1.

When we drink our daily eight glasses of refreshing, nourishing water, how

often do we consider the huge host of contaminants living inside our tap water?

Any source of water will by its nature contain some degree of contaminants,

some natural and some artificial. As water flows through our streams, lakes, rivers

and oceans and filters across various rock formations and soil, it comes into contact

with a whole host of substances, all of which will absorb into the water source.

Further, as our water is treated in various facilities by municipalities to become

ready to deliver to its residence, a new batch of chemicals and additives are

integrated. While this process is regulated by the EPA, the specifics, procedures, and

enactments of those regulations vary from municipality to municipality. Currently,

the EPA estimated that over 60,000 chemicals are being used within the USA, but

the Safe Water Act oversees only 91 contaminants .

With regulation and procedures the way they are, it’s quite easy to see why the

United States is facing a crisis in regards to the availability of clean, safe drinking

water. Tragedies like the presence of lead in Flint Michigan certainly make the

headlines, but little is being done to correct the issue. The truth is our water sources

are being contaminated by a whole host of dangerous chemicals, and it is up to us as

consumers to understand the threat at large so that we may push our leaders to enact

comprehensive and effective change.

To understand the situation fully, below are the five most common contaminants in

tap water.

Nitrates

Nitrates are chemicals that most often found in fertilizers, manures and liquid

waste coming from septic tanks and plumbing systems and therefore are one of the

most common forms of water contaminants, especially in rural areas. When nitrogen

in fertilizer is either left over by plants or carried off by runoff, it can quickly form

with our sources of groundwater and convert into nitrate.

Short term exposure to water with above average nitrate levels can be dangerous ,

especially to infants as it can lead to methemoglobinemia or the “baby blue” disease,

a condition that decreases the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, creating bluish

pigmentation. For infants, this condition can be fatal.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a metallic substance found organically in small amounts within

nature. Arsenic can find its way into your drinking water in two ways. Mineral

deposits found in a very small percentage of regions, such as Illinois, can contain a

micro amount of arsenic deposits. More commonly, arsenic can contaminate your

water as it comes into contact with hazardous waste produced by arsenic

manufacturing industries.

Studies on arsenic  have found that the compound can produce a variety of

health effects such as thickening and discoloration of the skin, digestive problems,
numbness in the feet or hands and has been linked to a variety of skin cancers.

Arsenic cannot be detected via sight or smell, and therefore water testing is required

to determine whether a water source has been contaminated.

Microorganisms, Bacteria, and Viruses

To some extent, all water hosts some degree of bacteria and protozoans. And

while most of these little creatures are harmless, some such as E.Coli and Legionella

Pneumophilia can cause quite a lot of damage. These microorganisms and

diseases can, in fact, cause severe damage and for infants and the elderly specifically,

can in some cases lead to death.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the third most common element present in the earth’s soil, water and air

and therefore it can quite easily find its way into our water systems. In recent years,

specific attention has been given to the presence of aluminum as a contaminant in our

tap water and links to dementia have been made in communities with high traces of

aluminum present in their drinking water.

Other aluminum linked health effects include nervous system damage, kidney

diseases, and anemia .

Fluoride
 Fluoride is a natural mineral found within the earth’s soil and has long been

considered a helpful additive for water sources to help combat tooth decay. Since the

1940s, compounds containing fluoride have been added to our water systems. But

recently, evidence is beginning to show that fluoride may be doing more harm than

good. Extreme levels of fluoride can cause fluorosis, a change in tooth enamel that

can lead to white spots and staining. Flouride in high levels  can also become

concentrated in the bone which can inevitably weaken the skeletal system.

What Can Be Done About Contaminants in Tap Water?

While studies certainly show that our water sources are being flooded by harmful

contaminants, in the end, it is up to us to remedy the situation. We must continue to

advocate for stronger safety regulations as it pertains to our public health and water.

We must also protect our own consumption of water and take filtration of these

compounds into our own hands. To ensure that your water is safe to drink, consider

procuring your water from outside sources or make consistent use of filtration

devices.

