Our drinking water comes from ground and surface water sources. But with climate change, there is an effect not only on global weather, but it has also adversely affected the quality of these water bodies. Is tap water safe to drink now in the USA?
Drinking water from taps
Drinking water is potable water. It should have a balanced pH and right amounts of minerals and minimal trace metals. Moreover, it should be free of any other chemical hazards, radioactive substances, and biological agents like germs, viruses, fungi, parasites etc.
Tap water in the USA is safe to drink (Source: Moffitt Cancer Center)Due to the environmental deterioration, there has been an effect on the climate. There is global warming. Moreover, due to this, sea water level is rising. This enters the land areas and mingles with the ground water as well as the surface water bodies such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. Sea water has high salinity and this would make this ground water salty too. In the USA, most of the tap water comes from ground water and surface water sources. Hence there is a concern about the safety of tap waters.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in the US
In order to regulate the quality of public drinking water supply and safeguard American public health and well-being, in 1974, the Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). As per this Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the main regulatory body for the USA drinking water supply system.
The three steps to standardize the process are:
-Contaminants identification and their health risks. EPA now regulates ninety water contaminants.
EPA (Source: Wikipedia)-A maximum contamination level goal (MCLG) is set for each contaminant.
-The agency then tries to see to it that the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of each contaminant is not crossed.
Water is treated with sophisticated technologies and rendered safe for consumption. Each region gives its feedback as a Consumer Confidence Report. And CDC has confirmed that the tap water in the USA is the safest to drink.
If hesitant to drink?
Despite the above, if one is still hesitant to consume the tap-based water, recommendation is to not opt for bottled water. Because bottled water is costly and contributes to plastic waste. Moreover, when the water and bottle gets hot, the chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) leach out into the water and can harm the body.
Instead, go for filtered water. You can do it easily at home. One can use a simple water filter such as a faucet filter or even a carbon filter containing water pitcher (from Brita and PUR). These can even remove lead from water if used properly.
Tap water (Source: Women’s health)Read here: 13 water-rich fruits for rehydration and nourishment during summers!
Water treatment and purification system for whole house will average a cost of USD 2050. It is a one way investment but is a good way to purify water. Yelena Wheeler, Los Angeles-based dietitian states:
“Not only is [drinking filtered tap water] better for your health and the environment, it also will save you money in the long run as it reduces constant spending on water bottles.”