What's Really in Our Tap Water?

Across North America, tap water can contain a mix of contaminants like pesticides, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and even microplastics. Most municipal systems aren't built to remove these modern pollutants. In fact, studies in both the U.S. and Canada have found hundreds of chemical compounds in drinking water — many linked to serious health risks.

  • Outdated Systems, Modern Problems

    While water treatment plants handle bacteria and debris, they often miss low-level synthetic chemicals. These pollutants come from agriculture, industry, and everyday household products — and they’re showing up in rivers, lakes, and ultimately, our taps.

  • Children Are Especially at Risk

    Children drink more water per pound of body weight and are still developing, making them more vulnerable to toxins. Yet, water safety standards are based on healthy adults — not infants or young children.

Why Chemical Combinations Are a Bigger Problem

Water quality tests usually look at one chemical at a time to decide what’s “safe.” But in real life, we’re often exposed to many chemicals at once. These combinations can interact in unexpected ways — sometimes making them far more harmful than if they were on their own.

  • How Water is Usually Tested

    • Assumes just one chemical is present
    • Tested in a controlled lab
    • looks safe in isolation
  • What Actually Happens

    • Multiple chemicals mix together
    • People drink small amounts every day
    • Combined chemicals may be much more toxic

Even if each chemical is present at a "safe" level, the combination of several may increase health risks — sometimes by a lot. Researchers have warned that the true danger is in the mix, not just the individual parts.

What You Can Do

  • Review your local water report
  • Limit chemical use around your home
  • Dispose of waste safely
  • Use a home water filter certified to reduce key contaminants

Even small changes can help protect your health and reduce environmental impact.