Author: irvtec

  • The Weird Way Your Tap Water Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep

    The Weird Way Your Tap Water Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep

    You’ve tried everything. Blackout curtains, white noise machines, meditation apps, even counting sheep in three different languages. But you’re still lying awake at 3 AM, praying some how you will drift back to sleep before that pesky alarm clock gets you up. What if I told you the culprit might be flowing right out of your kitchen faucet?

    I understand what you might be thinking, you are probably tempted to roll your eyes and click away, but hear me out. While most sleep issues stem from stress, screens, or that extra cup of coffee, researchers are discovering some surprising connections between water quality and rest. The data isn’t definitive yet, but it’s intriguing enough to consider, especially when you realize that the average American drinks about 1,000 gallons of tap water per year.

    The Heavy Metal Sleep Thief

    Here’s what we know for sure: lead contamination in drinking water can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that tells your brain it’s time to wind down. Studies from the National Institutes of Health show that even low-level lead exposure is linked to sleep disturbances, and the mechanism makes biological sense.

    Lead disrupts the normal functioning of your pineal gland, a small structure in your brain responsible for melatonin production. When this gland can’t work properly, your natural sleep-wake cycle gets thrown off balance. You might find yourself wide awake when you should be drowsy, or experiencing that frustrating “tired but wired” feeling that keeps you tossing and turning.

    Cities with older infrastructure—think places with pipes installed before 1986—often show higher lead levels in their water quality reports. The problem is particularly pronounced in older neighborhoods of Milwaukee, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, where decades-old service lines can leach lead into the water supply. Even homes built after 1986 aren’t automatically safe if they’re connected to older municipal infrastructure.

    The tricky part about lead exposure is that it’s cumulative and often symptomless in the short term. You might not notice any immediate effects from drinking slightly contaminated water, but over months or years, even small amounts can build up in your system and start affecting everything from your sleep patterns to your cognitive function.

    If you live in an older home and you’re having unexplained sleep issues, it might be worth getting your water tested. No safe lead level exists; while the EPA action level is 15 parts per billion, lower amounts may still pose risks according to the CDC. Lead testing through EPA-certified labs typically costs around $50, but some municipalities offer free testing programs for residents in high-risk areas.

    The Chlorine Question

    Most municipal water systems use chlorine to kill harmful bacteria, and that’s generally a good thing. Without chlorination, we’d be dealing with waterborne diseases that killed thousands of people in the early 1900s. But like many things in life, there can be too much of a good thing.

    Here’s where it gets murky: chlorinated water creates compounds called trihalomethanes (THMs), which the World Health Organization notes may cause mild inflammation in some people. THMs form when chlorine reacts with organic matter naturally present in water sources—things like decaying leaves, algae, or other plant material that makes its way into rivers and lakes.

    While THMs are associated with long-term health risks, no studies directly prove they disrupt sleep. However, reducing exposure with filters may benefit sensitive individuals. The theory is that low-grade inflammation anywhere in your body can trigger stress responses that interfere with the natural wind-down process your brain needs for quality sleep.

    Cities relying heavily on surface water sources—like those drawing from rivers or lakes—often need higher chlorine levels to meet safety standards than cities using groundwater. This shows up clearly in annual water quality reports. For example, cities along the Mississippi River or those using reservoir water typically report higher chlorine residuals than cities drawing from deep aquifers.

    The timing of your chlorine exposure might matter too. Some sleep specialists suggest that showering in heavily chlorinated water right before bed could potentially interfere with your body’s natural preparation for sleep, though this is largely theoretical. The warm water opens your pores, potentially increasing absorption of chlorine compounds through your skin.

    If you’re curious whether chlorine might be affecting you, try a simple test: let your drinking water sit overnight before consuming it (chlorine will evaporate), or use a basic carbon filter. If your sleep improves over a week or two, you might be onto something. Just remember that the placebo effect is real, so don’t draw conclusions too quickly.

    The Mineral Connection

    Here’s one of the strongest links researchers have found: magnesium deficiency can definitely mess with your sleep quality. This essential mineral plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation, nervous system function, and the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps calm brain activity.

    The connection to water quality comes through what’s called “water hardness.” Hard water contains higher levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, while soft water has had these minerals removed or naturally lacks them. Areas with very soft water—think parts of the Pacific Northwest, New England, or regions with extensive water softening—provide fewer minerals than regions with naturally hard water like much of the Southwest.

    However, here’s the reality check: water contributes minimally to magnesium intake. Even the hardest water typically provides only about 10-15% of your daily magnesium needs. If you’re deficient, dietary changes like eating more nuts, leafy greens, whole grains, and legumes, or taking supplements, are more effective solutions than relying on your tap water.

    That said, if you’re already borderline deficient in magnesium (which many Americans are), and you suddenly move from an area with hard water to one with very soft water, you might notice the difference. It’s not that the soft water is causing problems—it’s just not providing the mineral support you might have unconsciously relied on.

    Interestingly, some regions report better sleep quality in population health surveys, and while correlation doesn’t prove causation, areas with naturally balanced mineral content in their water supplies often rank higher. Mountain communities drawing from mineral-rich groundwater, for instance, frequently show up in studies of regions with good sleep health—though this could easily be due to other factors like air quality, lifestyle, or stress levels.

    The Emerging Contaminant Factor

    Beyond the usual suspects, newer contaminants are raising questions about sleep and overall health. PFAS chemicals—those “forever chemicals” you’ve probably heard about—are showing up in water supplies across the country, and early research suggests they might interfere with hormone production.

    PFAS don’t break down naturally, so they accumulate in your body over time. Some preliminary studies indicate they might affect thyroid function, and since your thyroid helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, there’s a theoretical connection worth watching. Cities like Wilmington, North Carolina, or areas near military bases with a history of firefighting foam use often show elevated PFAS levels in their water quality reports.

    Pharmaceutical residues are another emerging concern. While concentrations in drinking water are typically very low, some researchers wonder whether trace amounts of stimulant medications, hormones, or other drugs could theoretically affect sensitive individuals. Wastewater treatment plants aren’t designed to remove these compounds completely, so they can show up in finished drinking water, especially in cities that draw from rivers downstream of other urban areas.

