Are you sure your apartment’s tap water is as clean as it looks? Many renters assume city-treated water is perfectly safe—but that’s not always the case. Hidden contaminants like lead, chlorine byproducts, and metals from old pipes can sneak into your drinking water without warning. Before you fill another glass, find out what might really be flowing from your faucet—and how to protect yourself with simple, renter-friendly solutions.
Aging Pipes, New Problems: The Hidden Risk Inside Your Walls
Your city may treat water carefully before sending it out, but that water still has to travel through your building’s plumbing. Many apartment buildings have pipes that are 30 to 50 years old, and that’s where problems begin. As these pipes age, they can release metals like copper, iron, and lead into your water right before it reaches your tap.
Why Your Water Report Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
Most water companies provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that lists the contaminants found in the city’s water supply. But here’s the issue—these reports only cover the water as it leaves the treatment plant. They don’t measure what happens once it flows through your building’s old pipes. So even if the city water is clean, your apartment’s plumbing could be adding unwanted metals or other pollutants.
FAQs: Apartment Water Safety and Filtration
Even if you’ve never thought much about your tap water, these common questions can help you understand what’s really going on behind the faucet—and what you can do about it.
Chlorine, THMs, and That “Pool Water” Taste
If your tap water smells like a swimming pool, that’s chlorine. Cities use chlorine to disinfect water and kill bacteria, but it can react with organic matter to form chemicals called Trihalomethanes (THMs). Over time, high exposure to THMs may pose health risks. A third-party certified solid carbon filter can remove chlorine and these byproducts, improving both the taste and safety of your water.
Lead in Fixtures: The Silent Threat You Can’t See
Lead is one of the most dangerous contaminants found in older plumbing. It’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless—making it nearly impossible to detect without testing. Even small amounts can be harmful, especially for children and pregnant women. Because lead levels can fluctuate from day to day, the safest option is to use a reliable water filter certified to remove lead.
The Smart Fix: Easy Water Filter Options for Renters
You don’t need to rely on bottled water or make expensive plumbing changes to stay safe. There are simple, renter-friendly filters that make a big difference. Next, we’ll explore some of the best options—like the Multipure Aquamini—that are easy to install, highly effective, and completely lease-safe.
Ready to find out real solutions for bad-tasting water?
Protect your health with the right water filtration solution. For an excellent starting point, discover why Multipure’s solid carbon block filters are a top choice for removing taste-affecting contaminants like chlorine and much more.
