Why is it important to know where our tap water comes from?

Never undervalue the significance of understanding your tap water’s source. Failing to inquire about its origin may lead to the consumption of potentially unhealthy water. Ensuring the safety of our water is crucial, as we not only drink it but also use it for bathing. Knowing where your water comes from can ensure that you keep your body as free from potential harmful cancer-causing chemicals.

Water that we use every day comes from either surface water (such as reservoirs or rivers) or from groundwater (such as an aquifer). The majority of people in the United States get their water from municipal water. Municipal water is obtained from an aquifer and then filtered and treated with chemicals and physical processes to remove debris and disease-causing microorganisms. A smaller portion of the population in the United States rely on privately owned wells. The water quality from these wells are the responsibility of the homeowner. The advantage of having a private water well is that it is usually free from chlorine, fluoride, or various dangerous chemicals that can be used to treat municipal water. However, the disadvantage is since well water comes directly from the ground that it can be infiltrated by contamination spills and leaks from local sources.

According to the Water Quality Association, “If your home is served by a community water system, you are entitled to view a copy of your municipality’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). A CCR provides information on the source of the water supplied to your local system and the results of its recent water quality tests. It then compares the results to the EPA’s health-based standards.” You can find additional information about CCRs on epa.gov/ccr.

You can test your water in your own home using home test kits that can be found on Amazon.com or through retail stores such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water, you can find more information on how to find a certified lab to test your water at epa.org/dwlabcert. However, if you suspect you may have contamination then it is recommended that you contact an environmental agency or consulting firm to do an investigation.

Lastly, remember keeping the planet healthy is also keeping yourself healthy!

Jenni, a cancer survivor, brings her expertise as an environmental geologist within the consulting
industry, specializing in environmental contaminant testing.

Sources:
Water Quality Association: https://wqa.org/learn-about-water/
Environmental Protection Agency:
https://www.epa.gov/dwlabcert
https://www.epa.gov/ccr