Reasons to Avoid Drinking Tap Water

tap water
14Jun 2024

Reasons to Avoid Drinking Tap Water

Tap water was once considered a sign of accessibility and ease. But today, this same tap water is currently being questioned about safety and quality. There are several reasons to practice caution while drinking tap water. Tap water can usually seem safe and uncontaminated to the naked eye. But, it has several contaminants that make it unfit for drinking. This blog will explore the various reasons as to why avoiding tap water is advisable.

Disadvantages Of Drinking Tap Water

 

1. Health Risks

People usually ask, ‘Is tap water safe to drink?’ And the answer is that there are several toxins in tap water that can be quite harmful to your health. These pollutants include dangerous bacteria and parasites. Tap water usually contains heavy metals like lead and mercury. Drinking contaminated tap water can cause a number of health concerns. 

Some of the most common problems that are caused by it are neurological illnesses, gastrointestinal diseases, and even certain types of cancer. Pregnant women, kids, and the elderly are among the most vulnerable groups who are more likely to experience negative health outcomes from the use of contaminated water.

 2. Inadequate Treatment

Municipal water treatment plants are usually responsible for cleaning tap water. However, these procedures are usually not reliable. Treatment techniques can differ in efficiency. Therefore, certain pollutants might get through the cracks. Furthermore, deteriorating infrastructure and financial limitations could reduce the standard of water treatment. Hence, getting filtered water from drinking water suppliers is generally recommended.

3. Lead Contamination

Lead is one of the most dangerous pollutants in tap water. Many older homes still have lead pipes or plumbing fixtures. These fixtures can have the potential to contaminate water supplies. Even minimal exposure to lead can have disastrous effects. This is especially true for young children, as it can hinder cognitive growth and cause behavioral issues. 

The Flint water crisis in Michigan serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by lead-contaminated tap water. Such a crisis points out the devastating impact that it can have on communities that generally depend on tap water. 

4. Chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts

Chlorine is frequently added to tap water as a disinfectant. It is usually used to destroy some of the most dangerous bacteria and pathogens in tap water. Chlorine is essential for maintaining the safety of water. But it can also react with organic materials. Thus, it can produce disinfection byproducts (DBPs), including Haloacetic Acids (HAAs) and Trihalomethanes (THMs). 

Long-term DBP exposure has been associated with a higher risk of cancer as well as other negative health impacts. So, chlorine disinfection is required. But, necessary steps need to be taken to reduce this exposure and development of DBP.

5. Microplastics and Emerging Contaminants

Concerns have been raised recently regarding the prevalence of developing pollutants and microplastics in tap water. Microplastics have been detected in tap water. These microplastics are little plastic particles that are smaller than five millimeters. These microplastics have the ability to absorb and transfer dangerous substances. Thus, drinking tap water could eventually endanger the health of the consumers. 

 

Is It Better To Drink Tap Or Filtered Water?

Some of the important benefits of drinking filtered water over tap water are:

  • Contaminant Removal

Drinking water processing plants usually remove a wide range of contaminants. This includes chlorine, lead, bacteria, and microplastics. Thus providing cleaner and safer drinking water.

  • Improved Taste and Odor

Filtration can enhance the taste and odor of water. This is done by removing unpleasant flavors and smells. Thus making it a more pleasant option to drink.

  • Health Benefits

Filtered water may be preferable for individuals with specific health concerns. This can include people with allergies to chlorine or sensitivities to certain contaminants.

  • Peace of Mind

Using a water filter can offer peace of mind. This is because you can feel relaxed knowing that your drinking water has undergone additional purification to remove potential impurities.

Conclusion

Valid concerns about environmental sustainability, safety, and health are the foundation of the decision to stay away from drinking tap water. Tap water is not always as pure and uncontaminated as we think it is. This is because there are many toxins, such as lead and chlorine, as well as rising dangers like microplastics and pharmaceuticals. We can protect ourselves and future generations from the possible hazards associated with tap water drinking by placing a higher priority on the adoption of safer alternatives. 

Concerned about tap water quality? Bottling India offers the perfect solution! We specialize in installing safe drinking water machines to treat, purify, and package water. Thus ensuring you and your loved ones have access to safe, refreshing hydration. So, invest in your health and happiness – choose Bottling India for crystal-clear, purified drinking water!

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