What’s Really in Your Water? Hidden Toxins You Should Know About
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Is Your Drinking Water Safe?
Did you know that millions of Americans are drinking water contaminated with toxins such as heavy metals, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and even cancer-causing chemicals every day?
Whether your water comes from a well or city supply, it may contain harmful substances like fluoride, lead, arsenic, and pesticides. In this article, you’ll learn about the most common toxic contaminants in drinking water—and what you can do to protect your health and your family.
My Journey to Safter, Cleaner Water
When we built our home, we installed a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system, believing it was one of the best water purification methods available. But after speaking with a friend and diving deeper into the research, I learned that RO water alone wasn’t enough.
That’s when I discovered distilled water—considered by many to be the purest form of water. Today, we distill our RO water and drink only distilled water for its unmatched purity.
After seven years of using RO and distilled water, I’ve become sensitive to what others might miss—chlorine in tap water, plastic in bottled water, and iron in well water. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the long-term health risks of unfiltered water.
Health Risks of Contaminated Water:
Here are just a few health problems linked to long-term exposure to toxins in drinking water:
Lower IQ
Thyroid problems
Neurological damage
Brain damage in infants
Cancer (including bone and bladder)
Tooth and bone damage
Infertility and reproductive issues
Ulcers and digestive issues
The Hidden Dangers of Fluoride in Drinking Water:
Fluoride is often promoted for dental health, but few realize it’s a byproduct of phosphate fertilizer production—classified as hazardous waste.
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.
Fluoride has been linked to:
For more information on fluoride's effects on health, visit the Fluoride Action Network’s health resource page.
Lower IQ
Thyroid problems
Bone fractures
Neurological disorders
Cancer
Infertility
Even worse, the fluoride added to water often contains contaminants like lead, aluminum, and arsenic.
Further reading:
Is Fluoride Really Necessary?
While fluoride is associated with cavity prevention, the benefits are minimal. In fact, WHO data shows that non-fluoridated countries experience greater declines in tooth decay than fluoridated ones.
The Fluoride Action Network’s dental resource page provides further insight into this topic.
For more insight on the topic of fluoride check out this article.
7 Most Common Contaminants in Drinking Water
Even if water leaves a treatment plant clean, it can become contaminated as it travels through old pipes. Here are the top toxins found in U.S. tap 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
A neurotoxin linked to cognitive decline, thyroid issues, and cancer.
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.
Health Risks: Bladder and bone cancers
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.
Health Risks: Oxygen deprivation in infants, thyroid issues, cancer
7. Pesticides
Pesticides enter the water supply through agricultural runoff and improper disposal.
Health Risks: Hormone disruption, infertility, developmental issues
Dr. Ana Soto has shown that pesticides and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals accumulate in the body over time, increasing health risks.
How to Remove Toxins from Your Drinking Water
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 Isn’t the Solution
Most bottled water is just tap water in plastic bottles—and may contain:
Microplastics (linked to hormone disruption)
BPA and other endocrine disruptors
Chemical leaching when bottles are heated
If you must drink bottled water, choose spring water in glass bottles.
Do You Need Minerals in Distilled Water?
A common myth is that distilled water leaches minerals from the body—but that’s not true.
Your food provides the minerals your body needs, not water. Distilled water helps remove inorganic compounds and toxins your body can’t process.
Pro tips:
Add a pinch of sea salt on your tongue in the morning
Use a liquid mineral or bone support supplement
Juice organic produce to boost mineral intake
Take Charge of Your Water Today
Protecting your family starts with knowing what’s in your water. Whether you choose distilled water, an RO system, or a high-quality countertop filter, what matters most is taking action.
Don’t wait—start filtering your water today and reduce your exposure to dangerous toxins.
Additional Resources:
Interactive Maps to See Your Area for Levels of Toxins: