Is Tap Water Safe to Drink? Expert Advice From a Doctor
Recent reports of a contaminated water supply in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have raised concerns about the safety of tap water. The city of Grand Prairie, Texas, issued warnings earlier this week after firefighting foam was detected in the water. However, the city later announced that the water is now safe to drink, according to local reports.
Despite this reassurance, many people are still wondering whether tap water is truly safe for consumption. Fox News Digital spoke to experts to get their insights on the potential risks associated with unfiltered tap water.
Dr. Brynna Connor, a board-certified family medicine physician in Frisco, Texas, and an ambassador for Northwestpharmacy.com, stated that in general, tap water is safe to drink as long as it comes from a public water system and no active boil water advisories have been issued by local health committees or water companies. She emphasized that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) ensures that water in public systems meets federal standards for safe consumption.
While tap water is generally regarded as safe, there are still some risks associated with drinking unfiltered tap water. Dr. Connor warned that unfiltered tap water could potentially lead to various illnesses affecting the gastrointestinal system, neurological system, and reproductive system. She also mentioned that lead poisoning, hepatitis, nitrate contamination, and fluoride exposure are potential risks that come with drinking unfiltered tap water.
Dr. Jennifer Dunphy, a doctor of public health and co-founder of the WIN Network in Los Angeles, echoed Dr. Connor’s sentiments, stating that most tap water is considered safe to drink due to regulations that limit harmful chemicals to a minimum. However, she cautioned that there are still risks to consider, especially in terms of long-term health consequences. Chemicals like chlorine and arsenic may be present in tap water, and their accumulation in the body over time could pose potential health risks.
Dr. Cherilyn Davis, a physician with Elliston Pediatrics in New York, reiterated that tap water in the U.S. is generally safe to drink but noted that regulations do not apply to privately owned wells. She advised individuals who drink well water to ensure that the owner monitors for contaminants beforehand to prevent potential health issues.
In cases where unfiltered tap water contains contaminants, individuals may experience symptoms like upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, or fever. Young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with drinking unfiltered tap water.
One way to address the potential risks of unfiltered tap water is to use a home filtration system. Dr. Dunphy recommended choosing an effective filtration system that can filter out specific chemicals of concern, such as arsenic or chlorine. She suggested options like faucet-mounted filters, point-of-use filters, or pitcher filters as alternatives to installing a full filtration system.
Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician in Florida, emphasized the importance of using a home filtration system to improve taste and provide peace of mind. He recommended reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters with ion exchange as effective options for removing contaminants from tap water. Dr. Mercola advised choosing a filter certified by NSF International to ensure its effectiveness.
Regular testing of tap water is crucial to determine the best filter for the contaminants present in a specific area. Homeowners can read local water quality reports or visit the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tap water database to better understand the quality of water in their area. Testing tap water regularly will help individuals make informed decisions about the type of filtration system needed to ensure safe drinking water.
In conclusion, while tap water in the U.S. is generally safe to drink, there are still potential risks associated with unfiltered tap water. Using a home filtration system is a proactive measure that can help mitigate these risks and provide peace of mind regarding water quality. By staying informed about water quality standards and regularly testing tap water, individuals can take steps to ensure that their drinking water is safe and free from harmful contaminants.