Clean water is a necessity for life, yet its safety can’t always be taken for granted. According to reports and scenarios that came to light in recent years, many U.S. communities face rising concerns about contaminants like PFAS (often called “forever chemicals”), lead, or arsenic (to name only a few).
Contaminated water affects everything, from your and your family’s health to surrounding ecosystems. They also erode trust in essential infrastructure. This is why understanding what’s really in our water can make all the difference, especially when choosing where to settle and raise a family.
What Are PFAS, and How Did They Get In the Water?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals widely used since the 1940s. Known for their water-resistant and non-stick properties, they appear in everyday items like cookware, stain repellents, firefighting foam, and even food packaging.
However, the biggest player when it comes to PFAS contamination is the military through its widespread use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). This is a firefighting foam designed to quickly extinguish fuel-based fires and contains high levels of PFAS.
The heavy use of AFFF for training exercises and emergency responses has led to the contamination of base drinking water serving personnel and neighboring communities. Today, many former military sites have contaminated aquifers that now affect civilian populations as well.
For instance, in a state like Iowa, the most recent water quality assessment report shows that over half of the state’s water bodies are impaired. While not all of them suffer from dangerous PFAS levels, these chemicals do play a role.
Industrial Pollution and Its Impact on Drinking Water Safety
Industrial pollution is one of the largest contributors to water contamination, affecting both surface water and underground aquifers. Factories, refineries, and manufacturing plants often discharge waste products into nearby rivers or lakes.
While some pollutants are regulated, enforcement gaps allow harmful chemicals to persist in water supplies.
What’s even more troublesome is the fact that contamination doesn’t always start near the source point.
Pollutants travel downstream through complex hydrological networks. Leaking storage tanks also contribute by seeping chemicals directly into aquifers, which are the primary drinking water supply for many rural areas.
Once industrial contaminants infiltrate municipal systems, removing them requires advanced filtration methods that are costly to maintain long-term.
Effective Filtration Options for Reducing Household Contaminants
Besides keeping an eye on local water quality reports, the easiest way to ensure your tap water is safe to drink is a filtration system.
The most popular option is activated carbon filters, which are excellent for removing chlorine byproducts, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pesticides. They work by trapping contaminants in a porous surface as water passes through. Many pitcher-style filters or faucet attachments use this technology.
If you have reasons to believe other contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrates, and even some PFAS compounds lurk in your water, the best solution is a reverse osmosis filter. This uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove most dissolved solids, but it can be slow and wasteful.
There are other filtration systems available, so do your research and choose the one that fits your needs.
In Summary
Addressing water contamination requires proactive measures, from upgrading filtration technologies to advocating stricter regulations. Together, communities can ensure clean, safe water access for generations ahead.