For too many Americans, turning on their faucets for a glass of water or to take a shower is like pouring a cocktail of chemicals.

EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) latest analysis includes water quality data from nearly 50,000 water systems collected between 2021 and 2023. It identified 324 contaminants in drinking water across the country, with almost all community water systems having detectable contaminants.

While some of these pollutants exceed federal legal limits, most contaminants are detected in tap water at levels above stricter health-based standards established by EWG scientists, putting millions of Americans at risk.

Read more here: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2025/02/ewg-tap-water-database-update-shows-hundreds-contaminants

Key findings include:

PFAS: EPA data reveal that over 143 million people are exposed to PFAS in their drinking water. These toxic chemicals, which accumulate in the body and do not break down in the environment, have been linked to cancer, immune suppression, fetal harm and reduced vaccine effectiveness. PFAS have been detected in nearly every American’s blood, including newborns.

Volatile organic compounds: VOCs like trichloroethylene or TCE, perchloroethylene and benzene are widespread contaminants linked to industrial pollution and environmental persistence. These chemicals, even at low concentrations, can cause cancer, liver damage and neurological issues. They are found in tap water at levels ranging from parts per trillion to parts per billion.

Nitrate: Nitrates from farm runoff and wastewater can contaminate drinking water, especially in rural areas. Long-term exposure to high nitrate levels can cause serious health problems, including cancer, thyroid issues and harm to developing babies. Nitrate contamination is particularly dangerous for infants, especially when used in baby formula, as it can lead to life-threatening conditions like methemoglobinemia.

Heavy metals: Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral that causes bladder, lung and skin cancer as well as harm to the skin and lungs. Arsenic is found in drinking water in all 50 states

Hexavalent chromium, or chromium-6, is a carcinogen made infamous by the Erin Brockovich case in California, and is in the tap water of over 250 million Americans. There is no federal limit for chromium-6, despite its widespread presence and link to cancer and organ damage.

Disinfection byproducts: Chlorine disinfectants used to treat water can form harmful byproducts linked to cancer and reproductive health issues. These byproducts are consistently found in large water systems serving millions of people.

Radiological contaminants: Radium and uranium were detected in many water systems, sometimes exceeding EPA limits. Long-term exposure can lead to neurological disorders, developmental delays and organ damage. Radioactive elements like radium and uranium, naturally occurring or released from mining and industrial processes, increase cancer risk due to ionizing radiation.

Fluoride: While fluoride is added to water for dental health, high levels can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis and may harm children’s neurodevelopment. Some communities have seen fluoride concentrations exceed recommended limits

 

At Tools for Wellness, we take clean water seriously!  We work with some of the best manufactures; testing the quality, durability, and function of our systems.