Drinking clean and safe water is essential to maintaining good health, but more than 2 billion people around the world still do not have access to clean drinking water.1 Contamination of tap water with dangerous substances has led many to seek alternatives such as bottled water and home filters to protect their health.
However, despite this change, there is a general lack of scientific information on the safety of these water sources, particularly the presence of hazardous chemicals and contaminants. This prompted California researchers to examine the safety and aesthetics of three common drinking water options—bottled water, tap water, and home-treated tap water.
Recently published in the journal PLOS Water,2 Their findings reveal dangerous carcinogenic chemicals and other dangerous contaminants in all types of drinking water.
Cancer-related chemicals have been found in drinking water
To conduct their analysis,3 The researchers took 100 bottled water samples from 89 different brands, 603 tap water samples and 111 home treatment samples from the San Francisco Bay Area. They evaluated these for 100 different pollutants, metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), antimicrobial by-products and microbial indicators, as well as factors influencing consumer choice, including taste, odor and color of the source water.
One of the most alarming findings was the widespread presence of trihalomethanes (THMs) in all drinking water sources tested. THMs are a group of pesticide products that are formed when the chlorine used to treat drinking water reacts with natural organic matter in the water. THMs are known carcinogens and have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems in addition to liver toxicity.
According to the study, tap water samples contain the highest concentration of these chemicals, which is 94.5% of the total toxicity. Meanwhile, THMs accounted for 76.7% of the total toxicity observed in domestically treated tap water.
What’s more, the researchers found that 2% of the tap water samples exceeded the regulatory limit for THMs, which is 80 micrograms per liter – a level higher than what is considered safe for long-term health. In domestically treated tap water, 25% of samples still contained chloroform, a common THM, at levels above health-prevention standards.
In addition to THMs, the study found levels of heavy metals of concern in both tap and domestic treatment waters. Lead was found in 51% of tap water samples and 30% of household treated samples, which researchers say is the result of aging water infrastructure and damaged pipes. Exposure to lead causes severe neurological damage and developmental delays, especially in children.
Additionally, arsenic was detected in 8% of household treated tap water samples and 3% of tap water samples, respectively, while uranium was detected in 2% of household and direct tap water samples. Both pollutants cause long-term health risks, including cancer and kidney damage.
Bottled water is not a safe option.
Consumers often switch to bottled water when it comes to concerns about the taste or safety of tap water, the study featured4 He noted that bottled water is not necessarily a safe option. Although generally low overall toxicity was observed, it was not free from contamination.
Researchers found that 8% of bottled water samples exceeded California’s strict TMS regulatory limit, while chloroform was found in 32% of samples. Interestingly, some petroleum-derived compounds, including benzene and toluene, were found only in bottled water and not in tap or home-treated samples. According to the researchers:5
“In BW (bottled water), additional tests and additional findings suggest that bottling and processing may play a role in water quality. Two petroleum-derived compounds – benzene and toluene – were found only in BW.
One benzene detection was above the health benchmark, and all five toluene detections were below the health benchmark. One possibility is that these contaminants enter bottled water products during processing.
Another interesting finding is the prevalence of heterotrophic bacteria found in 43% of the samples in bottled water. Although these bacteria are not associated with pathogens, their presence contradicts the common perception of bottled water as a clean alternative. According to the authors:6
“These findings confirm previous studies that detected HPC (heterotrophic plate count) in 30% to 71% of samples. Although tap water samples are found everywhere in the environment, these findings may contain HPC. They are particularly interesting in BW because BW Cleanliness Market Claims.
The results call into question the assumption that bottled water is inherently safer or cleaner than tap water. Both sources carry their own risks, and while bottled water may address some aesthetic concerns, it still has its share of health-related issues that you’ll want to be aware of.
Bottled water also exposes you to endocrine-disrupting chemicals
The use of plastic water bottles introduces additional health risks in addition to the pollutants in the water. A featured study7 They identified two main endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) associated with plastic water bottles – microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Long-term exposure to these EDCs through regular drinking of bottled water can have cumulative effects on your health.
