August is National Water Quality Month, a good prompt to think about what's actually in your tap water and what you can do about it. Drinking water is essential for health, so it's worth making sure your household's water supply is one you can trust.
Know What's in Your Water Supply
If you're on a public water supply, your utility publishes an annual water quality report you can check for detected contaminants. If you're on a private well, it's worth testing at least once a year, since well water isn't covered by the same public reporting.
Common Contaminants Found in Drinking Water
PFOA and PFOS (two types of PFAS) show up in drinking water because they're used in a range of manufactured products, including non-stick coatings. These "forever" chemicals have been linked to several health concerns, and the EPA regulates how much can legally be in drinking water, though exposure still happens.
Lead commonly leaches into tap water from aging pipes and fixtures. The EPA's action level for lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion, but many utilities still struggle to stay under that threshold, and lead exposure is a serious concern, particularly for children.
Fluoride is added to many municipal water supplies to help prevent dental cavities. It occurs naturally in water too, and while beneficial in small amounts, excess fluoride can cause dental fluorosis (white patches on teeth) or, at higher levels, skeletal fluorosis affecting bones and joints.
Asbestos was widely used in building materials like insulation, floor tiles, and roofing. It can enter water supplies through natural deposits or from erosion of asbestos-containing materials, and while typical levels in tap water are low, it's still a recognized health risk.
Chlorine is commonly added to disinfect water and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. It's effective at that job, but it's also a chemical that can be harmful to consume at high levels, which is part of why filtering it out improves both safety and taste.
Dispose of Chemicals Properly
Protecting your local water supply also means being careful about what goes down the drain. Household cleaners and chemicals can contaminate water supplies if used or disposed of improperly, so read product labels, avoid dumping oil or grease down the drain, and look for cleaning products made with safer ingredients where you can.
Use a Water Filter
A reliable water filter is one of the most direct ways to protect what you're drinking. ZeroWater's 5-Stage Filtration System is IAPMO certified to reduce lead, chromium, mercury, PFOA/PFOS, and chlorine, and removes up to 99.6% of Total Dissolved Solids, for water that tastes noticeably cleaner. Change your filter once the included TDS meter reads 006.
Conserve Water
Conserving water also protects water quality more broadly. Fix leaks, water plants during cooler hours of the day, and use low-flow showerheads and toilets where you can.
Be an Advocate
National Water Quality Month is also a good moment to spread the word, whether that's sharing a resource on social media or getting involved with a local water quality initiative. Raising awareness helps push protections forward beyond your own household.
Small, consistent steps, testing your water, filtering it, and being mindful of what goes down the drain, add up to real protection for your family and your community.