    Microplastics are the newest player in this field. While we’re still learning about their health effects, some research suggests they might disrupt endocrine function, which could indirectly affect sleep patterns. The WHO released a report in 2019 noting that microplastics are present in drinking water worldwide, but we don’t yet know what levels might be concerning.

    What Your Water Report Actually Tells You

    Most people never look at their annual water quality report, but it can provide clues about potential sleep disruptors. These reports, which utilities are required to send out every year, contain a wealth of information if you know how to read them.

    Look for:

    • Lead levels: Remember, no safe level exists. If your report shows any detectable lead, especially if you live in a home built before 1986, consider further testing.
    • Chlorine and chloramine levels: These are usually listed as “chlorine residual” and measured in parts per million. Higher levels might indicate your water needs more treatment to stay safe, but could also mean more THM formation.
    • Nitrate levels: Nitrates above EPA’s 10 ppm limit primarily affect private wells near farms, not city water, but high levels can affect blood oxygen transport, which might indirectly impact sleep quality.
    • Water hardness: Often expressed in grains per gallon or parts per million of calcium carbonate. This tells you how many minerals your water contains.
    • PFAS testing results: Not all utilities test for these yet, but more are adding PFAS monitoring to their programs.
    • Source water information: Understanding whether your water comes from groundwater, rivers, lakes, or reservoirs can help you understand what contaminants might be more likely.
    • Treatment methods: This section tells you what your utility does to clean the water, which can help you understand what contaminants they’re actively working to remove.

    Many reports also include maps showing where your water comes from and information about any infrastructure improvements or changes in treatment methods. Pay attention to notices about water main breaks, treatment plant upgrades, or changes in disinfection methods—these can temporarily affect water quality.

    The Geographic Sleep Connection

    Here’s where things get really interesting: certain regions consistently report better sleep quality in population health surveys, and water quality might be one factor among many.

    Mountain communities with pristine groundwater sources—think places like Boulder, Colorado, or Bend, Oregon—often rank high in sleep quality studies. These areas typically have naturally balanced mineral content, minimal treatment chemicals, and low contamination levels. But they also tend to have cleaner air, less noise pollution, and outdoor-oriented lifestyles, so it’s impossible to isolate water as the main factor.

    Conversely, industrial areas or regions with intensive agriculture sometimes report more sleep issues. This could be related to air quality, stress, economic factors, or yes, water quality issues from industrial discharge or agricultural runoff.

    The Great Lakes region presents an interesting case study. Cities drawing directly from the lakes often have excellent raw water quality, requiring minimal treatment. Places like Duluth, Minnesota, or Burlington, Vermont, frequently show up in “best water quality” rankings and also tend to score well on sleep health metrics. But again, correlation doesn’t prove causation.

    The Big Picture: Beyond Water

    Let’s be clear: most municipal water in the United States is safe to drink and meets federal standards. Sleep problems are far more likely to stem from stress, irregular schedules, too much screen time, caffeine consumption, or dozens of other factors than from your tap water.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one-third of Americans don’t get enough sleep, and the primary culprits are usually behavioral or environmental factors that have nothing to do with water quality. Your mattress, room temperature, noise levels, and evening routine probably have far more impact on your sleep than anything flowing from your faucet.

    But here’s why the water connection is worth considering: sleep problems often have multiple contributing factors, and addressing them usually requires a comprehensive approach. If you’ve already optimized your sleep hygiene, managed your stress, and ruled out medical issues, but you’re still struggling with restless nights, it might be time to look at environmental factors—including your water quality.

    The human body is remarkably adaptable, but it’s also sensitive to changes. If you’ve recently moved to a new area with significantly different water quality, your body might need time to adjust. What feels like unexplained sleep disruption could actually be your system responding to different mineral content, treatment chemicals, or contaminant levels.

    What You Can Actually Do

    This isn’t about creating panic or selling expensive filtration systems. If you’re concerned about your water’s impact on sleep, here’s a practical approach:

    Start with the basics: Before blaming your water, make sure you’ve covered the fundamentals of good sleep hygiene. That means consistent bedtimes, a cool dark room, limited screen time before bed, and avoiding caffeine late in the day.

    Get informed about your local water: Read your annual water quality report or check online databases. Understanding what’s in your water helps you make informed decisions about whether testing or filtration might be worthwhile.

    Test if warranted: If you live in a home built before 1986, have reason to suspect contamination, or have moved to an area with known water quality issues, consider professional testing. Basic tests for lead, bacteria, and chemical contaminants typically cost $50-150.

    Try simple solutions: A basic NSF-certified carbon filter can remove chlorine and some other compounds. Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification if you’re concerned about lead. These filters typically cost $20-50 and can help you determine if chlorine removal makes a difference.

    Keep a sleep log: Track your sleep quality alongside your water consumption for two weeks. Note any patterns, but remember that sleep can be affected by countless variables, so don’t jump to conclusions too quickly.

    Consider timing: If you suspect chlorine sensitivity, try avoiding tap water for a few hours before bedtime, or shower earlier in the evening rather than right before sleep.

    Address nutrition: If you live in a soft water area and suspect mineral deficiency, focus on magnesium-rich foods or consider a supplement rather than relying on water to provide minerals.

    Check for other factors: Don’t overlook more common sleep disruptors like alcohol consumption, irregular meal timing, stress, or even seasonal changes that might coincide with any water-related interventions you try.

    The Bottom Line

    The connection between water quality and sleep is still being studied, and we’re probably years away from definitive answers. What we do know is that your body is a complex system where everything is connected. The water you drink, breathe in during showers, and use for cooking becomes part of you, so it makes sense that quality matters.

    If you’re struggling with sleep issues, water quality is probably not your primary problem—but it might be one piece of a larger puzzle. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference, and your perfect night’s sleep might be as close as your kitchen sink. You just need to know what’s flowing out of it.

    The most important thing is to stay informed without becoming obsessed. Good sleep depends on dozens of factors, and water quality is just one of them. Focus on the changes that are most likely to help—better sleep habits, stress management, and a comfortable sleep environment—while staying aware that your water quality could be playing a supporting role in how well you rest.