Microplastic is found in the plastic bottle itself or in the water source. Indeed, a study conducted in January 20248 Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, consumers can ingest approximately 240,000 tiny plastic particles for every liter of bottled water.
Microplastics contain a variety of additives and chemicals, including bisphenols (such as BPA and its derivatives), phthalates, and heavy metals that interfere with the endocrine system in a variety of ways.9 Bisphenols are known to mimic estrogen, which leads to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues and some cancers.10 Phthalates, on the other hand, are associated with antiandrogenic effects, affecting reproductive health and development.11
As PFAS (Forever Chemicals), 2021 study12 Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found it in 39 of more than 100 bottled water samples. PFAS infiltrate bottled water through contaminated source water, manufacturing processes, or contamination.
These chemicals disrupt thyroid function, leading to metabolic disorders and developmental problems. They are also associated with reduced fertility, altered immune function and increased risk of cancer.13
EWG’s Tap Water Database – What Contaminants Are in Your Water?
If you want to know what other contaminants are in your water, you can get your local drinking water analysis results from your water utility. It’s your right to see the annual water quality report from your area, which should highlight the pollutants you’re concerned about (although there may be others that are legally “safe” but still pose a long-term health risk).
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides a comprehensive tap water database that provides users with detailed information on the quality of drinking water in their area. This database provides insights into contaminants in municipal water supplies, including their levels and potential health risks.
By simply entering your zip code, you can find out about various pollutants in your area, such as lead, chlorine and various pesticides. This resource allows you to make informed decisions about your water quality and encourages local utilities to improve their standards.
Invest in a high-quality filtration system for your home
While the results of the research presented14 While raising concerns about the effectiveness of some water filtration systems, the authors also emphasize that “in-home treatment can reduce the aesthetic issues and health risks of tap water.”
The key is to choose a system designed to effectively attack the contaminants in your water supply. One of the best water filters I’ve ever found is the Clean & Clean Whole House Water Filter System, which has a three-stage filtration process – a micron sediment pre-filter, a KDF water filter, and a high-level carbon water filter.15 – To filter chlorine, cleaning products and other pollutants.
Ideally, the best option is to filter the water at the point where it enters your home and where it is used. This means re-installing filters in the main water supply line where they enter your home and in special places like the kitchen sink and shower.
For additional guidance, the EWG provides a useful water filtration guide by filter type, technology, and specific contaminants to look for. This resource will help you make an informed decision about which filtration system is best for your home.16
More ways to protect your drinking water
In addition to using high-quality water filtration systems, below are several effective strategies for maintaining the quality of your drinking water at home while contributing to a healthy environment.17
1. Learn about local water quality Periodically checking reports from your municipal water supplier. These reports provide details on contamination levels, safety compliance and any recommendations. You can also find local drinking water quality reports from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
2. Take care of your pipeline. Especially if your house has old pipes made of lead or cast iron. Regular inspection and replacement of old pipes will prevent harmful substances from entering your water.
3. Store bottled water properly Keeping in cool and dark places. Avoid leaving it in hot places or sunlight, which causes plastics to break down and release chemicals into the water. Better yet, avoid using plastic water bottles and choose glass or stainless steel containers instead.
4. Practice good environmental practices Proper disposal of hazardous materials such as chemicals and drugs. Reducing the use of plastic and participating in local clean-up activities will protect water sources.
5. Test your water regularly. Especially if you use well water or live in an old house. Home water testing kits can help you identify contaminants such as lead, nitrates and bacteria, allowing you to take appropriate action to ensure your water is safe.
Progesterone reduces the effect of ADCs in bottled water
The most straightforward approach to effectively reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from plastic water bottles is to avoid using them altogether. Instead, use glass or stainless steel containers to store water.
However, if you find yourself frequently using bottled water or exposed to sources of EDC in your area, I recommend using transmucosal progesterone with vitamin E by buccal or gingival administration for prevention as detailed below. Harmful effects of these chemicals.
Progesterone is a hormone used to “switch off” the activity of estrogen, which helps reduce the effects of phthalates and other estrogen compounds. By counteracting the effects of these disruptive chemicals, progesterone helps restore balance in your body’s hormonal systems.
