We all know clean drinking water is super important. But what if what you can’t see in your water is actually hurting you? Lots of things can contaminate our water, so it’s smart to know what they are and how to get rid of them. This guide will walk you through the most common water contaminants and the best ways to filter them out.
What’s Lurking in Your Water? Common Water Contaminants
Let’s talk about the bad stuff that might be in your water:
Contaminant | Acceptable Level (MCL) | Potential Health Problems |
Microbial | ||
Coliform Bacteria | 0 total coliform/100 mL | Gastrointestinal illness, infections |
E. coli | 0 E. coli/100 mL | Severe gastrointestinal illness, kidney damage, death |
Cryptosporidium | (see note below) | Gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea, vomiting, etc.) |
Giardia lamblia | (see note below) | Gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea, cramps, etc.) |
Inorganic | ||
Arsenic | 10 µg/L (ppb) | Cancer (bladder, lung, skin), skin changes, circulatory problems |
Lead | Action Level: 15 µg/L (ppb) | Developmental problems in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure |
Nitrate | 10 mg/L (ppm) | “Blue baby syndrome” (methemoglobinemia) in infants |
Fluoride | 4 mg/L (ppm) | Skeletal fluorosis (in excessive amounts), tooth discoloration |
Organic | ||
Trihalomethanes (THMs) | 80 µg/L (ppb) | Potential link to cancer |
Haloacetic Acids (HAAs) | 60 µg/L (ppb) | Potential link to cancer |
PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”) | ||
PFOA | 4 ng/L (ppt) | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disorders, immune system effects, other health issues |
PFOS | 4 ng/L (ppt) | Cancer (liver), thyroid disorders, immune system effects, other health issues |
PFNA | 10 ng/L (ppt) | Similar to PFOA and PFOS, but with less extensive study |
PFHxS | 10 ng/L (ppt) | Similar to PFOA and PFOS, but with less extensive study |
HFPO-DA (GenX Chemicals) | 10 ng/L (ppt) | Similar to PFOA and PFOS, but with less extensive study |
PFBS | (part of a mixture) | Similar to PFOA and PFOS, but with less extensive study |
Radionuclides | ||
Radon | 4 pCi/L | Increased risk of lung cancer |
Choosing the Right Water Filter for Your Home
Picking the right water filter depends on what’s in your water. You might even need a combination of filters to get your water super clean!
Testing Your Water: Know What’s in Your Water
The first step is to test your water. You can buy a home test kit or have a professional come out. Knowing what’s in your water will help you choose the right water filtration system.
Clean Water is Essential!
Understanding what’s in your water and how to remove it is key to having clean, safe drinking water. Regular testing and the right water filter can help protect your family and give you peace of mind. Don’t wait – start thinking about your water quality today!
Ready for Cleaner, Better‑Tasting Water?
Protect your health with a filtration system that meets real performance standards. Multipure’s solid carbon block filters are NSF‑certified to reduce contaminants that affect taste, smell, and safety.