    Want to know what’s really in your tap water? We’ve analyzed water quality data for 100 major US cities and all 50 states. Check out our comprehensive water quality reports at cleanairandwater.net/water-quality-php/ to see detailed information about contaminants, infrastructure challenges, and safety standards in your area. Our reports break down everything from PFAS levels to lead contamination, giving you the facts you need to understand your local water quality.

    Please read – our information

    The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.


    Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.


    We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.


    Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

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  • The 5 U.S. Cities Where Tap Water Is Secretly Aging You Faster

    The 5 U.S. Cities Where Tap Water Is Secretly Aging You Faster

    So I’m mindlessly scrolling TikTok last week (don’t judge me), and this video pops up of this woman showing before-and-after photos. Same person, but she looked noticeably more tired and older in the recent pics. Only two years apart. Her theory? Moving to a different state and drinking the local water was literally aging her faster.

    My first reaction was to roll my eyes. Come on. Water doesn’t age you. That’s ridiculous influencer nonsense, right?

    But then I kept reading the comments. And there were… a lot of them. People talking about how their skin changed after moving. Energy levels tanking. Just feeling “off” after relocating to certain cities. Most blamed “the water.”

    Look, I’m usually pretty skeptical of this stuff. But something about the sheer volume of similar stories got me curious. Plus, it was like 2 AM and I had nothing better to do, so I started digging into whether there was any actual science behind these claims.

    Spoiler alert: there kind of is. And now I’m slightly paranoid about my own tap water.

    The Rabbit Hole Gets Deeper

    Turns out, there’s this whole area of research about oxidative stress and aging that I’d never really thought about. Basically, your body is constantly fighting off these things called free radicals (sounds like a 60s protest group, I know) with antioxidants. When that balance gets thrown off – more free radicals than your body can handle – you get oxidative stress.

    And oxidative stress? It’s like rust for your cells. It accelerates aging and contributes to pretty much every age-related disease you can think of.

    Here’s where it gets interesting though. Certain chemicals in water can tip that balance. Heavy metals, industrial chemicals, even the stuff they add to disinfect water can create more free radicals or mess with your body’s ability to fight them off.

    I found this one study that said chronic inflammation is literally the only biomarker that reliably predicts multiple age-related diseases. So if what you’re drinking every day is contributing to inflammation… yeah. You might actually be aging faster.

    I know how that sounds. Trust me, I felt ridiculous even typing it. But the more I read, the more I realized some cities have water contamination that’s actually pretty concerning.

    The Cities That Made Me Want to Buy a Filter

    After falling down this research hole for way too many hours, five cities kept coming up in the worst possible ways. And honestly? Some of this stuff really surprised me.

    Pensacola, Florida was the one that first caught my attention because the contamination levels are just… wow. When researchers tested for 101 different chemicals, they found 45 of them in Pensacola’s water. Twenty-one of those were above what health agencies consider safe.

    But here’s the part that really got me – these things called trihalomethanes (I had to Google how to pronounce that) were detected in literally every single test over five years. Not sometimes. Every time. And 12 of those times, the levels were actually illegal according to the EPA. One test showed levels almost twice the legal limit.

    Trihalomethanes are basically what happens when chlorine (the stuff that kills bacteria) reacts with organic matter in water. They’re possibly carcinogenic and definitely mess with your cells. Plus, they found arsenic and lead above health guidelines. In 2024. In the United States.

    And here’s what’s wild – people in Pensacola seem to know about this. I went down another rabbit hole looking at local Facebook groups and Reddit threads, and there are tons of discussions about water quality. Lots of people talking about installing expensive filtration systems or just giving up on tap water entirely.

    Read our Florida tap water analysis here

    Newark, New Jersey is dealing with a completely different nightmare. The lead crisis made headlines, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. New Jersey has become basically ground zero for PFAS contamination – those “forever chemicals” that don’t break down in the environment or in your body.

    One in five New Jersey residents is regularly drinking water contaminated with PFAS. That’s over a million people. These chemicals accumulate in your tissues over time and have been linked to liver damage, immune problems, thyroid issues, and cancer. More than half the state’s population – 4.49 million people – has been exposed to unsafe contamination levels.

    What freaks me out about PFAS is that they’re called “forever chemicals” for a reason. Your body literally cannot get rid of them. So if you’re drinking them daily, you’re just… accumulating them. Forever.

    Now I’m second-guessing my water bottle choices because apparently even some bottled water has this stuff.

    Read our Newark tap water analysis here

    Phoenix was surprising because I always thought desert cities would have cleaner water somehow? Shows what I know. Turns out 30% of Arizona’s water systems fail to meet federal arsenic limits. Thirty percent! And Phoenix has some of the highest levels of chromium 6 in the country.

    Chromium 6 is the chemical from that Erin Brockovich movie – the one that caused cancer in that California town. It damages DNA and increases oxidative stress, which brings us back to the whole aging thing.

    Plus there’s arsenic (linked to heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers), nitrates from farm runoff that are up to 4 times the EPA limit in some areas, and PFAS contamination from military bases. Over 6 million people in Arizona are affected by water contamination from 670 different utilities.

    Living in the desert already puts stress on your body from the heat and UV exposure. Add contaminated water and it’s like a perfect storm for cellular damage.

    Read our Phoenix tap water analysis here

    Flint, Michigan – I mean, we all know about Flint. But what I didn’t realize is how the effects compound over time. Kids who were exposed to lead during the crisis aren’t just dealing with immediate health problems. Lead exposure during development can literally change how their brains and cardiovascular systems age for the rest of their lives.

    Lead messes with cognitive function, increases heart disease risk, and permanently alters immune systems. So those kids might be aging faster than they should be for decades to come. That’s… heartbreaking, honestly.

    And the psychological stress of not being able to trust your water supply? That creates chronic stress, which elevates cortisol and increases inflammation. So even the mental aspect of the crisis contributes to accelerated aging.

    Read our Flint tap water analysis here

    Jackson, Mississippi represents what happens when infrastructure just… fails. They’ve had repeated boil-water advisories, system failures, and inconsistent treatment. Sometimes the treatment plants just go offline and raw water enters the distribution system.

    The constant uncertainty about whether your water is safe creates this chronic low-level stress that’s horrible for your health. Plus the economic burden of constantly buying bottled water, business closures, school cancellations – the whole community is under stress.

