Concerns about tap water quality are getting harder to ignore, as research continues to uncover potentially harmful substances in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”), disinfection byproducts, and other substances to a draft drinking water watch list.
What’s in Your Water?
The answer can depend on where you live, how your local water is treated, and which substances researchers and regulators are still working to understand. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that at least 45% of U.S. tap water may contain one or more types of PFAS, while researchers have reported microplastics in tap water, bottled water, and human tissues and organs.
Emerging Contaminants
PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment. They have been used in products such as stain-resistant fabrics, nonstick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foams, which have contributed to their presence in water, soil, and air. Studies have linked exposure to certain PFAS to increased risks of some cancers, reduced immune function, and developmental concerns.
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments that can come from larger plastic items as they break down or from products manufactured with small plastic particles. They have been found in rivers, lakes, bottled water, and tap water, and recent reviews have reported microplastics in human tissues and organs, adding to public concern while scientists continue to investigate what widespread exposure may mean for long-term health.
Pharmaceuticals can enter the water cycle through human waste, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal. These substances include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and veterinary medicines. Water treatment can reduce some pharmaceutical compounds, but treatment capabilities vary by substance and system.
What You Can Do
To stay informed about tap water quality, check your community’s annual water quality report. You can also get your water tested and learn about certified water filters to understand how your local utility treats its supply. This can give you peace of mind and control over what’s in your glass.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
