As we continue our journey into the realm of water purity, the focus shifts to the bathroom. Uncover the importance of water filtration and the steps to ensuring cleaner, safer water for your bathing routine.
WORDS Kaye Preston
Beyond quenching our thirst, water plays a pivotal role in every facet of our daily lives, from cooking to bathing. While many households prioritize the purification of drinking water in the kitchen, it's imperative not to overlook the equally vital water sources in our bathrooms.
Every time you take a warm shower, relax in a bath, or brush your teeth, you may unwittingly be placing yourself in contact with a myriad of hidden contaminants, including chlorine, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Continual exposure to these elements can potentially lead to a range of health concerns.
Our daily bathing routine can expose our skin to more toxic chemicals than we ingest from drinking water. The skin is more than just a protective barrier; it's the largest organ in the human body that continually interacts with its surroundings. A notable study from the American Journal of Public Health revealed that our skin can absorb, on average, 64 percent of the harmful elements present in water.
Water contaminants arise from a multitude of sources, such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff and decaying infrastructure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) battles these varied sources to uphold water safety. Although the US enforces strict standards for contaminants like lead and copper, maintaining water purity is a complex task. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels for a host of chemicals (benzene, for instance, is capped at 0.005 mg/L), to mitigate health risks that range from mild irritations to the eyes, nose and throat to more severe conditions.
Disinfectant chemicals such as chlorine and chloramine are routinely added in water treatment plants, to target bacteria. However, when reacting with natural materials in water such as organic matter or pipe materials, they produce disinfectant byproducts (DBPs). Some of these DBPs, such as trihalomethanes (THM) and haloacetic acids (HAA), have been linked to health concerns like cancer and reproductive issues. Though chloramine, producing fewer byproducts, is gaining popularity, chlorine remains the primary disinfectant in the US.
Multiple studies have found the majority of the US population's domestic water, now contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A group of over 12,000 chemicals used since the 1940s, PFAS are used in the production of a wide array of products, from clothing, personal care items such as makeup, sunscreen and shampoo, to food packaging. Presenting a notable environmental threat, they can leach into water in a variety of ways. These 'forever chemicals' are known for their persistent environmental presence, prompting the EPA to propose limits of 0.004 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and 0.02 ppt for PFOS. Due to their bioaccumulative nature and resistance to degradation, many health experts advocate for even stricter standards. The EPA has linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including certain cancers, hormonal imbalances and elevated cholesterol levels.
Knowing the risks is essential. The good news is that with modern innovation, achieving a chemical-free bathroom is now easier, with many water filters designed to tackle these unseen dangers. To effectively reduce exposure, homeowners can install filtration systems, especially those using activated carbon and certified by the National Science Foundation. Not only does this protect against ingestion, but it also minimizes risks associated with inhalation during showering.
These filters often use a reversible cartridge system equipped with either activated carbon or KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) filters designed to effectively counteract contaminants such as chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, THMs, pesticides, sulfur and heavy metals. When considering shower filters, there are two predominant types:
Jolie Shower Filter. Photo courtesy of Jolie
Berkey Inline Shower Filter. Photo courtesy of Berkey
Bathroom faucets not only provide hydration but are also instrumental in activities like brushing your teeth and washing your hands and face. A popular option for these faucets is the carbon block filter, which can be attached directly to your water line. These filters adeptly reduce VOCs, THMs, PFAS, chlorine and chloramine.
Whole house filtration systems serve as a robust defense, ensuring every water outlet in your home dispenses pristine water. Using granular activated carbon (GAC), these systems meticulously remove and reduce VOCs, THMs, PFAS, chlorine, chloramine, pesticides and pharmaceutical residues to consistently provide pure and clear water.
High-capacity filter that installs directly to your faucet by Environmental Water Systems (EWS). Photo courtesy of EWS
Whole house water filtration system by Environmental Water Systems (EWS). Photo courtesy of EWS
It's vital to regularly maintain and replace filters for optimal performance. Over time, even the best filters can become clogged or less effective. Following the manufacturer's guidelines or consulting with a water specialist ensures that your system functions efficiently, delivering consistently pure water while extending the life of your filtration system.
In the US, various resources can help you understand your tap water's quality. Mytapscore offers homeowners-certified testing right at home. Additionally, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a dedicated team focused on chemical safety and US agricultural reforms, provides detailed information about local water contaminants.
Mytapscore offers certified at-home testing kits that reveal potential impurities in city water, well water and specialized testing kits for PFAS.
Input your zip code on the EWG's tap water database and you'll be presented with a comprehensive report on your locality's water and any present pollutants.
EWG's interactive map provides a visual representation of PFAS prevalence throughout the US.
The content presented in this article is solely for educational purposes. It is advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reach out to your local health department's environmental health division for guidance prior to setting up a home water treatment system.
Feature Image: Nicole Queiroz/Pexels
Photography: Jollie, Berkey, Environmental Water Systems (EWS)
Further Info
EPA's detailed list of chemicals present in tap water EPA's Water Regulations EWG tap water database EWG interactive map Mytapscore certified at-home testing kits
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