What’s Really in Your Water? Hidden Toxins You Should Know About
Did you know that millions of Americans unknowingly drink water contaminated with heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and even cancer-causing chemicals?
Many people may not realize what’s lurking in their tap or bottled water. Whether sourced from a well or a city supply, your water could contain a dangerous mix of heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and more. In this article, we’ll explore common water contaminants and how to protect yourself and your family from their harmful effects.
A Personal Journey to Cleaner Water
When we built our home, we installed a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system, believing it was one of the best ways to ensure clean water. However, after discussing water quality with a dear friend and doing further research, I realized that even RO wasn’t enough. That’s when I discovered distilled water—the purest form of water available. Now, we distill our RO water and prioritize distilled water for drinking due to its unmatched purity.
After seven years of using distilled or reverse osmosis water, I must admit that I’ve become a bit of a water snob. I can taste the chlorine in tap water, the plastic aftertaste in bottled water, and the heavy iron in well water. Many people don’t realize that drinking or cooking with unfiltered water can contribute to serious health issues.
Common Health Issues from Drinking Contaminated Water:
Lower IQ
Thyroid problems
Neurological damage
Brain damage in infants
Various cancers
Tooth damage
Infertility
Bone disease
Ulcers
The Hidden Dangers of Fluoride:
The health issues listed above are often linked to fluoride in our bodies, especially at higher levels.
While fluoride is commonly promoted for its dental health benefits, many people don’t realize that it’s a byproduct of phosphate fertilizer production and classified as hazardous waste material. Alarmingly, about 70% of U.S. water supplies are fluoridated, even though 97% of European countries have rejected water fluoridation altogether. You can learn more about how phosphate fertilizer waste contaminates water in the in-depth Environmental Overview by the Fluoride Action Network.
When consumed, fluoride acts as a neurotoxin, which may cause brain damage, lower IQ, and thyroid dysfunction. Even more concerning, the fluoride added to our water is often contaminated with other harmful heavy metals like lead, aluminum, and arsenic. By ingesting fluoridated water, you could be exposing yourself to dangerous substances that may cause long-term damage to your organs and nervous system. For more information on fluoride's effects on health, visit the Fluoride Action Network’s health resource page.
Don’t We Need Fluoride for Our Teeth?
While fluoride is often associated with cavity prevention, its benefits are minimal. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that tooth decay rates have declined more in non-fluoridated countries than in those that fluoridate their water. The Fluoride Action Network’s dental resource page provides further insight into this topic.
Fluoride's Impact on Your Health:
Neurological damage, particularly in children
Thyroid problems, which impact metabolism and energy
Bone health issues, including increased risk of fractures
Cancer, especially in bones
Infertility and reproductive challenges
For more insight on the topic of fluoride check out this article.
The Most Common Toxins in Drinking Water
Water treated at city plants may leave the source clean, but it often picks up contaminants as it travels through old and corroded pipes to your home. Here are some of the most common toxins found in drinking water:
1. Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic)
Heavy metals can enter the water through natural deposits or corroded pipes. Long-term exposure can lead to kidney damage, developmental delays in children, and nervous system issues. Lead is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, contributing to lower IQ and behavioral issues.
2. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are used in products like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foams. They don’t break down in the environment and accumulate in our bodies over time, leading to cancer, liver damage, and reproductive issues.
3. Fluoride
While commonly added to water for dental health, fluoride is classified as a neurotoxin and is linked to lower IQ, thyroid dysfunction, and bone health issues.
4. Carcinogens (Chromium-6, Trihalomethanes)
Chromium-6 is a known carcinogen, made infamous by the film Erin Brockovich. Trihalomethanes, which form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, have been linked to bladder cancer.
5. Chlorine
Chlorine, which is used to disinfect water, can form harmful compounds like trihalomethanes, which are linked to cancer. Chlorine can also disrupt gut health and cause skin and hair issues.
6. Nitrates
Nitrates from agricultural runoff can interfere with the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, which is particularly dangerous for infants. Long-term exposure can lead to stomach cancer and thyroid issues.
7. Pesticides
Pesticides enter the water supply through agricultural runoff and improper disposal. Pesticides in water pose significant health risks, including hormone disruption, reproductive problems, developmental delays, and nervous system damage.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be drinking these toxins. Dr. Ana Soto, an expert on xenoestrogens, has demonstrated that these chemicals accumulate in our bodies over time.
How to Purify Your Water and Remove Toxins
Fortunately, there are several effective filtration methods to protect your family:
Image from: My Pure Water
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
RO systems filter out contaminants such as heavy metals, fluoride, and PFAS. They operate by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane that captures impurities. However, RO systems don’t remove 100% of chemicals, so combining RO with distillation is ideal.
Distillation
Distillation boils water into vapor, leaving behind contaminants. This is the most effective method for purifying water, as it eliminates all toxins, including heavy metals, fluoride, and PFAS. Countertop distillers are a budget-friendly option for those seeking pure water.
Several health experts, including Dr. Arthur R. Reynolds and Dr. Alexander Graham Bell, have advocated for distilled water, claiming it can help alleviate various health issues.
Water Filters
If you can't afford RO or distillation, a high-quality countertop filter can still offer protection. Be sure that the filter can remove heavy metals, fluoride, and PFAS. Considerations When Buying a Water Filter - Fluoride Action Network (fluoridealert.org)
Bottled Water: Not the Answer
Bottled water may seem like a convenient alternative, but many brands simply bottle tap water. Additionally, plastic bottles can leach microplastics, which act as endocrine disruptors. If you must use bottled water, opt for spring water in glass bottles.
Do You Need Minerals in Your Distilled Water?
Drinking distilled water does not directly deplete minerals from your bones. Concerns and misconceptions often arise because distilled water lacks minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are naturally present in tap or mineral water.
There’s no solid evidence to suggest that distilled water causes mineral loss in bones or other tissues. The primary concern with long-term consumption is that it doesn’t supply essential minerals, which could lead to deficiencies if not addressed through diet or supplements.
In reality, distilled water does not remove vital minerals from the body. You primarily obtain essential minerals from food, not water. Distilled water can help flush out harmful inorganic minerals that your body cannot process.
If your diet includes a variety of organic fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and even organ meats, you’re likely getting the minerals you need. Juicing fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to ensure you absorb organic minerals, nutrients, and trace elements. If you’re concerned about mineral intake, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on your tongue first thing in the morning and using a liquid bone support supplement in your water to replace any trace minerals lost during distillation.
Taking Control of Your Water Quality
Ensuring that your drinking water is free from harmful contaminants protects both your health and your family’s. Whether you choose distilled water or a combination of filtration methods, the key is to take proactive steps toward cleaner water.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—take control of your water quality today. Install a filtration system or start distilling your water to protect your family from hidden toxins in tap water.
Additional Resources:
Interactive Maps to See Your Area for Levels of Toxins: