By: Annie Morgan
When thirsty, you might be quick to simply turn on the faucet and pour yourself a glass of water.
But what you might not realize is that if you drink tap water – you are putting way more into your body than just water.
We’re talking chemicals. Hundreds of them.
Many whose names you can’t even pronounce.
All being introduced to your body from a simple glass of water.
Of course, some “experts” claim tap water is perfectly “safe” to drink.
And sure, water here in America is better than many other countries overseas.
But even with stricter regulations, just because something is “legal” to consume, doesn’t make it safe.
And depending on where you live – the water in your faucet can be severely contaminated – even though it is marked as “safe.”
Truly, the source of your water matters.
Thrillist reported:
“Most contaminants, like chromium-6, hit the water supply as waste products from manufacturing or agriculture, which is why some areas may have more contaminated water than others. Flint, for example, had decade upon decade of auto-industry sludge leaking into its river — and that doesn’t even account for the old pipes transporting it to residents’ faucets!”
But it’s more than old pipes that make tap water unhealthy to drink.
Wondering what else makes water contaminated?
It might be more than you realize.
Your tap water could contain everything from bacteria to mercury – and unbeknownst to you – you are consuming it without a second thought.
WebMD reported:
“Water can be contaminated in several ways. It can contain microorganisms like bacteria and parasites that get in the water from human or animal fecal matter. It can contain chemicals from industrial waste or from spraying crops. Nitrates used in fertilizers can enter the water with runoff from the land. Various minerals such as lead or mercury can enter the water supply, sometimes from natural deposits underground, or more often from improper disposal of pollutants. Lead can leech into drinking water through old lead pipes.”
But it gets even worse.
To those who have autoimmune disorders or weakened immune systems – the danger of ingesting chemicals is even more risky.
And as research continues to reveal – many people are drinking contaminated water and they have no idea.
They think their water supply is “safe” so they opt for the tap water option, not knowing what is lurking in their own faucet.
Scientific American reported
“The Environmental Working Group analysis of 20 million tap water quality tests found a total of 316 contaminants — including industrial solvents, weed killers, refrigerants and the rocket fuel component perchlorate — in water supplied to the public between 2004 and 2009.”
Skip the Tap
So the next time you go to pour yourself a glass of tap water – ask yourself if it is really worth the risk.
We’re not saying you need to keep buying endless bottles of water (bottled water isn’t necessarily a better choice as even some of their water is contaminated).
But fear not! There are many other alternatives.
You can get a water filtration system for your house so you can be sure the water you are drinking is clean.
Or, many health food stores often reverse osmosis water – and charge under a $1 for gallon refills.
If you don’t feel like lugging around heavy gallons of water – you might want to consider a water home delivery service – which will save you time and the hassle of running around – and keep you fully stocked so you won’t be tempted to drink water from the faucet!
Wondering what the “gold standard” option is?
Experts show reverse osmosis is still currently the best of the best.
Thrillist continued:
“If reverse osmosis sounds super high-tech, it’s because it is. The complex filtration systems ensure that water goes through a five- or six-step process before it hits your lips, which puts your puny little pitcher filter to shame. It’s expensive, no doubt — a few hundred dollars at the bare minimum — but installing and using a reverse osmosis system will give you the best water.
“A reverse-osmosis filter system that includes carbon filtration will give you the cleanest water possible at home and will reduce or remove most water contaminants including arsenic, hexavalent chromium, and perchlorate,” Andrews adds.
And you can even get a reverse-osmosis system for your entire house, so every sink and faucet emits the best, safest filtered water for cooking, bathing, and even brushing your teeth. Can you really put a price on that?”
So next time you are thirsty and think about pouring a glass of tap water – you might want to reconsider your options and make a different choice.
Of course, don’t use this as an excuse to stop drinking water!
Remember, you should be drinking half your body weight in ounces each day.
So keep drinking water – just choose a healthier source.
Were you surprised to learn how contaminated tap water actually is?
What is a tap water alternative you’d like to implement in your household?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your friends and family to let them know why they should never drink tap water again!
