What’s In Your Water?
Up to 60% of the human body is comprised of water, which is a good indication of just how important clean water is to maintaining proper health.
Water is also often referred to as the “universal solvent”, because it has the ability to dissolve more substances than any other liquid on earth.
As a result, it has a high likelihood to consist of contaminants that may range from nuisance, to becoming detrimental to your health and well-being.
Found below are some of the most common issues related to the presence of water contaminants. Some of which may include, bad taste; unpleasant odor; staining on sinks, tubs and showers; significantly shortened lifespan of water heaters, plumbing, fixtures and appliances; and potential short and long-term health effects.
Hard Water.
Hard water contains minerals (such as calcium and magnesium) that can lead to limescale buildup on fixtures, appliances and plumbing; reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Further problems related to the presence of hard water minerals include, limescale staining on sinks, tubs and showers; lack of lather from shampoos, soaps and detergents; dingy (faded) laundry; cloudy glasses and dishes; and dull hair and dry skin (eczema may occur).
Chlorine.
Chlorine in drinking water is a potential health risk to both children and adults. 98% of U.S. municipal water treatment plants use chlorine (or chloramine) to help keep supply lines safe from harmful bacteria (such as E.coli and Guardia). EPA standards require municipalities limit chlorine in tap water to .03 mg/L (ppm). However, the levels actually reaching your tap may (at times) far exceed that, and can sometimes be measured at up to 4 mg/L. Chlorine doesn’t enter the body only by drinking, but can also enter through the eyes, nose and ears. Recent studies have shown as much as a 93% increased risk of cancer among people who regularly use chlorinated water, as opposed to those whose water does not contain chlorine. Higher levels of chlorine in tap water can pose an immediate health risk to you, your family and your pets. Secondary issues related to chlorine include dry skin and hair, faded laundry, and a generally unpleasant taste.
Fluoride.
Fluoride in drinking water poses a greater health risk for children and older adults. Fluoride has long been added (by municipalities) to drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. In 2015 the EPA recommended fluoride levels in tap water be reduced from 1.2(mg/L) to 0.7(mg/L). The change was made (in part) to account for the fact that people are now getting more fluoride from other sources (such as toothpaste). Although, the EPA’s current recommendation is that municipalities limit fluoride in drinking water to 0.7(mg/L), the levels reaching your tap may (at times) far exceed that, and can sometimes be measured at up to 3.0(mg/L). Elevated fluoride levels can promote dental fluorosis in children (under the age of 9), and cause a condition referred to as skeletal fluorosis in older adults. Very recent studies (2023) have even shown a possible link to reduced IQ in children who regularly consume fluoridated water.
Sediment and Turbidity.
Turbidity is a measure of the relative clarity of water. Particles that cause turbidity include sediment, clay, silt, inorganic and organic matter, algae, dissolved organic compounds, and plankton and other microscopic organisms. Generally speaking, the cloudier the water, the more turbidity is present. Although some turbidity (< 2 NTU) is considered only a secondary aesthetic concern, higher turbidity levels are often associated with disease-causing microorganisms (such as viruses, parasites and some bacteria). These organisms may cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and headaches.
Iron (and sulfur).
Iron in water can be in the form of ferric (particulate) iron or ferrous (dissolved) iron, and can present itself in various ways. Symptoms may include a metallic taste; reddish-brown staining on toilets, fixtures and tubs; and (many times) an odor, most commonly described as sulfur (or rotten-egg) smell. This odor is caused by the associated bacteria (referred to as iron-reducing bacteria). These bacteria react with iron to produce hydrogen sulfide gas (sulfur water). Higher (prolonged) concentrations of iron can lead to hemochromatosis; which can cause damage to the liver, heart, and pancreas.
Manganese.
Manganese is usually found in water containing iron; and because manganese and iron are chemically similar, they produce much of the same symptoms (with minor exceptions). Expect brownish-black staining (as opposed to reddish-brown staining) on toilets, fixtures and tubs; and (many times) a foul odor/smell. This odor (although similar to that of water containing iron) has a slight smell comparable to that of oil (or asphalt). Higher levels of manganese in drinking water can lead to problems with memory, attention and motor skills (especially in infants and children).
Heavy Metals.
“Heavy metals” is a term used to encompass a larger group of metals (examples include lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium-6, copper, cadmium, nickel and aluminum). These elements can be extremely toxic, even at lower concentrations. The most recent example of heavy metal contamination was in Flint Michigan, where lead contamination resulted in an immediate public health concern. Many other heavy metals have the potential to find their way into your drinking water supply as well. These (naturally-occurring) contaminants are insidious threats that cannot be smelled, tasted or seen; but can however, lead to detrimental health effects (especially for the brain and nervous system).
Sodium and Chloride.
Sodium (Na) is a naturally occurring element frequently found among processed foods and beverages. Occasionally however, higher levels of sodium can be found in drinking water. Sodium (Na) is most commonly attached to a chloride ion (Cl), to produce (NaCl) salt. While some sodium (<2300mg/day) is considered safe for most people, excess sodium has been found to increase blood pressure, promote retention of excess fluid, and increase risk of stroke, heart failure, osteoporosis, stomach cancer and kidney disease.
pH.
Potential of hydrogen (pH) is a measure of the acidity or basicity of water, and ranges on a scale from 0 to 14 (with 7 being neutral). pH’s of less than 7 indicates acidic water, while pH’s of greater than 7 indicates alkaline (or basic) water. Symptoms associated with acidic (low pH) water include blue/green corrosion (with copper plumbing); or red/rust-colored corrosion (with galvanized steel or cast-iron plumbing). The corrosion caused in metal pipes can lead to leaching of heavy metals into your water supply, creating an immediate health concern. Secondary symptoms associated with acidic water include blue/green staining in sinks, drains, and on fixtures; and a metallic (or sour) taste.
The opposite is true of Alkaline (high pH) water, in which minerals are deposited; sometimes causing reduced flow and leading to scale buildup on sinks, fixtures and appliances.
Bacteria, Viruses, and Protozoans.
Bacteria (such as Shigella, Escherichia coli, Vibrio, Salmonella and coliform), viruses (such as Norwalk virus and rotaviruses), and protozoans (such as Entamoeba, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium) may sometimes be found in water. These disease-causing microorganisms pose an immediate health risk to people with compromised immune systems, infants, young children and the elderly. Symptoms of the presence of harmful bacteria in drinking water may include, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, headaches and more.
Methane Gas.
Methane is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and combustible gas. It sometimes can occur naturally in drinking water; or may enter a well due to human activities, such as coal mining, gas well drilling, or from a nearby landfill. Methane gas is not toxic, and does not pose an immediate health concern. However, (at elevated concentrations) it can sometimes escape quickly from water, creating an explosive hazard in confined spaces; and an asphyxiation hazard in poorly ventilated areas.