    When water pressure drops, contaminants can enter the distribution system. When pipes corrode, metals leach into the water. It’s like a cascading failure of public health.

    Read our Jackson tap water analysis here

    Wait, What About My City?

    After reading all this, I obviously started wondering about my own water. I live in what I thought was a pretty clean suburban area, but apparently that doesn’t mean much.

    Read our analysis on your tap water

    The EPA only regulates a fraction of potential contaminants, and even their standards are often way higher than what researchers think is actually safe. Plus, a lot of chemicals just aren’t tested for at all.

    I started paying attention to things I’d never noticed before. Like how my water sometimes smells strongly of chlorine (apparently that can indicate disinfection byproducts). Or how a bunch of my neighbors have those expensive under-sink filters (maybe they know something I don’t?).

    Down Another Rabbit Hole: Testing My Own Water

    This whole thing made me paranoid enough to actually test my water. I found a lab that would test for heavy metals, PFAS, disinfection byproducts, and pesticides for about $300. Seemed expensive but… what’s the price of peace of mind?

    The results came back two weeks later and honestly shocked me. My “clean” suburban water had detectable levels of several concerning contaminants. Nothing immediately dangerous, but stuff that could potentially add up over years of daily consumption.

    That was enough for me. I ended up installing a reverse osmosis system under my kitchen sink. Cost about $400 plus installation, but it removes basically everything. I use the filtered water for drinking, cooking, coffee, ice cubes – anything that goes in my body.

    Has it made a difference? Hard to say definitively. I think my energy levels are a bit better, and I definitely sleep more soundly knowing I’m not slowly accumulating random chemicals. The water tastes cleaner too, which makes it easier to stay hydrated.

    Maybe it’s placebo effect. Maybe it’s not. But given what I learned about long-term exposure effects, I’d rather be overcautious than sorry.

    The Bigger (Depressing) Picture

    Here’s what really gets me about all this: it’s a nationwide infrastructure crisis that we’re just… ignoring? Water systems have issued 55% more boil-water notices between 2018 and 2022. That’s going in the wrong direction.

    We’re using a water system designed for the 1950s to handle modern industrial chemicals, climate change effects, and agricultural pollution. It’s like trying to run modern software on a computer from 1995.

    The recent Infrastructure Bill put $15 billion toward lead pipe replacement, which sounds like a lot until you realize the scope of the problem. There are still over 9 million lead service lines delivering water to 22 million people. The math doesn’t add up.

    What I’m Doing Differently Now

    This whole research journey has definitely changed my behavior. I installed the RO system, but I’m also looking into shower filters because apparently you can absorb and inhale chemicals through your skin and lungs.

    I’m paying more attention to local water quality reports and news. I vote for politicians who prioritize infrastructure spending. I’m even considering whole-house filtration eventually, though that’s a bigger investment.

    Maybe most importantly, I’m not taking “safe” water for granted anymore. Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s optimal for long-term health.

    The Uncomfortable Truth

    Your tap water might be legally “safe” according to 1970s standards, but that doesn’t mean it’s great for preventing accelerated aging. The cities I researched represent extreme examples, but water quality issues exist everywhere.

    Unlike genetics or environmental pollution, water quality is something you can actually control. Whether that means filtration, bottled water, or just being more aware of what’s in your local supply, knowledge gives you options.

    I never thought I’d be the guy with expensive water filters and strong opinions about municipal infrastructure. But here we are. Sometimes a random TikTok really can change your perspective on everything.

    Nobody should have to choose between staying hydrated and potentially aging faster. But until our infrastructure catches up with our understanding of long-term health effects, it’s up to us to protect ourselves.

    Your future self will probably thank you for taking this seriously. And if you live in one of these five cities? Maybe it’s time to seriously look into your options.

    At least do the research. Even if you decide I’m just being paranoid, at least you’ll be making an informed choice about what you’re putting in your body every single day.

    Please read – our information

    The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.


    Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.


    We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.


    Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

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  • Is Your Showerhead Making You Sick? The Hidden Dangers of Bathroom Water

    Is Your Showerhead Making You Sick? The Hidden Dangers of Bathroom Water

    My buddy Jake called me last Tuesday, sounding like absolute garbage. He’d been dealing with this persistent cough for weeks – the kind that keeps you up at night and makes people avoid you at work.

    “Dude, I’ve been to three different doctors,” he told me between coughing fits. “They’ve given me every antibiotic under the sun, but nothing’s working. One of them even asked if I’d been exposed to anything weird at home.”

    That got my attention. A few weeks earlier, I’d come across this article about bacteria living in showerheads. At the time, I’d skimmed it and thought “gross, but probably not something I need to worry about.” But listening to Jake hack up a lung on the phone made me wonder – could something as simple as his daily shower be making him sick?

    Turns out, I was onto something. And what I discovered about the bacterial ecosystem thriving in our showerheads completely changed how I think about bathroom hygiene.

    The Biofilm Jungle in Your Showerhead

    Here’s something that’ll ruin your next hot shower: your showerhead is basically a petri dish. The inside of most showerheads contains what scientists call “biofilms” – slimy layers of bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments.

    Research shows that bacterial abundances often exceed 106 cells cm−2 inside shower plumbing. To put that in perspective, that’s millions of bacteria per square centimeter. Your toilet seat has way fewer germs than your showerhead.

    The really unsettling part? Every time you turn on your shower, some of these bacteria get “aerosolized” – basically turned into microscopic droplets that you then breathe deep into your lungs. It’s like getting a bacterial mist treatment you definitely didn’t sign up for.

    The Bacteria You Don’t Want to Meet

    Not all bacteria are bad, obviously. But the specific types that love living in showerheads include some genuinely concerning characters:

    Mycobacterium avium – This cousin of tuberculosis bacteria has been found in 20% of household showerheads in studies. It can cause serious lung infections, especially in people with compromised immune systems. But here’s the kicker – it can also make healthy people sick.

    Legionella – Yes, the same bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. It thrives in warm water systems and can be fatal if you inhale enough of it.

    Pseudomonas aeruginosa – Triggers ear and eye infections, and can be particularly nasty for people with underlying health conditions.

    What makes these bacteria especially problematic is their resistance to standard disinfectants. Mycobacteria are significantly more resistant than other bacteria to chlorine and chlorine by-products, which means the chlorine your water utility adds to kill germs actually helps these specific bacteria dominate your showerhead ecosystem.

