Tap Water Contaminants

Filtered water is strongly preferred over both unfiltered tap water and bottled water. Shower head filtration is worthwhile for reducing chlorine exposure beyond drinking water. An under-sink filter alone misses the shower exposure route that a whole-house system would address. Filters designed for heavy metals, organic compounds, and microplastics provide the most complete protection. Not all water filtration methods are effective at removing microplastics from drinking water. Chloramine requires a high-grade catalytic carbon filter, which has a different surface structure that breaks down chloramine unlike standard activated carbon. Drinking water is a source of human microplastic and nanoplastic exposure. Relying on water filtration alone is an incomplete strategy for reducing microplastic exposure. Tap water contains a range of concerning substances including chlorine, fluoride, glyphosate, hormone-disrupting chemicals, and nanoplastics. Chlorine added to tap water as a disinfectant disrupts the gut microbiome. Glyphosate from GMO agricultural runoff can enter tap water and disrupt gut function. Filtration options include whole-house filters, tap/sink filters, shower head filt…