Have you ever imagined after turning your bathroom tap on: Is this tap water is safe to drink? For many Americans bathroom tap water is an afterthought and often a risky option for drinking purposes due to the increasing concerns regarding water quality.
In the United States, tap water is generally regulated and treated by the local authorities to meet the required standards. Yet different factors like aging, plumbing fixtures, local contaminants, etc. significantly influence the overall water quality.
Today, in this Frizzlife blog post, we aim to diversify the complexities behind the consumption of bathroom tap water. And then decide whether it is safe or not.
So, without discussing any further information, let’s get down to the details.
Also, read our recent blog about Does RO Filtration Eliminate Lead?
Understand the Tap Water Process in the US
Before we head toward the details, let’s first the basic process of tap water in the US.
1. Major Sources:
Below are the major sources of tap water used throughout the USA.
· Surface water: The surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. It is widely available around the country and is highly sustainable from getting contaminated due to agriculture or chemical runoff, and urban waste. This way, the chances of getting exposed to hazardous impurities increase.
· Groundwater: It is sourced from aquifers and tends to be cleaner as compared to surface water. However, this one also has a chance of getting polluted due to chemicals from agriculture practices or leakage in septic systems.
2. Treatment Process of US Tap Water:
When the tap water is sourced, it is then treated and regulated by the authorities to ensure maximum safety.
Numerous types of chemicals are added to the sources to bind with the impurities, forming larger particles called floc. Chlorine, chloramine, ozone, and more are used to kill pathogens, ensuring the water has become safe to consume or not.
When it comes to regulation, the Safe Drinking Water Act sets the framework for effectively regulating tap water quality. Under this act:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes national standards for drinking water quality, including limits on specific contaminants. All public water systems are required to regularly monitor their water quality to avoid facing legal consequences.
It is important to note that, despite strict regulations, the bathroom tap water quality can vary based on the location and infrastructure.
Key Factors Affecting Bathroom Tap Water Quality
Here are some of the most important factors that contribute to significantly affecting the tap water quality.
1. Plumbing Material:
The material used in your house’s plumbing system is a deciding factor. If your home has pipes made up of lead, then the bathroom tap water may not be a safe option to drink.
This is because lead is a highly toxic heavy metal, and continuous exposure to it can result in serious health consequences. This can be especially true for children and pregnant women.
On the other hand, if your house has copper pipes, then these are usually considered safe. However, their excessive corrosion can also be dangerous and can result in gastrointestinal issues.
That’s why, it is recommended to use PVC or PEX material pipes. These are made up of modern materials to ensure water safety and cleanliness.
2. Stagnation Issue:
This is the major concern regarding bathroom tap water – stagnant water can pose a serious effect on the overall quality. If the water stays within the pipes for an extended period of time, there is a strong probability that it will become contaminated with bacteria and other pathogens.
Obviously, drinking such water will pose serious health concerns. Similarly, warm temperatures can also promote bacterial growth, making it more dangerous to drink.
3. Local Water Quality Variations:
As mentioned earlier, bathroom tap water quality around the USA can vary depending on the location. So, if your home’s water quality is not up to the mark, then it is likely to be dangerous for consumption.
Now, let’s move on to the most interesting parts of this blog post.
What Steps Individual Can Take to Make Bathroom Tap Water Safe
Here are some of the useful steps that you can take to make your bathroom tap water safe and clean to drink.
1. Test the Tap Water, First:
First of all – test the tap water quality to figure out of what type of contaminants and impurities it contains. So that, you can adopt the most effective solution accordingly.
Now, there are two ways to test water. One is by utilizing water testing kits. These are highly affordable and easily available in the market. However, these kits are not 100% accurate, so keep this in mind.
Another way is by taking your tap water sample to the nearest certified laboratory. They will provide you with a detailed report about the type of impurities your tap water contains.
2. Get a Whole House Filtration System:
Now, it is time to invest in a whole-house filtration system. Such a filter is capable of filtering water for the entire home including the bathroom. It is highly effective at removing a wide range of impurities and contaminants i.e., chemicals, bacteria, and many more.
There are numerous types of whole-house filtration systems available. The most effective popular yet effective ones are reverse osmosis (RO) systems.
So, by installing such a system in your house, you can make sure each faucet in your bathroom and the entire home is providing clean and safe water for drinking.
Is Bathroom Tap Water for Drinking in the US?
When it comes to drinking bathroom tap water, US citizens have a mix of opinions. Many say that it is safe, while some claim it isn’t. However, according to our research, it is safe in most areas. To clarify the doubts further, this article has discussed every possible detail that you need to know in this regard. We have also discussed how exactly you can make bathroom tap water safe to drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect the bathroom tap water quality?
There are multiple factors including the age of plumbing, the presence of lead pipes, and the location.
Are there any specific contaminants to be aware of?
Yes, there are multiple – these include lead, chlorine, pesticides, etc.