A clean water filtration system can have a direct and positive impact on your health by providing a final barrier against harmful contaminants that may be present in your tap water. While municipal water is treated to meet safety standards, the journey from the plant to your faucet can introduce issues like lead and chlorine byproducts. By removing these substances at the point of use, a filtration system contributes to better hydration, improved skin health, and long-term well-being for the entire family.
This article, based on extensive industry and water quality knowledge, will explain what a professionally installed and maintained water filtration system can do for your health.
Reducing Exposure to Harmful Contaminants
Even treated city water isn’t always as pure as you might think. A good filtration system acts as a final line of defense against several common contaminants that have known health implications.
Lead and Heavy Metals
One of the most serious health risks in drinking water is lead. In older homes, lead can leach into the water from aging pipes, solder, and fixtures. According to the CDC, there is no safe level of lead exposure, and it is particularly harmful to children, affecting brain development and the nervous system. A high-quality filtration system, such as a reverse osmosis (RO) system certified to NSF/ANSI 53, is extremely effective at removing lead from drinking water.
Chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts
Chlorine is used by water municipalities to kill harmful bacteria, but many people are sensitive to its taste, smell, and drying effects. Furthermore, when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, it can create disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Some studies have linked long-term exposure to certain DBPs to health concerns. An activated carbon filter, a common component in many filtration systems, is excellent at removing both chlorine and many of its byproducts.
Pesticides and Industrial Chemicals
Depending on the water source, trace amounts of pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals can sometimes find their way into the water supply. A multi-stage filtration system, particularly one that combines carbon filtration with other methods like reverse osmosis, can remove a broad spectrum of these synthetic organic chemicals, reducing your body’s overall chemical load.
Protecting Against Microbiological Threats
For households that use private well water, or in the rare event of a municipal system failure that leads to a boil water advisory, microbiological contaminants are a major concern. Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa like Giardia can cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses.
A filtration system equipped with an ultraviolet (UV) purifier provides a powerful solution. UV light neutralizes these microorganisms by scrambling their DNA, rendering them harmless without the use of any chemicals. This technology offers peace of mind that your water is protected from unseen biological threats.
Improving Skin and Hair Health
The water you bathe and shower in can have as much of an impact on your health as the water you drink. Unfiltered water can contain contaminants that affect your skin and hair.
- Chlorine: This disinfectant can strip the natural oils from your skin and hair, leading to dryness, itchiness, and irritation. For people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, showering in chlorinated water can make symptoms worse.
- Hard Water Minerals: While not a health risk, the minerals in hard water can leave a film on your skin that clogs pores and can prevent your skin from feeling truly clean.
A whole-house filtration system that reduces chlorine, combined with a water softener for hardness, can lead to noticeably softer skin and healthier, less brittle hair.
Bonus Tip: If a whole-house system isn’t an option, a simple showerhead filter containing activated carbon can be an affordable way to reduce chlorine exposure and improve your shower experience.
To summarize the key threats discussed, the table below offers a quick breakdown.
Common Contaminants and Their Health Impact
| Contaminant | Potential Health Effect | Effective Filtration Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Neurological damage, developmental delays in children. | Reverse Osmosis, Carbon Block Filters (NSF 53) |
| Chlorine | Dry skin and hair, potential irritation. | Activated Carbon Filter |
| Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) | Long-term health concerns. | Activated Carbon Filter, Reverse Osmosis |
| Bacteria/Viruses | Gastrointestinal illness, infections. | UV Purifier, Reverse Osmosis |
| Pesticides/Herbicides | Varies by chemical; long-term health concerns. | Activated Carbon Filter, Reverse Osmosis |
Encouraging Better Hydration
One of the simplest yet most profound health benefits of a water filtration system is that it can encourage your family to drink more water. When tap water has an unpleasant taste or odor from chlorine or other minerals, people are often less inclined to drink it, turning instead to sugary juices or sodas.
By removing these off-putting tastes and smells, a filtration system provides clean, refreshing water right from the tap. Better-tasting water makes it easier for everyone, especially children, to stay properly hydrated throughout the day, which is essential for energy levels, cognitive function, and overall health.
Things to Know Before You Choose a System
To get the most health benefits from a filtration system, it’s important to make an informed decision.
- Get Your Water Tested: The first and most important step is to get your water professionally tested. A test will tell you exactly what contaminants are in your water, allowing you to choose a system that targets your specific issues.
- Consider Your Primary Health Goals: Are you most concerned about lead, chlorine, or do you have someone in the house with very sensitive skin? Your health priorities will help guide you to the right type of system.
- Understand Maintenance Needs: For a filtration system to protect your health, it must be properly maintained. This means changing filter cartridges on schedule. A clogged or old filter can stop working and may even become a breeding ground for bacteria.
A Pro Tip on Budgeting: When selecting a system, ask about the annual cost of replacement filters. This will help you budget for the ongoing maintenance required to keep your water clean and safe.
Questions People Ask About Filtered Water and Health
Does filtered water remove healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium?
Some filtration systems, particularly reverse osmosis, are so fine that they do remove many minerals, including healthy ones. However, the primary source of these minerals in our diet is food, not water. Some RO systems have an optional remineralizing filter that adds a small amount of healthy minerals back into the water for better taste.
Is bottled water a safer alternative?
Not necessarily. The regulations for bottled water are not always stricter than for municipal tap water. Bottled water also creates significant plastic waste and can be hundreds of times more expensive than tap water. Filtering your own water is often a safer, more sustainable, and more economical choice.
Can a water filter really help with my allergies?
For some people, it might. While a water filter won’t cure seasonal allergies, reducing exposure to irritants like chlorine in your drinking and shower water can help lessen the overall burden on your system, which may be beneficial for those with sensitive skin or respiratory systems.
What is the single most important contaminant to filter out for health?
For homes with children or older plumbing, lead is arguably the most important contaminant to target due to its severe and irreversible health effects. A water test is the only way to know for sure if you have lead in your water.
If my water looks and tastes fine, can it still have harmful contaminants?
Yes. Many of the most serious contaminants, including lead, arsenic, DBPs, and certain bacteria, are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. You cannot judge the safety of your water by its appearance or taste alone.
With these common questions answered, it becomes clear why taking control of your water quality is such a sound decision.
An Investment in Your Family’s Well-being
A clean water filtration system is more than just a home improvement; it’s a direct investment in the health and well-being of your family. By taking control of your water quality, you can reduce your daily exposure to a wide range of potential contaminants, leading to better health from the inside out.
Get a Professional Water Quality Test
The best way to begin your journey to healthier water is with a professional water analysis. An expert can test your water, explain the results, and recommend a filtration system that is perfectly matched to your home and your health goals. For a comprehensive water quality test and consultation, the professionals at Simpson Plumbing LLC are available to help. You can schedule an appointment by calling them at (360) 954-2041 or by sending an email to [email protected].
Reviewer: With over 12 years of experience in residential plumbing services, Zoe Carter ensures every detail in this content reflects practical industry knowledge and current plumbing standards.