Water is an essential element of life. We need it to stay hydrated, wash our clothes, and keep our bodies clean. Luckily, we live in a day and age where we have a source of water ready for use within our homes.
Drinking from the tap allows you to get a cold sip in an instant, but is that refreshing glass of water as clean as you think? The answer is right at your fingertips—literally. There is an internet database released by the Environmental Working Group that gives you more information about your tap water than you bargained for.
Track Down Answers Using Your Zip Code
All you need handy is your zip code to utilize the Environmental Working Group’s database. Typing in your zip code allows you to choose from several water providers in your area, which then provides you with a list of contaminants your water contains.
You may find a list of scary-sounding chemicals, such as trihalomethanes, and find out in horror that these contaminants can cause cancer. Before you start a household ban on running the faucet, though, it’s important to understand that these contaminant levels have been recognized by the government as safe enough for consumption.
Is this some sort of way for the EWG to scare us into buying water filters by the thousands? In part, possibly. But it’s never a bad thing to be aware of what you’re putting into your body, especially on a constant basis.
The Bottom Line On Your Faucet
Wondering if you should reconsider your household water source? The safety regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency should be your go-to. Tap water that meets these regulations gets the green light, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t consuming even a small percentage of contaminants.
Take a look at the water database provided by the Environmental Working Group. They compile their information from government sources and offer a very useful tool that will help you get the scoop on what kind of water you are working with.
Are Water Bottles A Better Option?
Although bottled water seems like the cleanest way to quench your thirst, it may not be any better than the quality of your tap. Some bottled water is filtered, but companies are not required to test for various contaminants.
It’s pretty hard to find water that doesn’t contain some sort of undesirable contaminant, but chances are your tap water is safe for regular consumption. Those fancy water bottles may not be as elegant as they are marketed. Stay hydrated, friends!