    Why This Problem Is Getting Worse

    The rise in nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infections has been puzzling doctors for years. But researchers are starting to connect the dots to our shower habits.

    Think about it: a century ago, most people took baths. Soaking in a tub doesn’t create the same bacterial aerosols that showering does. It has been hypothesized that the rise in pulmonary infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria over recent decades is linked to increased use of showers rather than baths.

    The problem is worse in certain regions. States like Florida, California, and Hawaii have become “hot spots” for NTM infections, and researchers have found these same areas have higher concentrations of dangerous bacteria in residential showerheads.

    Municipal water treatment might actually be making the problem worse. Areas with heavily chlorinated water show higher levels of mycobacteria in showerheads because these bacteria are chlorine-resistant while their competitors aren’t.

    Who’s Most at Risk?

    The good news is that most healthy people won’t get seriously ill from shower bacteria. The bad news? A growing number of us fall into higher-risk categories:

    • People with compromised immune systems (cancer patients, transplant recipients, HIV patients)
    • Anyone with chronic lung disease or conditions like asthma
    • Smokers (past or present)
    • Alcoholics
    • Older adults
    • People with certain genetic predispositions

    But even healthy guys can develop infections. I learned this firsthand watching Jake’s situation unfold with our decade-old showerhead that we’d never thought to clean or replace.

    The Geographic Factor

    Where you live matters more than you’d think. Researchers found geographic regions within the United States where showerheads have particularly high abundances of potentially pathogenic lineages of mycobacteria, and these “hot spots” generally overlapped those regions where NTM lung disease is most prevalent.

    If you live in:

    • Hawaii
    • Southern California
    • Florida
    • New York City area
    • Parts of the Southwest

    You’re in a higher-risk zone for both showerhead contamination and related lung infections.

    What You Can Actually Do About It

    After Jake’s whole ordeal, I wasn’t taking any chances. But instead of just worrying about it, I figured out some practical steps that actually work.

    Replace Old Showerheads This was my first move after Jake’s situation. If you’ve had the same showerhead for years (or got one with your place and never changed it), just replace it. They’re not expensive, and it’s the easiest way to start fresh.

    For guys with health issues, some experts recommend replacing showerheads every couple of years as a precaution.

    Choose Metal Over Plastic Studies show bacteria build up more in plastic fixtures than metal ones. When I bought my replacement, I went with stainless steel.

    Clean Regularly I now do a monthly deep clean of my showerhead:

    • Take it off completely
    • Soak in white vinegar for several hours
    • Scrub with an old toothbrush to clear out all the holes
    • Rinse thoroughly before putting it back

    Let Water Run Before Getting In I’ve started running the shower for 30 seconds before jumping in. This flushes out the stagnant water where bacteria concentrations are highest.

    Consider Filtered Shower Water Whole-house water filtration systems can reduce the bacterial load coming into your plumbing. It’s a bigger investment, but worth considering if you’re in a high-risk area or have health concerns.

    Improve Bathroom Ventilation Better airflow reduces the humid conditions bacteria love. I installed a more powerful exhaust fan and leave it running during and after showers.

    Hospital-Grade Solutions

    Some hospitals now use special membrane-integrated showerheads that filter out bacteria before the water even reaches you. Research in stem cell transplant units showed these systems reduced bacterial counts in shower aerosols by over 80%.

    While these aren’t widely available for home use yet, they point toward potential solutions for high-risk individuals.

    When to See a Doctor

    If you’ve been experiencing persistent respiratory symptoms – especially a nagging cough, shortness of breath, or frequent lung infections – it’s worth asking your doctor about NTM testing.

    Be prepared to mention your home’s water source and shower habits. Many doctors still aren’t aware of the showerhead connection, so you might need to educate them.

    The Bigger Picture

    This whole showerhead situation is a perfect example of how modern conveniences can create unexpected health risks. We traded the safety of baths for the convenience of showers without fully understanding the trade-offs.

    The research is still developing, but the patterns are clear enough to take seriously. Areas with the most chlorinated water have the most resistant bacteria in showerheads. People in those areas also have higher rates of certain lung infections.

    It’s not exactly cause and effect proven in court, but it’s compelling enough that I’m not taking chances with my family’s health.

    My New Shower Routine

    These days, my bathroom setup looks a bit different:

    • New stainless steel showerhead (replacing every 18 months)
    • Monthly vinegar cleanings
    • 30-second water flush before getting in
    • Better ventilation during and after showers
    • Annual water quality testing

    It sounds like a lot, but honestly, most of it has become routine. And Jake? He replaced his crusty old showerhead, started cleaning it regularly, and hasn’t had another mystery respiratory infection since.

    The peace of mind is worth the small hassle. Every time I step into my shower now, I know I’m not breathing in a cocktail of potentially dangerous bacteria. That’s worth a few extra minutes of maintenance each month.

    Your showerhead might look clean from the outside, but remember – it’s what you can’t see that matters most. In this case, what you can’t see might literally be making you sick.

    Please read – our information

    The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.


    Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.


    We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.


    Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

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  • 6 Ways to Protect Your Family from PFAS Chemicals in Water

    6 Ways to Protect Your Family from PFAS Chemicals in Water

    Three weeks ago, I’m scrolling through news on my phone during lunch break when this headline stops me cold: “Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in County Water Systems.”

    My first thought? Not our water. Couldn’t be. We live in a decent area, our water tastes fine, never had any boil advisories or weird smells. But there it was in black and white—PFAS detected in multiple local water supplies, including ours, at levels the EPA now considers unsafe.

    The article was pretty dry. Lots of scientific terminology and official statements from water departments about “continued monitoring” and “compliance timelines.” What really got to me was the tiny mention buried in the middle: potential links to cancer, immune system problems, and developmental issues in children.

    That’s when it hit me. We’ve been drinking this water every day. My kids have been drinking this water every day. For years.

    So yeah, I may have gone into full research mode after that. Spent the next few evenings diving deep into PFAS contamination, calling our water utility with probably too many questions, and figuring out what we could actually do about it.

    The good news? Unlike many environmental threats, PFAS exposure through drinking water is something you can actually tackle at home. You don’t need a chemistry degree or a massive budget – just some practical knowledge and a willingness to make a few changes.

    Here are six proven ways I’ve learned to reduce my family’s PFAS exposure through water, starting with the most important ones.

    1. Install a Quality Water Filter (The Game Changer)

    Let’s start with the big one. Most tap water filters you see advertised – those pitcher filters, fridge filters, basic faucet attachments – aren’t designed to remove PFAS. It’s like bringing a butter knife to a gun fight.

    For PFAS removal, you need one of these proven technologies:

    Reverse Osmosis (My Top Pick) I ended up installing an under-sink RO system after comparing options for months. It removes 95-99% of PFAS, plus a bunch of other contaminants I didn’t even know about. Cost me around $400 for a decent system, plus about $100 yearly for filter replacements.

    The downsides? It’s slower than regular tap water (takes about 30 seconds to fill a glass), and it removes beneficial minerals along with bad stuff. But honestly, I sleep better knowing what’s NOT in our drinking water.

    Granular Activated Carbon (Budget-Friendly Option) These systems cost less upfront ($150-$300) and don’t require as much maintenance. They remove about 70-90% of PFAS, which isn’t perfect but still significant. Look for filters specifically certified for PFAS removal – regular carbon filters won’t cut it.

    Ion Exchange Systems These are particularly good at removing shorter-chain PFAS that some other filters miss. They’re pricier ($400-$700) but highly effective when combined with carbon filtration.

    Whatever you choose, make sure it’s certified by NSF International or the Water Quality Association for PFAS removal. Don’t trust marketing claims alone.

    2. Get Your Water Tested First (Know Your Enemy)

    Before I bought any filters, I spent $250 testing our water for PFAS. Best money ever spent, because it told me exactly what I was dealing with.

    Many people skip this step and jump straight to filtration, but testing first helps you:

    • Choose the right type of filter for your specific PFAS contamination
    • Establish a baseline to measure improvement
    • Avoid overspending on unnecessary treatment

    Where to Test:

    • State-certified labs (search “[your state] certified water testing labs”)
    • Some hardware stores now offer PFAS test kits
    • Your water utility might test for free if you ask nicely

    If you’re on well water, testing is even more critical since you don’t have a utility monitoring your supply.

    The test results might look intimidating – lots of abbreviations and numbers. Focus on the total PFAS concentration and compare it to the EPA’s new limits (4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS).

    3. Use Filtered Water for Everything You Consume

    This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget all the ways we consume tap water beyond drinking glasses.

    I made a mental checklist of every way my family uses water that enters our bodies:

    • Drinking water (duh)
    • Coffee and tea brewing
    • Cooking pasta, rice, soups
    • Making ice cubes
    • Baby formula preparation
    • Brushing teeth
    • Washing fruits and vegetables

    That last one surprised me. If you’re washing produce in PFAS-contaminated water, you’re potentially adding chemicals to foods you’re trying to make healthier.

    I keep a large pitcher of filtered water on the counter for cooking and a smaller one in the fridge for drinking. It’s become second nature, and the kids actually prefer the taste of filtered water now.

    4. Be Strategic About Bottled Water (But Don’t Rely on It Long-Term)

    When our RO system needed repairs last month, I temporarily switched to bottled water. But here’s the thing – bottled water isn’t automatically PFAS-free.

    The FDA doesn’t currently regulate PFAS in bottled water, and testing has found these chemicals in various brands. Plus, bottled water creates its own environmental problems and gets expensive fast.

    That said, if you need a short-term solution while installing filtration or during emergencies, look for:

    • Brands that specifically advertise PFAS testing
    • Spring water from protected sources
    • Distilled water (though it tastes terrible)

    Some companies now market “PFAS-free” bottled water, but verify their testing claims before trusting them completely.

    5. Reduce Other PFAS Sources While You’re at It

    Since I was already worried about PFAS, I figured I might as well tackle other sources around the house. Water isn’t the only way these chemicals enter our bodies.

    Kitchen Changes:

    • Ditched our old nonstick pans for stainless steel (took some getting used to, but now I actually prefer them)
    • Stopped buying microwave popcorn (those bags are lined with PFAS)
    • Reduced takeout from places using greaseproof containers

    Personal Care Products:

    • Checked labels on cosmetics, dental floss, and menstrual products
    • Found PFAS-free alternatives for most items (surprisingly easy once you start looking)

    Clothing and Household Items:

    • Avoided “stain-resistant” and “water-repellent” treatments
    • Chose regular carpet instead of stain-resistant versions when we renovated

    These changes didn’t happen overnight, and I didn’t throw out everything at once. I just made different choices as items needed replacing.

    6. Stay Informed and Get Involved Locally

    Knowledge is power, especially with an issue that’s evolving as quickly as PFAS regulation.

    I set up Google alerts for “PFAS” and my city’s name to catch local developments. Turned out our water utility was planning system upgrades that would include PFAS treatment – information I never would have known otherwise.

    What I Do to Stay Current:

    • Follow the EPA’s PFAS updates
    • Check my state’s environmental agency website quarterly
    • Attend occasional city council meetings (yes, they’re boring, but water quality discussions are actually interesting)
    • Join local Facebook groups focused on environmental health

    I also learned that federal funding is available to help communities address PFAS contamination. Our town applied for grants to upgrade the water treatment plant – something that benefits everyone, not just people who can afford home filtration systems.

    Advocate for Your Community:

    • Ask your water utility about their PFAS testing schedule
    • Support infrastructure investments for water treatment upgrades
    • Push for stronger regulations on PFAS manufacturing and disposal

    What About My Kids?

    This whole journey started with concern for my children, so here are some kid-specific considerations:

    Infants and Toddlers:

    • Never mix formula with unfiltered tap water if PFAS are detected
    • Breastfeeding mothers should use filtered water too (PFAS can transfer through breast milk)
    • Watch out for sippy cups and bottles made with PFAS-containing materials

    School-Age Kids:

    • Pack filtered water in reusable bottles for school
    • Talk to your school about their water quality testing
    • Consider what they’re drinking at friends’ houses and activities

    Teenagers:

    • Explain why you’re using filtered water so they understand the importance
    • Make sure they know to use filtered water for things like contact lens care

    The goal isn’t to make kids paranoid about water, but to create healthy habits they’ll carry into adulthood.

