Many people don’t give much thought to what’s in their drinking water. They turn on the tap, fill a glass, and assume the water meets their expectations. However, even clear water can contain substances that affect its taste or raise concerns about long-term exposure.
Understanding the common chemicals found in drinking water gives you a better idea of what you’re consuming. It also makes it easier to evaluate water quality reports and determine whether additional filtration makes sense for your workplace.
1. Chlorine
Chlorine serves an important purpose in public drinking water systems—water utilities add it to control harmful microorganisms and prevent waterborne illnesses. Although chlorine makes drinking water safer, it can leave behind a noticeable taste or smell. Some people notice a swimming pool-like odor when they turn on the faucet.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chlorine levels in public drinking water systems. However, chlorine can react with natural organic matter and create disinfection byproducts that may increase health risks with prolonged exposure. Activated carbon filtration reduces chlorine and improves drinking water’s taste, making it more appealing for everyday consumption.
2. Lead
Lead provides no benefit to drinking water. This toxic metal can enter water when corrosion affects lead-containing plumbing materials. Older buildings may have lead service lines or plumbing components that contribute to contamination.
Lead exposure presents particular concerns for children and pregnant women. Even relatively low exposure can affect neurological development, while prolonged exposure in adults may contribute to cardiovascular problems.
Water temperature and chemistry influence how readily lead dissolves into drinking water. Hot water can increase lead release, making cold tap water the better choice for drinking and cooking. Because lead has no distinctive taste or smell, visual inspection won’t reveal contamination, so building owners should consider testing when their plumbing history raises concerns. Certain filtration systems carry certification for lead reduction, but businesses should verify specific performance claims before selecting equipment.
3. Arsenic
Arsenic enters some drinking water supplies through natural geological processes. As groundwater moves through certain rock formations, it can dissolve arsenic-containing minerals and carry the substance into wells. Private well owners face particular responsibility for monitoring arsenic because public water regulations don’t cover private wells.
Long-term exposure to elevated arsenic concentrations can increase the risk of certain cancers. Research also links chronic exposure to cardiovascular disease. Arsenic generally doesn’t change water’s appearance or flavor, making laboratory testing essential for detecting contamination.
Reverse osmosis systems reduce certain forms of arsenic, although effectiveness depends on water chemistry and treatment design. Anyone dealing with confirmed contamination should select equipment suited to the specific arsenic form present.
4. Nitrates
Agricultural activity represents a major source of nitrates in groundwater and surface water. Fertilizers contain nitrogen compounds that plants need for growth, but rainfall can carry excess nitrogen into nearby water supplies. Animal waste and septic systems also contribute nitrates to groundwater, and rural communities and properties that rely on private wells may face greater exposure.
Elevated nitrate levels present a serious concern for infants younger than 6 months. Excessive exposure can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, potentially causing methemoglobinemia.
Boiling water doesn’t remove nitrates. In fact, evaporation can increase their concentration. Reverse osmosis and certain ion exchange systems reduce nitrate levels when properly designed for that purpose.
5. PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly called PFAS, form a large group of synthetic chemicals. Manufacturers have used these substances in products that resist grease or water. Some PFAS enter drinking water through industrial discharges or contamination associated with firefighting foam. Their chemical stability allows them to remain in the environment for extended periods.
Researchers have linked exposure to certain PFAS with increased cholesterol levels and reduced vaccine antibody responses. The risks depend on the specific compound and extent of exposure.
The EPA has established drinking water standards for certain PFAS, although contamination varies between water supplies. Some activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange systems reduce specific PFAS. Treatment performance varies, so facility managers should look for verified reduction claims.
6. Fluoride
Fluoride differs from many other drinking water chemicals because communities sometimes add it intentionally. Community water fluoridation aims to reduce tooth decay by maintaining an appropriate fluoride concentration. Fluoride also occurs naturally in groundwater. Depending on local geology, naturally occurring concentrations may exceed recommended levels.
At appropriate concentrations, fluoride supports dental health. However, excessive exposure during childhood can cause dental fluorosis, which changes the appearance of developing tooth enamel. Very high concentrations over extended periods may also affect bones.
Standard activated carbon filters generally don’t remove fluoride effectively. Reverse osmosis systems can reduce fluoride, making treatment technology an important consideration for anyone concerned about its concentration.
7. Copper
Copper pipes appear in many residential and commercial plumbing systems. Although copper offers durability, certain water conditions can cause corrosion that releases the metal into drinking water. Water acidity and plumbing age can influence copper concentrations. Water that remains in pipes for extended periods may also accumulate more copper.
Copper serves as an essential nutrient in small amounts, but excessive exposure can cause nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Long-term exposure to high concentrations may create additional health concerns.
Blue-green stains around plumbing fixtures sometimes indicate copper corrosion. However, staining alone can’t establish whether drinking water exceeds safety limits. Building managers who identify elevated copper levels should investigate their plumbing conditions and consider appropriate treatment options.
8. Pesticides
Pesticides protect crops and control unwanted organisms, but some compounds can move beyond their intended application areas. Rainfall and irrigation may transport pesticide residues into rivers or groundwater.
The potential health effects depend on the specific pesticide. Some compounds may affect the nervous system, while others raise concerns about long-term exposure. Public water systems monitor regulated pesticides according to applicable requirements. Private well owners must arrange their own testing when nearby activities suggest possible contamination.
Activated carbon reduces certain organic chemicals, but no single filter automatically removes every pesticide. Identifying the contaminant matters more than choosing equipment based on general filtration claims.
Understanding Water Quality Starts With Knowing What’s Present
These eight examples demonstrate why water quality involves more than appearance. The common chemicals found in drinking water have different sources and potential effects, so each requires appropriate evaluation.
For businesses interested in improving workplace drinking water, a few practical steps can clarify the next decision:
- Review your local utility’s annual water quality report.
- Test building water when contamination concerns warrant it.
- Identify which contaminants your filtration equipment can reduce.
- Check independent certifications for specific contaminant reduction claims.
- Follow recommended filter replacement schedules.
Filtered water dispensers offer businesses a convenient way to provide drinking water without relying on traditional five-gallon bottles. However, their treatment capabilities depend on the filtration technology inside each unit.
Find the Right Drinking Water Filtration Solution for Your Workplace
At Total Office H2O, we specialize in bottle-free water coolers for businesses of different sizes. We understand that office managers want dependable drinking water solutions without complications.
Our team can discuss available filtration options and assist you in selecting equipment that fits your workplace’s needs. We also prioritize reliable customer service after installation. Contact Total Office H2O to discuss our bottle-free water cooler options and find a practical drinking water solution for your business.
