Are you safe using treated water from most municipal drinking supplies? Do you periodically have your well water or private water supply inspected for nitrates and other contaminates? Elevated nitrate levels may suggest the possible presence of other contaminants such as disease-causing organisms, pesticides, or other inorganic and organic compounds that could cause health problems. Studies show a correlation with nitrate levels in water to cancer, pregnancy and birth problems, blue baby syndrome, and GI problems. The association between bladder cancer and tap water consumption suggest to investigators that the increased risk may be related to the cancer-causing contaminants in tap water, such as disinfection by-products.
Disinfection by-products are chemicals generated through reactions of disinfectants (such as chlorine) with organic matter naturally occurring in water. Trihalomethanes (THM) are usually the most prevalent by-products of chlorination. Nitrate levels in water are increasing in both private water supplies and municipal treated water system supplies and contrary to some myths, boiling your water does not get rid of nitrates. It only intensifies them.
So if you are on a private water supply or well system it is your responsibility to have your water tested. Reverse Osmosis Systems installed on your home drinking water supply can remove nitrates from waters along with many other chemicals and bacteria. Some whole home water filtration systems will remove chlorine from your water. Swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs can be treated with alternatives to chlorine like ionization or natural mineral purifiers and magnets.
The Environmental Protection Agency strongly encourages people to learn more about their drinking water, and to support local efforts to protect and upgrade the supply of safe drinking water. Your water bill or telephone book government listings are a good starting point. Your local water supplier can give you a list of the chemicals they test for in your water, as well as how your water is treated. Your state Department of Health/Environment is also a valuable source of information. For help in locating these agencies or for information on drinking water in general, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.