    Making It All Work in Real Life

    Let me be honest – implementing all these changes took months, not days. I started with water testing and filtration, then gradually addressed other sources.

    The key is not letting perfect become the enemy of good. Even if you only install a basic PFAS-removal filter and start using it for drinking water, that’s still a significant reduction in exposure.

    Some weeks I forget to refill the filtered water pitcher and end up using tap water for cooking. The world doesn’t end. I just try to be more consistent the next week.

    My family has adapted well to these changes. The kids actually like helping change the water filters (it’s become a monthly science lesson), and we’ve discovered we prefer the taste of filtered water for coffee and tea.

    The peace of mind is worth the effort and expense. When I hear news about PFAS contamination in other communities, I’m grateful we’ve taken steps to protect ourselves rather than just hoping our water supply stays clean.

    PFAS contamination is a serious issue that requires both individual action and systemic change. While we’re working toward better regulations and cleanup efforts, protecting our families starts at home – literally at the tap.

    Take it one step at a time, focus on the changes that make the biggest difference, and remember that even small reductions in exposure add up over time. Your future self (and your kids’ future selves) will thank you for taking action today.

    Please read – our information

    The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.


    Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.


    We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.


    Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

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  • PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Your Water: A Complete Guide to Risks & Solutions

    PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Your Water: A Complete Guide to Risks & Solutions

    I first heard about PFAS when my sister sent me a text: “Did you see that news story about toxic chemicals in water? Check your tap!”

    Initially, I rolled my eyes. Another health panic? But then my county published test results showing PFAS in our drinking water at levels the EPA now considers unsafe. Suddenly, I wasn’t so dismissive.

    Three months and countless hours of research later, I’ve become the designated PFAS expert in my social circle. Not by choice – just by necessity. My browser history is filled with scientific papers, my kitchen counter cluttered with water test kits, and I’ve spent more time talking to water treatment specialists than my own family lately.

    I’m writing this because I wish someone had broken all this down for me when I started. PFAS information is either overly technical scientific jargon or frustratingly vague warnings. Neither helps you figure out what’s actually coming out of your faucet and whether you should panic about it.

    The reality? PFAS contamination is a legitimate concern, but one you can actually do something about. Let me explain.

    What Are PFAS, Anyway?

    PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a massive family of synthetic chemicals—around 15,000 different compounds at last count. They’ve been around since the 1940s and are in basically everything: nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, firefighting foam, makeup, dental floss… the list goes on and on.

    What makes PFAS special (and problematic) is their carbon-fluorine bonds, which are among the strongest chemical bonds in existence. Great for making products that repel water and grease. Absolutely terrible for the environment and our bodies because they practically NEVER break down.

    And I mean never. These chemicals will outlast your grandkids’ grandkids. Hence the charming nickname “forever chemicals.”

    The two most infamous PFAS are PFOA (used to make Teflon) and PFOS (used in Scotchgard), which most manufacturers in the US phased out in the early 2000s. But here’s the kicker—companies just replaced them with slightly different PFAS chemicals that are… still PFAS! It’s like swapping out one problematic family member at Thanksgiving for their equally problematic cousin.

    How Did These Get in My Water?

    The short answer is: we put them there.

    Decades of manufacturing, using, and discarding PFAS-containing products has created a perfect storm of contamination. These chemicals have seeped from factories, landfills, airports, and military bases (where PFAS-laden firefighting foam is heavily used) into groundwater and surface water nationwide.

    Even worse, conventional water treatment plants weren’t designed to filter out PFAS. Most standard municipal systems do absolutely nothing to remove them.

    The scale of contamination is staggering. A 2023 USGS study found PFAS in about 45% of tap water samples across the country. Another international study in 2024 identified the US as a global hotspot for PFAS in water. Cool, cool, cool.

    And if you’re on well water? Don’t assume you’re safe. PFAS contamination doesn’t discriminate between municipal and private water sources.

    Why Should I Care?

    Because these chemicals aren’t just hanging out in your water doing nothing—they’re getting into your body and potentially causing health problems.

    Research links PFAS exposure to a growing list of health concerns:

    • Several types of cancer (kidney, testicular, etc.)
    • Liver damage
    • Decreased fertility
    • Developmental delays in children
    • Reduced vaccine response (your COVID shot might be less effective—great!)
    • Increased cholesterol
    • Thyroid disease
    • Pregnancy complications
    • Weakened immune system

    The frustrating part is that scientists are still figuring out exactly how different PFAS affect our bodies at various exposure levels. But one thing is clear—the more we study these chemicals, the more health concerns we find. Not a great trend.

    What makes PFAS particularly tricky is that they bioaccumulate, meaning they build up in your body faster than you can excrete them. The half-life of some PFAS in human blood is measured in years, not days or hours. So even small daily exposures add up over time.

    How widespread is human exposure? The CDC has found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans. Yep, you read that right—virtually everyone.

    What Levels Are “Safe”?

    For years, the answer was basically ¯_(ツ)_/¯.

    But in April 2024, the EPA finally established the first-ever national drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds:

    • PFOA and PFOS: 4 parts per trillion (ppt) each
    • GenX, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFBS: regulated as a mixture

    To put that in perspective, 4 ppt is like four drops in 500 Olympic swimming pools. We’re talking TINY amounts here. The fact that the EPA set limits this low tells you just how potent these chemicals are.

    The EPA estimates these new standards will reduce PFAS exposure for about 100 million Americans and prevent thousands of deaths and illnesses. Great start! But critics point out there are thousands more PFAS chemicals not covered by the regulations.

    The even more sobering fact? The EPA has openly stated there is no safe level of exposure to some PFAS without health risks. Zero. None.

    Testing: What’s In Your Water?

    If you’re on public water, your utility should be testing for PFAS soon (if they aren’t already) under the new EPA regulations. Water systems have five years to comply with the new standards—three years to test, then two more years to install treatment if needed.

    But why wait? You have options:

    1. Check your water quality report: Public utilities publish annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Look for a section on PFAS or unregulated contaminants. Be warned—these reports are often filled with confusing jargon and may not test for all PFAS.
    2. Call your water utility: Ask specifically what PFAS they test for and at what levels they’ve been detected. Don’t settle for vague answers.
    3. Get your water tested: This is the most direct route. Tests range from $200-$400 and are available from various labs. Some states also offer free testing programs for residents in high-risk areas.

