A lot of people drink bottled or filtered water, but others choose to drink water straight from the tap. If you do that, you may wonder from time to time whether your water is actually safe and healthy for you, or whether you should be doing something different to protect yourself from harm. When traveling, you might also notice that the tap water in the location you’re visiting doesn’t taste the same as the water you get out of the tap at home. Here’s why, and what to know about water quality.
Tap Water Isn’t the Same Everywhere
The main reason the tap water at your home doesn’t taste the same as the water when you’re on vacation is that different locations have different requirements for their water. They may also have different types of chemicals and compounds in their water, which can alter the taste. Hard water has a higher mineral content than soft water, for example, and that can lead harder water to having a more metallic taste. If you’re from a place with soft water, that can be more noticeable to you.
Cities and towns in developed countries typically have specific standards that their water has to meet. If you’re in the United States, that’s based on EPA guidelines and regulations. In other words, a municipality has to treat water for specific kinds of problems that could make people sick, such as bacteria and parasites. If you have a well at your home and aren’t connected to city water, though, you’re not getting the same kind of protection from chemicals added to the water.
Most Tap Water is Drinkable
For the most part, any developed country will have tap water that’s drinkable. That means it meets specific health standards, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you. It could have higher concentrations of chemicals used to kill bacteria, for example, as many municipalities treat their water with chlorine and other compounds. They may also put fluoride in the water to help protect teeth, but not everyone wants to ingest this.
Being Able to Drink Tap Water Doesn’t Mean It’s Healthy
So, is tap water safe to drink? In short, mostly yes in the majority of locations. However, it’s important to remember that being able to drink tap water because it meets a specific government standard doesn’t mean that water is good for you or healthy for you to drink, especially over a long period of time. If you don’t like the way your water tastes, or you’re not sure about the chemicals that are used to treat it before it makes its way to your home, there are options for you to consider.
Testing Your Water Is a Good Idea
Water testing is a great way to find out if the taste your water has is based on the minerals or other compounds that are naturally in it, or if the flavor is because of a chemical that’s added to the water system, instead. When you test your water you can find out exactly what’s in it, and decide for yourself if you’re comfortable drinking from the tap or not. People have different tolerances, and what works for you might not be comfortable for someone else.
Consider a Filtration System for Your Home’s Tap Water
One of the ways to address any water quality issues, or eliminate an unpleasant taste in your tap water, is to have a filtration system installed. Whether you want a whole-house filter or something that attaches to your sink, there are options. Whole-home systems are generally a better choice for most people, though, because they treat all the water that comes into your home, including what you use for showering and doing laundry. When you work with a professional to get a water filtration system, you can have more peace of mind about the quality and safety of your home’s tap water.
