8 Major Water Contaminants That Could Exist In Your Everyday Water

Did you know that more than 25 million Americans drink from contaminated water systems? While it’s true that we don’t think about what could be in our water most of the time, it’s important to know that there are many contaminants that may exist in our drinking water.

As this list continues to grow, it’s essential to be educated on what types of major water contaminants could exist in your everyday drinking water so you know what to look out for. Here are the top eight types of water contaminants you might find in your home.

1.   Chlorine

Chlorine is very common in municipal water systems, but it isn’t always necessary. While chlorine is meant to control microbes in water systems, too much chlorine can lead to issues such as wheezing, itchy nose, as well as dry or itchy eyes.

2.   Lead

Lead is a common water contaminant that can be found in both public and private drinking systems. Lead can cause serious issues, especially if consumed at high levels, as it can cause brain damage, kidney problems, anemia, high blood pressure, fertility issues, mood disorders, and even memory loss!

3.   Mercury

Mercury is a water contaminant that can easily find its way into our water systems due to natural events such as landfill runoff or erosion of natural deposits. Mercury can cause a number of severe health issues, including nervous system damage, birth defects, kidney disease, cancer, and more.

4.   Pesticides

Pesticides are used to control many things, including weeds and bugs. Unfortunately, pesticides are also found in the water systems of our homes at times due to runoff from agricultural land or industrial wastewater systems. 

5.   Copper

Copper is a common metal that can be found in both public and private drinking water systems. Unfortunately, most of the copper that gets into our water systems is due to old copper pipes that have not been replaced. While copper is an essential mineral, but too much of it can lead to issues such as kidney damage, liver damage, or anemia.

6.   Fluoride

While fluoride is most commonly known for its use in dental products, it can also be found in drinking water systems. In fact, more than 66% of the United States population still consumes it. Fluoride has been shown to cause skin problems such as acne or eczema, but more severe conditions may arise from too much exposure, including a lower IQ, stiff joints, pain, and muscle impairment.

7.   Pharmaceuticals

Sometimes, the chemicals commonly found in medications are released into the water system, which tends to end up in our drinking systems, causing us to become exposed without even realizing it. Ingesting unknown pharmaceuticals in the water can lead to a number of side effects, including headache, nausea, or vomiting.

8.   Chloramines

Chloramines are formed when chlorine and ammonia form a new chemical compound. This is to help disinfect the water even further. However, when this is added to water, it has been shown to cause skin irritation and even cancer.