Why You Should Consider Filtering Your Tap Water
But have you ever stopped to think about what might actually be in your water? 🤔 While tap water is generally treated to be safe for consumption, it can still contain a variety of contaminants that might not be ideal for your health. 💧❌ Sure, it might not make us physically sick after drinking it, so in that sense it’s considered "safe" for consumption. However, many of the substances in tap water can build up in your system over time, and while they may not cause immediate illness, they certainly aren’t doing your health any favours in the long run.
What Can Be in Your Tap Water? 😱
Tap water can contain a range of unwanted elements that have been shown to impact your health over time. Here are just a few common contaminants you may find:
Chlorine: This is added to tap water to disinfect it, but it can give your water a strange taste and odour. Prolonged exposure to chlorine may irritate your skin and lungs. 🌿
Lead: In older homes, lead can leach into water from outdated plumbing systems. Even small amounts of lead can be dangerous, especially for children and pregnant women. 🏠⚠️
Pesticides: Runoff from agricultural areas can sometimes seep into groundwater, introducing pesticides into your tap water. These chemicals can accumulate in the body and potentially cause long-term health issues. 🌾🚜
Microplastics: Yes, even tiny bits of plastic have been found in tap water! These microplastics are becoming more common in our environment, and their long-term effects on health can include inflammation, oxidative stress, male infertility and endocrine disruptors. 😬♻️ (PMID: 36726457 and PMID: 34484127)
Pharmaceuticals: Trace amounts of medications, including birth control hormones, can find their way into water systems through human waste and improper disposal. Although these concentrations are generally low, some studies suggest that long-term exposure, especially to hormones like oestrogen, could disrupt endocrine function, affecting reproductive health and wildlife populations.💊
Forever Chemicals (PFAS): These persistent chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are widely used in industrial processes and consumer products like non-stick cookware and water-resistant fabrics. They can accumulate in water supplies and are extremely difficult to break down. Long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health issues such as hormone disruption, immune system suppression, and an increased risk of cancer. Their persistence in both the environment and the human body is why they’re often referred to as “forever chemicals.” ♾️⚠️
These toxins can disrupt hormones, impair brain function, and damage vital organs.
Why Filtering Your Water Is a Smart Move 💡
Using a water filter at home is an easy and affordable way to reduce these contaminants and ensure the water you're drinking is as clean as possible. 🌿
There are many different types of filters, ranging from simple pitcher filters to more advanced under-sink systems. By filtering your water, you can:
Remove harmful chemicals: Filters can reduce or eliminate chlorine, lead, and other harmful substances, giving you peace of mind every time you take a sip. 🍹
Improve taste and odour: Water filters make your water taste fresher and cleaner, as they remove the chlorine and other impurities that can give it an off-putting taste. 👅✨
Protect your health: By cutting down on exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics, you’re reducing the risk of long-term health issues. 💪🏽
Easy Steps to Start Filtering 🚰🔧
There are many options available to fit your lifestyle and budget:
Pitcher filters: These are inexpensive and easy to use. Just fill them with tap water, and they filter out common contaminants. Perfect for small households! 🥛
Faucet-mounted filters: These attach directly to your tap and filter the water as it flows. This is a convenient, low-maintenance option. 👌
Under-sink filters: These provide more advanced filtration and are installed directly into your plumbing. They’re ideal for households that want consistently filtered water for cooking, drinking, and washing. 🛠️
Small Change, Big Impact 🌍✨
Making the switch to filtered water is a small change that can have a big impact on your health and the environment. 🌎 Minimising microplastic exposure is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and reducing the risk of other health concerns. To protect yourself, limit plastic use whenever possible and filter your tap water.
I have recently got a reverse osmosis water filter which is the best option on the market today! But any filter will do, anything that is budget friendly to you!
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