Water is a crucial building block for life. But contaminants in tap water stand to hold

back our health. It is up to us to ensure that our tap water is safe to drink so that we

can continue to lead healthy, safe and hydrated lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my tap water is safe?

The safest way to determine whether your tap water is safe or not is to have the water

professionally tested. However, when this is not possible it is advised to visually

check if the water appears cloudy. Water that is yellow or brown is never advised to

be consumed and water tinged with a blueish or green cue can be a sign of elated

levels of copper. If you detect the smell of rotten eggs then that could be a sign that

your water contains hydrogen sulfide and water that smells like bleach could contain

excessive levels of chlorine. If you detect a metallic taste after consuming water, that

could be a sign that your water is contaminated with an excess amount of iron or

copper.

Is it safe to drink city tap water?

Tap water is relatively safe in most cities as municipal water is regulated by the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, it is still advised to filter your tap

water to ensure optimum purity and safety.

Can you purify tap water?

Yes. Tap water can be purified by boiling, distillation, or chlorination. However, the

most effective and safest process for purifying tap water is to use filtration devices to

eliminate the molecular compounds that can contaminate tap water.

Where does tap water come from?

Tap water in the United States comes from three main sources; lakes, groundwater,

and rivers. Dependent on where you live your tap water can come from any of these

source points.
How much chlorine is in tap water?

The EPA has determined a threshold level known as the Maximum Residual

Disinfectant Level (MRDL) which sets how much chlorine can be present in drinking

water while still benign designated as safe for consumption. Currently, the MRDL is

under 4 parts per million (ppm). However, to determine the exact level of chlorination

present in your specific water source, it is recommended to check the most up to date

water quality report published by your community water supplier.

How much fluoride is in tap water?

As of 2015, the U.S. government has lowered the recommended fluoride level to 0.7

milligrams of fluoride per liter of water to prevent tooth enamel staining.

How to make tap water taste better?

Filtering your tap water and adding flavors such as lemon or lime are the most

effective means for removing any bitter or unsavory tastes in tap water.

What chemicals are in tap water?

Dependent on your region, tap water can contain aluminum, ammonia, arsenic,

barium, cadmium, chloramine, chromium, copper, fluoride, various bacteria, and

viruses, lead, nitrates, mercury, perchlorate, radium, selenium, silver, and uranium.

How to test your tap water?

There is currently on the market a variety of in-home tap water testing kits available

for public use. County health departments can assist in testing for bacteria and

nitrates in many instances. If county health assistance is not available, you can have

your water tested in a state-certified laboratory.

Why is tap water better than bottled water?

Drinking reusable water from the tap is considerably better for the environment

as it results in a substantial reduction in harmful plastic. Also, tap water can be

filtered to remove the many impurities and chemicals present in tap water and tap

water does not contain BPA chemical leaching that is present in bottled water

consumption.

How to remove microplastics from tap water?

Microplastics can be removed from tap water by avoiding plastic water bottles

and by utilizing water filters to remove the volumes of microplastics present in tap

water.

Why does tap water taste bad?

Tap water tastes different than bottled water because it undergoes a different filtering

and treatment process. Dependent on how the water is treated in your region, various

chemicals may be present in your water which can lead to an undesirable taste and

smell.

How to filter tap water?

Tap water can be filtered by boiling or by utilizing iodine solution and tables.

However, the most effective way of filtering tap water is by purchasing either an in-

house filtration system or a portable filter such as the GOPure Pod.

Signs That You’re Drinking Contaminated Water

Did you know that most drinking water contains an array of minerals, chemicals, and

other pollutants that can have long-term, hazardous, effects on your health? While there are

Federal regulations regarding what deems water safe to drink, scientists generally agree that

these standards are far too lenient and out-of-date.

If you suspect your drinking water may be contaminated, have it tested by a laboratory to

identify contaminants. Once you have identified the problems, you will be better equipped to

find filtration that is necessary for your situation.

