By Dr. Emily Carter, Public Health Researcher

Your tap water might look crystal clear, but contaminants are often invisible. A 2019 study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that more than 77 million Americans were served by water systems in violation of federal safety standards. Among the most concerning risks are lead and heavy metals—the CDC warns there is no safe level of lead exposure for children, and even low levels can impair brain development and lower IQ. Another concern is chlorine and its byproducts. While chlorine is used to disinfect water, long-term exposure to chlorination byproducts such as trihalomethanes has been associated with increased risk of bladder cancer, according to research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (2010). Finally, microorganisms like E. coli and Giardia continue to pose risks, especially in private wells and homes connected to older or compromised infrastructure, as the EPA reports.

Why does this matter so much? Because every sip, every shower, and every meal you prepare depends on the safety of your home’s water. Testing is the only way to know what’s really in your supply. Once you have results, point-of-use filtration systems and regular monitoring can provide peace of mind and help ensure that the water flowing into your home is as safe as it looks.