Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in the United States?

Is it safe to drink tap water in the United States? Well, the depends. Make sure you keep reading below to learn when you should avoid this water.

How much water do you drink every day? Generally speaking, you want to aim for four to six cups.

Keep in mind, however, that the exact amount depends on your activity level. For example, you’ll want to drink more if you’ve been exercising. Not a fan of buying bottled water? No problem—there are other options, like the kind you pay for at home. 

But is it safe to drink tap water or should you stick to showering in it? Want to know? 

We’re going over everything you need to know below. 

Where Does Tap Water Come From? 

Tap water comes from municipal water treatment systems. It’s delivered to your house through a series of pipes. 

If you don’t get your water through the city, you probably have a private well. While not having to pay the city is nice,that means you have to treat your own water. 

Is It Safe To Drink Tap Water? 

Tap water is generally safe in the United States—especially if it’s coming from a municipal water system. As it is, there are various processes that work to filter out impurities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also enforces health standards on all water supplies. In other words, water that comes from a treatment plant has to meet strict safety standards.

That doesn’t mean that there are no contaminants in the water. It just means that the levels are low enough so that they don’t pose any health risks.

Potential Contaminants in Tap Water

A number of things can make it into the water. For example, it’s not uncommon for bacteria to get in from human or animal fecal matter.

Chemicals from industrial waste can also enter the water supply. The same thing goes for minerals such as lead and mercury, the former of which can leach in through old lead pipes.

When in doubt, ask for a water quality report—it’s something that all water suppliers have available for the public.

Who Is At Risk?

Some people are more vulnerable to water contaminants than others. In other words, it can cause them more harm compared to others. 

This includes those who’re undergoing chemotherapy and those who have HIV/AIDs. Pregnant women and children are also at a higher risk.

Making Tap Water Safer 

Worried about potential contaminants? You can make your water safer by using a filter. It won’t remove everything completely, but it’s much better than not using anything at all.

Generally speaking, there are four types—activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis units, ion exchange units, and distillation units. You can read more about what filters do at this link.

Whatever you choose, make sure to maintain it. The last thing that you want is for contaminants to build up in the filter itself!

Drinking Tap Water 

Hopefully, that answers the question of “is it safe to drink tap water?”. Remember, there’s always the option of using a water filter! 

Do you have something else you’d like to add? Let us know in the comments below!