Contaminants in Municipal Water and How to Remove Them

Municipal water systems, while essential in providing safe drinking water to millions of households worldwide, are not without their risks. Despite stringent standards and continuous monitoring by bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), contaminants can still infiltrate the water supply, potentially endangering our health. The EPA does set limits on these contaminants, but these limits are based on what is considered “safe” according to current health guidelines, not necessarily what is ideal for all uses or all individuals. For example, permissible levels include small amounts of chlorine and nitrates. However, just because these levels are government-approved, it doesn’t mean the water is ideal for all uses or all individuals. It’s up to each family to take charge of their water quality to ensure the utmost protection for their family and home.

The Necessity for Effective Home Water Treatment Solutions

Roughly 85% of American homes deal with hard water, defined by high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Hard water often results in the accumulation of scale within pipes and appliances, escalating maintenance and replacement expenses and decreasing operational efficiency. 

85% of American homes deal with hard water

It’s a staggering fact that over 286 million Americans, accounting for about 88% of the population, depend on municipal water supplies. Despite treatment, these supplies can still harbor various contaminants due to aging infrastructure and pollution. This widespread reliance on municipal water underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the potential risks associated with it. 

Additionally, about 30% of the population relies solely on tap water for drinking, potentially exposing them to untreated contaminants ranging from microorganisms to chemical residues. These statistics emphasize the critical need for households to take additional steps to purify and condition their water.

Common Contaminants in Municipal Water

Microorganisms: Water sources can be contaminated with pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause diseases ranging from gastrointestinal infections to severe conditions like cholera and dysentery. 

Chemical Contaminants: Organic and inorganic compounds such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals can enter water supplies from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, or contaminated groundwater. Exposure to chemicals such as benzene, arsenic, and pharmaceuticals may result in significant health complications, including cancer, kidney damage, and neurological disorders.

Heavy Metals: Metals such as lead and mercury may enter water supplies due to the corrosion of pipes and plumbing, industrial activities, or natural sources. This contamination can lead to developmental delays in children and cause damage to the kidneys and brain in adults.

Disinfection Byproducts: When used in water treatment, disinfectants like chlorine and chloramines can interact with natural organic materials present in the water, resulting in the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). These byproducts are associated with an increased risk of cancer and reproductive problems.

Nitrates and Nitrites: Often found in fertilized soil and human sewage, high levels of nitrates and nitrites can lead to methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” which impairs the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.

Hard Water: Although hard water is not directly harmful to health, it can accumulate scale in pipes and appliances, decreasing their efficiency and increasing maintenance and replacement costs. Additionally, hard water diminishes the effectiveness of soaps and detergents and can damage dishes and fixtures, skin and hair, countertops and glass surfaces, and clothing.  

The Environmental Cost of Bottled Water

The convenience of bottled water comes with significant environmental costs. Despite recycling efforts, most plastic bottles end up in landfills, or worse, in rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they contribute to pollution and form hazardous debris fields like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This accumulation of plastic waste harms marine life and introduces microplastics into the water cycle. Furthermore, the production and transportation of bottled water require significant resources, utilizing substantial energy and contributing to carbon emissions.

The Best Solution: Kind Water Systems

Given the variety of potential contaminants in municipal water, finding a practical and comprehensive water treatment solution is critical. The Kind Water Whole House Water Filter and Salt-Free Softening Combo with UV Protection, combined with the Kind Water 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System, offers a robust defense against these contaminants and more, ensuring water is safe and beneficial for the entire household.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Water Treatment Technology: This integrated system ensures that water throughout the house is free from harmful contaminants. It effectively removes bacteria and viruses, prevents scale buildup due to hard water, and filters out chemicals, heavy metals, and disinfection byproducts.

Easy Installation and Maintenance: Both systems are designed for ease of installation and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for urban homes where space might be limited.

Protection for the Family and Home: The health benefits include reduced risks of irritation and potential disease from contaminants, while protecting plumbing and appliances extends their lifespan and efficiency, potentially leading to significant cost savings.

Customer Support and Satisfaction: Kind Water Systems supports these products with excellent customer service and a proven track record of high user satisfaction.

Employing a comprehensive water treatment system like the Kind Water Whole House Water Filter and Salt-Free Softening Combo with UV Protection, along with the Kind Water 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System, provides not only the best possible protection for water quality but also contributes positively to environmental conservation efforts. Filtering water at home is optimal for families who prioritize health, budget, and environmental responsibility. It guarantees safe drinking water and supports family members’ overall health, longevity, and home infrastructure.