In the US, the water quality standards are set by the Environmental Protection Agency. They seem to be sufficient in inhibiting outbreaks of waterborne diseases, since of the few outbreaks that occur annually, most of them occur in supplies that are not regulated by the EPA.
Regulations concerning bacteria, viruses and other pathogens are also relatively strict. However, regulations concerning chemical contaminants are relatively lax and sometimes completely absent. Even the methods used for establishing water quality standards are lacking.
There is really no way to determine how long-term exposure to low levels of chemical contaminants affects our health. Some researchers are attempting to answer that question, specifically as it pertains to some of the most common chemical contaminants. Those are called trihalomethanes.
Trihalomethanes or THMs are a group of chemical compounds that are known to cause or suspected of causing cancer. They are present in publicly treated supplies, because they form when bacteria and other pathogens are removed through disinfection. They are not present in groundwater that has not been disinfected in any way.
If your home is serviced by a public treatment facility and the source used is above ground, then THMs are flowing out of your tap and into the air of your home whenever you turn on a shower. Many researchers feel that the water quality standards or limits pertaining to THMs are higher than they should be. But, there isn’t much that the treatment facilities can do about it. Consumers really need to take matters into their own hands.
In order to reduce THMs at the facility level, the amount or disinfectants would need to be reduced. This would mean that the number of bacteria and other pathogens would rise. Outbreaks of waterborne illnesses are considered far greater public health risks than cancer. Cancerous growths take a long time to form and some people are able to fight them off. So, as it is with most medical considerations, the EPA must weigh the risks against the benefits.
The water quality standards set for bottling companies are even lower than those set by the EPA. That industry is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The e-coli level allowed in those bottles is higher than what is allowed in public supplies. Many of the plants are dirty and make little effort to provide a safe product.
The best solution, for all homeowners, is to install an effective filter in their home. Remember that drinking is not the only source of exposure. THMs become airborne during a shower and you inhale them. They can get into the bloodstream more quickly through inhalation than they can through consumption.
Everyone should know that the water quality standards in the US are not sufficient to protect our long-term health, but there is something that we can do. Buy an effective filter and install it…you’ll never need to worry about the subject again.
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