Tips for Healthier Living 3

Tips for Healthier Living 3: What Is in a Glass of Tap Water?

We take for granted another of our most valuable ingredients for life: water. Yet, the water we drink every day might be doing us hidden harm. Tap water, which should be a source of hydration and health, often contains substances that affect our bodies in ways we do not immediately realize. The quality of our drinking water is something we need to take control of, rather than assuming it is always safe.

The Unseen Contaminants in Tap Water

Most of us don’t think twice before filling a glass with water straight from the tap. However, when we start paying attention, we may notice something unsettling. Since I started drinking properly filtered water, my sense of smell has improved dramatically. Now, I can detect the chlorine in tap water instantly. This raises an important question: what else is in the water that chlorine is masking?

Chlorine is just one of many additives in tap water. It is commonly used to disinfect water supplies, killing bacteria and viruses. But while it serves an important purpose, it also introduces a distinct taste and smell. More concerningly, chlorine can react with organic matter in water to form byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs), which have been linked to potential health risks. And chlorine is only the tip of the iceberg.

Some tap water contains traces of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and aluminium, which can seep into the water supply through ageing pipes. Pharmaceutical residues, pesticides, and microplastics have also been detected in drinking water worldwide.

The Difference Between Countries

Water quality can vary significantly from one country to another. A friend living in the Netherlands once told me that when she visits Ireland and turns on the tap in her mother’s house, she can smell the chlorine immediately. The locals don’t notice it because they are so accustomed to it. But when she drinks tea there, she can even taste the metal. The exposure to different water conditions makes her more aware of what is in the water she drinks.

This difference in perception is important. Just because we don’t notice an issue doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Many people consume contaminated water daily without realizing it. Over time, the accumulation of chemicals and impurities in tap water could contribute to long-term health problems.

The Bottled Water Scam

Many people turn to bottled water as a safer alternative to tap water. But is it really better? Unfortunately, bottled water is often no cleaner than tap water. In fact, it can be worse.

Bottled water companies promote their products as “pure” and “fresh,” but much of it is just repackaged tap water. Worse still, plastic bottles introduce another layer of contamination. Water bottles often sit in storage for months, sometimes in hot conditions, allowing chemicals from the plastic to seep into the water.

When you become aware of this, you can actually smell it. Try opening a bottle of water and giving it a sniff—you might detect a faint plastic scent. That’s because microplastics and chemicals from the bottle have dissolved into the water you are about to drink. Studies have shown that bottled water contains tiny plastic particles, which we unknowingly consume. Over time, these microplastics accumulate in the body, with unknown long-term effects on human health.

If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, switching to bottled water isn’t the best solution. Instead, investing in a high-quality water filtration system is a smarter choice.

Investing in a Water Filter: A Logical Choice

Given that our bodies are composed of approximately 70% water, ensuring that we drink clean, high-quality water should be a top priority. Fortunately, getting access to clean water doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find effective water filtration systems that mimic nature’s purification process for just a couple of hundred pounds. Some of these filters only require around £40 per year to replace the filter, making them far more cost-effective than constantly purchasing bottled water.

Think of it this way: if you’re willing to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on a home, why wouldn’t you invest a small fraction of that to ensure that the air you breathe and the water you drink are clean and safe? Clean water is one of the most fundamental necessities for good health, yet many of us continue to overlook its importance.

Making the Switch to Cleaner Water

If you’re ready to take control of your drinking water, consider these steps:

1. Get a Water Filter – Choose a high-quality filter that removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Look for filters that use activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or other proven filtration methods.
2. Avoid Plastic Bottled Water – Opt for glass bottles if you must buy bottled water. Better yet, refill a reusable glass or stainless steel bottle with filtered water from home.
3. Test Your Tap Water – If you’re unsure about your water quality, get a home water test kit or request a water quality report from your local water supplier.
4. Observe Changes in Your Health – Pay attention to any differences in taste, smell, or how you feel after switching to filtered water. Some people notice improvements in digestion, skin clarity, and even energy levels.
5. Spread Awareness – Share what you learn with friends and family. Many people simply don’t know about the potential risks in tap and bottled water.

Final Thoughts

Water is essential to life, yet many of us don’t question what is in the glass we drink every day. Chlorine, heavy metals, microplastics, and other contaminants can be present in both tap and bottled water, affecting our health over time. Becoming aware of these hidden dangers is the first step toward making better choices for ourselves and our families.

Rather than relying on bottled water, which often contains microplastics and other pollutants, investing in a good water filtration system is a smarter, healthier, and more cost-effective choice. By taking control of our water quality, we can improve our well-being, reduce our exposure to harmful substances, and enjoy a cleaner, healthier life.

Next time you pour a glass of water, ask yourself: do you know what’s in it? If not, it might be time to take action. Clean water isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for good health.

Quote:   ‘We must take extra care to protect our health
because we live on an unhealthy planet’.  Janette Derham