered Water
Lead
Lead can enter your tap water through corroded service pipes and faucets. Tap water contaminated with lead is most common in homes built before 1986. The health effects of lead consumption can be seriously detrimental, especially in children. Lead exposure can result in learning disabilities, damage to the nervous system, impaired hearing, and more.
Chlorine
Chlorine is widely used as a way of killing microorganisms and disinfecting drinking water. However, the chemical has been linked to many forms of cancer. When chlorine interacts with organic compounds in water, trihalomethanes form, which can damage or destroy important cells in the body.
Arsenic
Arsenic is another contaminant found in tap water that can do serious damage to your health. The chemical can enter water through natural or human activities. The consumption of arsenic can have cancerous effects on the skin, kidneys, lungs, liver and more.
Fluoride
The addition of fluoride to public drinking water was widely debated. The intended purpose behind water fluoridation was to decrease the rate of cavities and tooth decay. However, recent research has shown that the chemical does a lot more harm than good. Fluoride can actually damage children’s teeth and lead to bone disease.
Play it Safe with a Filter
When it comes to tap water, it is better to be safe than sorry. The water softening and filtration products and services at American Water can eliminate the potential dangers found in tap water. Our staff is prepared to help you find the right water system that will fit your needs, as well as your budget. Contact us today at (512) 388-0022.