Before you order a water analysis, there are several signs you can look for that suggests your

water is unsafe for consumption:

Cloudy

Don’t drink your water if it appears cloudy. Drinking water should always be clear.

Since water’s mineral content is measured in parts per billion, minerals in purified water should

be invisible to your naked eye

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Sediment

Since most of our drinking water is derived from water tables, wells or reservoirs in the

ground, you should expect some sediment to wind up in your water supply. However, adequate

water treatment should filter out nearly all sediment so it doesn’t appear in your drinking water.

Visible sediment in your water is generally an indicator that there’s a break in the water main,

permitting the sediment to pass through and mix with treated water.

Brown or Orange Hue

Brown or orange colored water usually denotes the presence of excessive amount of iron

or manganese in your water. This is most commonly caused by mining or excavation near water

supplies, but can also result from rusty water pipes.

Water test labs should assess any brown or otherwise discolored water coming from your tap

before you resume drinking it.

Oily Film atop Standing Water

Oily film residue that sitting atop of standing water in your sink, toilets, or tubs is a strong

indicator that there is oil or grease in your water supply. Potential causes include a leak in the

water main, deficient water treatment, and poor filtration.

Chlorine Scent

Water treatment facilities tend to add miniscule amounts of chlorine to drinking water to

kill off bacteria. This works in exactly the same way as when you add chlorine to your

swimming pool at home. However, during the treatment process excessive amounts of chlorine
can occasionally make it into your water supply, causing intestinal distress and other serious

health-related issues.

You can typically detect this via a strong chlorine scent that will emit from your water while

bathing or running your kitchen faucet.

Sulfur Scent

Since sulfur occurs naturally in the ground, it’s normal for traces of it to end up in your

underground water supply. Like with chlorine, low levels of sulfur in your drinking water poses

little to no threat when consumed. However, ingesting high levels of sulfur in your water can be

extremely dangerous to your health. Fortunately, sulfur’s most harmful component (hydrogen

sulfide gas) produces a strong, persistent, and unpleasant odor akin to rotten eggs, which will

alert you to its presence. bacteria is commonly mistaken as sulfur and in most cases a simple

well disinfection will remove the smell.

Metallic Taste

Clean drinking water lacks any flavor. If your water has a metallic or bitter taste, there’s

a high chance it may contain harmful substances, including but not limited to: medications,

pesticides, and industrial chemicals.

Rusted Silverware

Tarnished and rusted silverware often means there is too much iron in your water. Iron

adheres to your silverware while your washing dishes and oxidizes (or rusts) once the silverware

is when exposed to open air.

If your water isn’t unnatural in color, there’s a very low chance that toxic amounts of iron are

present in it. Much like your silverware, however, the inside of your pipes and faucets may

begin rust with each water use, resulting in costly repairs down the line.

https://etrlabs.com/signs-that-youre-drinking-contaminated-water/

1.2

Slow sand and biosand filtration use both mechanical and biological purification to generate water that is

fit for human consumption. The formation of a biolayer of beneficial organisms that digest dangerous

pathogens and allow them to be trapped more readily in the top layers of sand allows for the preservation

of a standing level of water (5 cm) in slow sand filters and the continuous usage of biosand filters.

Biosand filtration is simply an adaptation of slow sand technology that does not require continuous flow

and is more appropriate for the level of household consumption. (CAWST, 2016). The slow speed of

filtration is central to the efficacy of these systems and it has been noted that finer grain sand (with

slower flow rates) is more effective in removing pathogens and contaminants in the water (Chan et al,

2015).

A biological skin is created in the top layer of the sand during the first week (or weeks, depending on raw

water quality) after the SSF is placed. The micro-flora skin, also known as Schmutzdecke, is a sort of

gelatine-sticky layer. Schmutzdecke is a borrowed German term that means "filthy layer" (Huisman &

Wood, 1974).

