What are the standards for water quality in the U.S.?

Tap water across the U.S. has made headlines lately – unfortunately, the regulations placed on municipalities across the country leave room for a wide range of contaminants to wind up coming out of our taps. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates public water systems through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This law establishes Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for certain harmful substances, such as lead, arsenic, and pesticides. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other health organizations have raised concerns that the defined MCLs may not fully protect against certain harmful contaminants, especially when it comes to inhalation and skin absorption during showering.

Disinfection Byproducts and Their Risks

The EPA regulates contaminants like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are disinfection byproducts (DBPs) formed when chlorine or chloramine used in water treatment reacts with natural organic matter. However, the EPA's permissible levels for these byproducts may still pose health risks. The EWG's research suggests that even low levels of DBP exposure can increase the risk of cancer and may harm fetal development. 

During a hot shower, some of these compounds can vaporize, and inhalation of DBPs has been associated with respiratory issues and may contribute to long-term health problems. The warm water also opens up skin pores, potentially increasing the absorption of these chemicals through your largest organ – your skin.

Heavy Metals and Infrastructure Concerns

While the EPA has set limits for heavy metals like lead and copper in drinking water, these standards may not account for the cumulative effects of exposure, particularly through inhalation of steam during showers. Aging infrastructure can lead to elevated levels of these metals in household water supplies. Lead exposure is especially concerning, as it can cause neurological damage, developmental delays in children, and various health issues in adults. 

Protecting Yourself Beyond EPA Standards

While the EPA's water quality standards provide a baseline, they may not fully safeguard against all health risks associated with contaminants in shower water. Given these potential risks, taking proactive steps can help mitigate long-term effects on your health and contribute to your overall well-being:

• Install a Shower Filter: High-quality shower filters like the Citrus Filtered Showerhead can reduce the levels of chlorine, chloramine, disinfection byproducts, and heavy metals in your water. 

• Stay Informed: Regularly review your local water quality reports and consult resources like EWG's Tap Water Database to understand the specific contaminants present in your water supply.

• Advocate for Stronger Standards: Support initiatives and policies aimed at updating and strengthening water quality standards to better protect public health, considering the latest scientific research.