What’s up with your water?

Sure, you can get tap water reports from your water company, but can you really trust that it’s safe?

According to the Environmental Working Group, most water companies are in compliance with federal safety standards, but the limits set may be higher than what scientists recommend to be safe. The Environmental Protection Agency has failed to update their list of regulated contaminates in about 20 years. This means that more than half of the chemicals detected in water supplies have no regulation limit. So companies don’t have to test for them or even tell their customers that they could be present.

For 2 years, the Environmental Working Group researched the EPA’s 2010-2015 water reports. The tests were compromised of all 50 states and almost 50,000 water utilizes. The EWG looked for 500 different chemicals and found 267 in the tests from the EPA.

What was found?

• 93 can cause an increase of cancer.

• 63 can cause developmental delays in children and fetuses.

• 78 can cause brain and nervous system damage

• 38 can cause fertility issues.

• 45 can disrupt hormones

Chemicals that can be found in tap water:

• Aluminum

• Chlorine

• Gas and Oil

• Arsenic

• Chromium

• Fluoride

• Prescription Drugs

• Microbes

• Perchlorate

• Lead

• Nitrates

• Pesticides

How can we make sure our water is safe?

The Environmental Working Group has a tap water data base where you are able to check the water in your area. They offer great tips on water filter systems as well.

Click here to check your water score.