Between 2021 - 2023 data collected from the Environmental Working Group detected 324 contaminants in community tap water databases across the country. 

 

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Is my tap water safe to drink?

In short: Legal does not mean safe. 

Most community water systems get a passing grade from the federal government, even though contamination may be higher than what the latest science shows is safe. That’s because many drinking water regulations are out of date or based on outdated science. And there aren’t any regulations for many contaminants.

It’s important to understand that many of the risks posed by tap water contamination accumulate over a lifetime. And contaminants are studied – and their legal limits are set – one at a time, not based on exposure to multiple contaminants, which is what most people experience. 

Some people, such as infants and pregnant people, may be at greater risk from the harms of tap water contaminants like lead. 

For those who want or need better drinking water than what comes from the tap, EWG suggests buying a home water filter certified to remove or reduce the contaminants found in your tap water.

Are some people more sensitive to water contaminants than others?

Yes. People with severely compromised immune systems, such as people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly people, and infants and children can be particularly at risk.

People in these categories, or their caregivers, should take special precautions with tap water and seek advice from their health care providers about it.

The EPA, together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, publishes recomendations to help people with compromised immune systems take extra precautions when it comes to their drinking water.

Where does my tap water come from?

Drinking water sources vary considerably across the country and even within communities. 

Water utilities may pull water from surface water, including streams, rivers and lakes, or they may pump groundwater out of wells. 

They may even use multiple sources that vary seasonally. 

In addition, many systems buy water from other companies or large-scale suppliers. 

For more information about where your tap water comes from, contact your local water utility.

Is bottled water safer than tap water?

In most situations, bottled water is not the answer. 

One problem with bottled water is that you cannot be sure what you’re getting. Unlike public water suppliers, bottled water manufacturers are not required by law to disclose the levels of any contaminants in their products. Investigations have found that some bottled water is just tap water, filtered in some cases and not in others. 

In addition to water contaminants that could come from the source water, bottled water may also be contaminated with micro- and nano-sized plastic and additives that can migrate from plastic packaging. Many of these additives have not been fully assessed for safety by the Food and Drug Administration, the agency that oversees food and beverage packaging.

Bottled water may be the appropriate choice in an emergency – after major storms or earthquakes, or a large-scale system failure.

My water has contaminants detected above health guidelines. What does this mean? Do I need to use a filter?

A health guideline is the amount of a contaminant in drinking water that is not expected by scientists to pose any health risk, typically over a lifetime. Health guidelines are often lower than legal limits, which can be set based on outdated science or simply on the cost of treatment.

Tap water contaminants are not good for anyone. They are especially a concern for vulnerable populations and during sensitive periods of development, such as pregnancy and early childhood. 

Certain contaminants can be removed only with advanced water filtration systems, but a simple countertop carbon filter is a great option for removing many types of contaminants. 

I’ve checked EWG’s Tap Water Database to see which chemicals were detected in my tap water and purchased an appropriate water filter. What else can I do to make my water better?

One of the best things you can do to make your water better is to hold elected officials accountable. 

Urge leaders to invest in better water treatment technology, create sustainable funding for water system improvements and protect source waters to keep pollution out of your water in the first place.

 

(Information accredited by Environmental Working Group)