Carbon absorption is a widely used method of home water filter treatment because of its ability to

improve water by removing disagreeable tastes and odors, including objectionable chlorine. Activated

carbon effectively removes many chemicals and gases, and in some cases it can be effective against

microorganisms. However, generally it will not affect total dissolved solids, hardness, or heavy metals.
Only a few carbon filter systems have been certified for the removal of lead, asbestos, cysts, and

coliform.

There are two types of carbon filter systems, each with advantages and disadvantages: granular

activated carbon, and solid block carbon. These two methods can also work along with a reverse osmosis

system, which can be read about below. Activated carbon is created from a variety of carbon-based

materials in a hightemperature process that creates a matrix of millions of microscopic pores and

crevices. One pound of activated carbon provides anywhere from 60 to 150 acres of surface area. The

pores trap microscopic particles and large organic molecules, while the activated surface areas cling to,

or adsorb, small organic molecules.

The ability of an activated carbon filter to remove certain microorganisms and certain organic

chemicals, especially pesticides, THMs (the chlorine by-product), trichloroethylene (TCE), and PCBs,

depends upon several factors, such as the type of carbon and the amount used, the design of the filter and

the rate of water flow, how long the filter has been in use, and the types of impurities the filter has

previously removed. The carbon adsorption process is controlled by the diameter of the pores in the

carbon filter and by the diffusion rate of organic molecules through the pores. The rate of adsorption is a

function of the molecular weight and the molecular size of the organics. Certain granular carbons

effectively remove chloramines. Carbon also removes free chlorine and protects other purification media

in the system that may be sensitive to an oxidant such as chlorine. Carbon is usually used in combination

with other treatment processes. The placement of carbon in relation to other components is an important

consideration in the design of a water purification system

The biological activity is enhanced with increasing filter depths. Microorganisms and other

suspended particles have to travel more through the sand, thus, a higher removal efficiency is expected

at higher sand depths (Ellis, 1984). The use of slow sand filter to remove bacteria from contaminated

groundwater has been an attractive option as a filter system in both developed and developing
countries especially in rural communities due to its low cost, ease of operation and minimal

maintenance requirements (Nassar & Hajjaj, 2013; Logsdon et al., 2002). In European countries, some

water purifier manufacturers claimed their products have been using a filtering medium, such as sand,

from a chosen source outside the country to produce potable water. Using sand filter for water

treatment offers unique advantage for solving water shortage problem. Though the technology is cheap

and simple, it is not widely used in the Philippines, perhaps due to lack of expertise for the maintenance

and operations of such kind of treatment. With the growing population in the Philippines especially in

the urban and suburban areas, potable water demand will increase inevitably and slow sand filtration

may address the concern. Moreover, access to safe drinking water is one of the first priorities following

a disaster in a local community (Loo et al., 2012).

Biological activity and protistan abundance at the top layer of the schmutzdecke could probably

be the mechanism of E. coli removal in water. The role of protistan predation may have an influence on

bacterial removal but further studies have to confirm this relationship. In the study of Unger and Collins

(2006), E. coli removal in slow-rate biological filters occured primarily at the interface and was related

to schmutzdecke biological activity and protistan abundance. Elliott et al. (2011) also noted that the

activity of the microbial community within the filter is responsible for the reduction of pathogens and

that the most likely biological pathway is the production of microbial exoproducts such as proteolytic

enzymes or grazing of bacteria and higher microorganisms on other organisms. In the study of Hijnen et

al. (2007), the role of predation on the biofilm was also contributing to the removal of other protozoans

in water. E. coli may be removed through a combination of biological and physical processes that take

place in the schmutzdecke and within the sand layer. The bacteria may become mechanically trapped in

the spaces between the sand grains. Adsorption also may facilitate the removal of E. coli as it can

become attached to each other or the bacteria may die because of food scarcity and oxygen depletion

(CAWST, 2009). In the study of Joubert et al. (2008), visualization of the microbial colonization of a slow

sand filter using an environmental scanning electron microscope revealed that the mature, ripened
filter exhibited a dense extracellular matrix consisting of a wide variety of microorganisms and their

extracellular and breakdown products.