Drinking water is essential to our health and well-being, but not all tap water is created equal. Contaminants can find their way into our drinking water supply through various means, posing a risk to our health and the environment. Understanding what these contaminants are and how they can affect us is crucial to ensure we have access to clean, safe drinking water.

There are two main types of contaminants in tap water: natural and man-made. Natural contaminants include minerals and substances that are naturally present in the environment. In contrast, man-made contaminants result from human activities such as industrial processes, agricultural runoff, and waste disposal.

Natural Contaminants

Minerals In Tap Water

Minerals in tap water can have a variety of effects on both the quality and the appearance of the water. Some of the most common minerals found in tap water include iron, manganese, and magnesium.

1. Iron: Iron is a naturally occurring element that is often found in tap water. High levels of iron in drinking water can cause the water to have a metallic taste and stain plumbing fixtures, clothing, and dishes. Iron can also encourage the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, which can cause unpleasant tastes and odors in the water.
2. Manganese: Manganese is another mineral that is commonly found in tap water. High levels of manganese in drinking water can give the water a black or brownish color and can also cause a bitter, metallic taste. Manganese can also discolor plumbing fixtures and have a negative impact on the taste of beverages and food cooked with the water.
3. Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for human health, but high levels of magnesium in drinking water can cause the water to have a bitter taste and can also contribute to the buildup of scale in plumbing fixtures and appliances.
   

It is important to test your water for minerals because high levels of certain minerals, such as iron, manganese, and magnesium, can cause health problems, affect the taste and odor of the water, and cause damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are a group of dense elements with a high atomic weight and are often toxic to humans and other living organisms. Some common heavy metals found in tap water include lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium.

1. Lead: Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from lead pipes, plumbing fixtures, and solders. Long-term exposure to high levels of lead can cause serious health problems, including damage to the brain and nervous system and an increased risk of cancer. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women.
2. Mercury: Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can enter water sources from industrial discharges, runoff from mines, and natural sources. Inorganic mercury can be converted into highly toxic methylmercury in the environment, which can bioaccumulate in the food chain and pose a threat to human and animal health.
3. Arsenic: Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal that can enter water sources from natural deposits and agricultural and industrial sources. Long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic can increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.
4. Cadmium: Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can enter water sources from industrial discharges, runoff from mines, and natural sources. Long-term exposure to high levels of cadmium can cause kidney damage and an increased risk of cancer.
   

It is essential to test for heavy metals in drinking water regularly and to treat the water if necessary to ensure that it is safe for consumption. If you have concerns about heavy metal contamination in your tap water, a professional water treatment specialist can help to provide recommendations and solutions.

Additional Natural Contaminants

Additional Natural contaminants in tap water come from a variety of sources and can be broadly classified into the following other categories: biological substances and radiological substances.

1. Biological substances: Tap water can also contain biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause illness. These contaminants can enter water sources from human and animal waste, agricultural runoff, and decaying plant matter.
2. Radiological substances: Radiological substances, such as radium and uranium, are naturally occurring elements that can find their way into drinking water through rock and soil erosion. Long-term exposure to high levels of radiological substances in drinking water can increase cancer risk and other health problems.

It's important to note that natural contaminants can vary depending on the location and water source. For example, groundwater sources are more likely to contain radiological substances, while surface water sources are more likely to have biological contaminants.

Man-Made Contaminants

Man-made tap water contaminants come from various sources, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. These contaminants can enter water sources through industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and other sources.

1. Chemicals: Chemicals such as chlorine, pesticides, and fertilizers can enter water sources from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and sewage discharge. Long-term exposure to high levels of these chemicals can increase the risk of cancer, endocrine disruption, and other health problems.
2. Chlorine: Chlorine is a commonly used chemical in drinking water treatment. While it helps kill harmful bacteria and viruses, it can also form byproducts known as trihalomethanes (THMs), which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.
3. Pharmaceuticals: Pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics, hormones, and painkillers, can enter water sources from human and animal waste and from the excretion of drugs that the body has not fully metabolized. The long-term effects of exposure to low levels of pharmaceuticals in drinking water are not well understood, but there is concern that they could disrupt the endocrine system and have other adverse health effects.
4. Personal care products: Personal care products, such as soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics, can enter water sources from wastewater and sewage discharge. These products often contain chemicals that can be toxic to humans and other living organisms, and their long-term effects in drinking water are not well understood.
5. PFAS: PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that are widely used in a variety of industrial and consumer products. They are highly resistant to breaking down in the environment and can accumulate in the bodies of people and wildlife over time. Long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, liver damage, and reproductive and developmental issues.
   

In conclusion, it's essential to be aware of the various contaminants that can be present in tap water. Regular testing and treatment of drinking water can reduce the risk of exposure to harmful pollutants. Investing in a home water treatment system can also provide added peace of mind and ensure that the water you and your family are drinking is safe and clean.