Water, the life-sustaining element, constitutes roughly 60 percent of our body weight. It's not merely about quenching thirst; it's the silent powerhouse ensuring our joints are lubricated, nutrients are transported and body temperature is regulated. While the spotlight often falls on how much we should drink, an equally pressing query should be: What exactly are we drinking?

Hydration is more than just an antidote to thirst; it's the underlying factor influencing cognitive functions and overall mood. For adults, a well-hydrated body translates to improved focus and vitality, while children benefit from better memory and concentration. Conversely, chronic dehydration can usher in a cascade of health issues, ranging from commonplace headaches to more severe conditions like high blood pressure and a higher risk of stroke.

Given water's pivotal role in our health, we're compelled to ask: Are we doing enough to ensure the safety of our drinking water?

Why filter our water?

Factors like industrial waste, aging infrastructure, agricultural runoff and intensive farming practices have long contributed to the contamination of our water supply. Adding to these challenges is the widespread use of compounds such as PFAS, short for Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances, it’s a collective term for a class of more than 12,000 chemicals. These compounds are adept at repelling water, grease and stains, which makes them prized ingredients in a range of everyday products. From food packaging, to waterproof clothing and carpets, PFAS have woven their way into the fabric of modern life. Even some personal care products, such as waterproof mascaras, eyeliners, and shampoos, aren't exempt from their presence.

Often referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their stubborn persistence, PFAS were first introduced by DuPont as Teflon in 1946. Their resistance to degradation is so potent that today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 97 percent of Americans have detectable levels of these chemicals in their systems.

This resilience is not without consequences. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stepped in, mandating water utilities nationwide to test for 29 specific PFAS compounds. Alarmingly, the EPA's recent data suggests that over 26 million people in more than 431 communities are now exposed to these toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in their drinking water.

Another problem arises when we consider the prevalence of microplastics in our water supply. These tiny plastic fragments, measuring less than 5 millimeters, result from the breakdown of larger plastics and are released into the environment through sources such as synthetic clothing, industrial processes and the improper disposal of plastic waste. Found in oceans, rivers and even tap water, microplastics are now ubiquitous, with studies showing that humans unknowingly consume them in greater levels than ever before through food, drinks and the air.

The combination of microplastics and PFAS creates a particularly troubling 'double whammy' effect. Research reveals that when these pollutants interact, their toxicity increases, posing an even greater threat to human and environmental health than when they are found alone. Having been studied separately in the past, this emerging field of combined research is yielding troubling findings. Plastic is often treated with PFAS, turning it into a vehicle that carries these harmful chemicals deeper into ecosystems and the human body. This synergistic impact heightens concerns about chronic exposure, as it can exacerbate risks to vital systems such as the endocrine, reproductive and immune systems.

The EPA highlights a significant hurdle in ensuring contaminant-free water: the sheer volume of potential pollution sources. These pollutants emerge from historical practices, ongoing industrial and agricultural activities and the broader impacts of urbanization on water quality.

While many countries have stringent water quality regulations, achieving consistently pure water remains a challenge. To guide the public, the EPA has cataloged the chemicals found in tap water, along with the health risks linked to long-term exposure. For instance, lead, known to disrupt neurological development, is a frequent concern. Chlorine, a common disinfectant, can trigger respiratory problems, while arsenic and mercury carry links to various cancers and kidney damage.

Considering these challenges, it's no surprise many are turning to water filtration systems. From simple water pitchers to more advanced home setups, these systems aim to deliver water as pure as nature intended.

Types of water filters & their benefits

Activated carbon filters:

Found in many households, activated carbon filters come in different forms: granular activated carbon (GAC) with its loose carbon particles and the more compact carbon block, which has extended contact with water, enabling it to capture a wider range of contaminants. These filters excel at removing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), organic chemicals like chlorine taste and odor, certain heavy metals such as lead, pesticides, herbicides and even traces of pharmaceuticals. This results in water with a markedly cleaner taste and aroma. These filters are commonly used in water filter pitcher models, faucet attachments, under-sink filters and reverse osmosis systems.

Reverse osmosis (RO) filters:

Characterized by a multistage filtration process, including a sediment filter, carbon filter and a semipermeable membrane, these systems are among the most efficient in thoroughly filtering out a broad range of contaminants. The semipermeable membrane's fine pores only permit tap water particles to pass, effectively eliminating a vast array of contaminants such as some PFAS, heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, certain pharmaceuticals, pesticides, VOCs, microplastics, and sediment. Commonly found as under-sink and countertop filters they deliver soft, pure water straight from the tap.

UV filters:

These filters utilize ultraviolet light. As water flows through a chamber, it’s exposed to UV light, destroying bacteria, viruses, and certain pathogens. Ensuring that water is devoid of these microbial threats. Often integrated into home water purification systems, they can be installed at water entry points or under kitchen sinks.

Ion exchange filters:

Specializing in addressing hard water, these filters swap out calcium and magnesium ions for sodium ions. Beyond softening, they are also effective at reducing nitrate, arsenic and boron levels. They're particularly beneficial for homes dealing with limescale or soap scum and can often be found paired with other household water treatment systems.

Gravity-fed filters:

Employing gravity to guide water through layers, these filters capture a wide variety of contaminants. They are particularly adept at removing chlorine, sediments, heavy metals and some PFAS compounds (with some models reducing PFAS by 100 percent). Being independent of electricity and elaborate plumbing, these are popular choices for countertop units in homes and travel such as camping.

Distillers:

A purification system mimicking the natural process of evaporation and condensation, distillers boil water and then capture the clean steam. This method effectively separates water from contaminants such as heavy metals, chlorine, herbicides, fluoride, select pharmaceuticals, VOCs and sediment, which are then left behind in the boiling chamber. The result is pure water that's condensed into a separate container. Given their compact design, these units are commonly placed on kitchen countertops.

Know what's in your water

For those living in the US, there are a few ways to learn about the quality of your tap water. Companies such as mytapscore offer at-home certified test results. Additionally, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a team of scientists and experts working to reform chemical safety and agricultural laws in the US, offers detailed information about local contaminants.

At-home water testing kits:

For those keen on assessing their water quality mytapscore offers certified at-home testing kits that reveal potential impurities in city water, well water and specialized testing kits for PFAS.

Tap water database:

Inputting your zipcode into the EWG tap water database will provide details about your local water source and any detected contaminants.

Interactive map (showing PFAS):

Additionally, you can delve into the EWG interactive map that highlights the PFAS contamination across the US.

Feature Image: Luis Tosta/Unsplash

Video: EWG/YouTube

Photography: Aarke, Environmental Water Systems, Berkey, AquaTru