    If you’re on a private well, testing is even more crucial since you don’t have a utility monitoring your water. Some states have pilot programs to help well owners with testing costs.

    Filtration That Actually Works

    If you’ve confirmed PFAS in your water (or just want peace of mind), filtration is your friend. But not all filters work on PFAS—that Brita pitcher probably isn’t cutting it.

    Here’s what actually works, from most to least effective:

    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

    • Effectiveness: Removes 95-99% of PFAS
    • Installation: Under-sink or whole-house
    • Cost: $200-$500 for under-sink; $1,500+ for whole-house
    • Pros: Most effective option; also removes many other contaminants
    • Cons: Wastes some water; removes beneficial minerals; requires professional installation for whole-house systems

    Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters

    • Effectiveness: Removes 70-90% of PFAS
    • Installation: Under-sink, countertop, or whole-house
    • Cost: $100-$400
    • Pros: Less expensive than RO; doesn’t remove minerals
    • Cons: Less effective on newer, short-chain PFAS; filters need regular replacement

    Ion Exchange Filters

    • Effectiveness: Removes 90-95% of PFAS, including short-chain varieties
    • Installation: Under-sink or whole-house
    • Cost: $300-$600
    • Pros: Highly effective, especially when combined with GAC
    • Cons: More expensive; requires more maintenance

    What doesn’t work well? Pitcher filters, refrigerator filters, and standard carbon filters typically don’t remove significant amounts of PFAS. Sorry.

    I personally went with an under-sink RO system for drinking and cooking water. It wasn’t cheap, but considering we drink water every single day, it felt worth it. The peace of mind alone is worth something.

    Beyond Your Tap: Reducing Overall Exposure

    While drinking water is a major PFAS exposure route, it’s not the only one. These chemicals are everywhere, so a comprehensive approach makes sense:

    1. Check your cookware: Ditch old nonstick pans, especially if they’re scratched. Opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic alternatives.
    2. Rethink food packaging: Minimize fast food and takeout in greaseproof wrappers. Those microwave popcorn bags? Also problematic.
    3. Check personal care products: Look for “PFAS-free” labels on cosmetics, dental floss, and menstrual products.
    4. Watch your clothing: Water-resistant and stain-resistant items often contain PFAS. Outdoor gear companies are increasingly offering PFAS-free alternatives.
    5. Dust and vacuum regularly: PFAS can accumulate in household dust.
    6. Check for safer products: Resources like PFAS Central maintain lists of PFAS-free alternatives.

    Taking Action Beyond Your Home

    If you’re as irritated about this situation as I am, consider channeling that energy:

    1. Get involved locally: Attend water board meetings. These are typically boring as hell, but your presence matters.
    2. Support stronger regulations: The current EPA standards cover only six PFAS. Advocate for comprehensive regulation of the entire class of chemicals.
    3. Push for corporate accountability: Companies should disclose PFAS use and transition to safer alternatives.
    4. Stay informed: Follow organizations like the Environmental Working Group that track PFAS developments.

    The Bottom Line

    Here’s what I’ve learned through this journey: PFAS contamination is a big deal, but it’s not hopeless.

    Is it maddening that chemical manufacturers created substances that never break down, put them in countless products, and let them leach into our environment for decades? Absolutely. The fact that internal industry documents show some companies knew about potential health risks as far back as the 1960s makes it even worse.

    But unlike some environmental problems that feel completely out of our control, this one has actionable solutions. Testing exists. Effective filtration exists. And increasing awareness is pushing both regulatory agencies and companies to finally address the issue.

    I’ve installed an under-sink RO system, swapped out my scratched Teflon pans, and started checking labels more carefully. These steps won’t eliminate every PFAS exposure in my life, but they’ll significantly reduce my family’s risk. And honestly, that’s good enough for now.

    The perfect shouldn’t be the enemy of the good when it comes to protecting our health. Do what you can with the information and resources you have. Even small changes add up—especially when dealing with chemicals that accumulate in our bodies over time.

    As for me, I’ve got a calendar reminder to change my water filters and a list of questions for my city council’s next water quality meeting. Turns out becoming an accidental PFAS expert has its benefits after all.filtered pitcher in my fridge. Old habits die hard, but at least now I understand what I’m paying for.

    Please read – our information

    The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.


    Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.


    We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.


    Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

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  • Is Your Tap Water Secretly Harming You? 10 Common Contaminants to Know

    Is Your Tap Water Secretly Harming You? 10 Common Contaminants to Know

    Look, I didn’t set out to become paranoid about my drinking water. But after my neighbor’s kid got sick last year—nothing too serious, thankfully—their doctor suggested testing their home’s water. When they found lead levels that made my stomach drop, I started wondering what the hell was coming out of my own faucet.

    So I went down the rabbit hole. Talked to a few water quality specialists. Attended a mind-numbing town meeting about our local water infrastructure (seriously, bring coffee if you ever go to one of these). And yeah, I got my water tested too.

    What I learned kept me up at night for a while. Not to freak you out, but there’s some sketchy stuff potentially flowing from your tap. Here’s what you should actually care about:

    1. Lead – The Brain Killer

    The Flint disaster wasn’t a one-off. That mess happens in slow motion across America every day.

    Lead sneaks into water through old pipes and fixtures, especially in homes built before 1986. The terrifying part? You can’t see, taste, or smell it. That crystal-clear glass might be delivering a neurotoxin straight to your brain.

    Kids get the worst of it—even tiny amounts mess with brain development, causing lower IQs and behavior problems. For adults, it’s kidney damage and high blood pressure.

    The EPA says 15 parts per billion is the “action level,” but honestly? There’s no safe amount. Zero. Zilch. Any lead is bad lead.

    2. PFAS – The “Forever Chemicals”

    These synthetic nightmares have been used in everything from non-stick pans to waterproof jackets since the 1940s. Now they’re in our water, our blood, even breast milk. Fun times.

    They earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they basically never break down. Like, ever. They’ll outlive your grandkids’s grandkids.

    Studies link PFAS to liver damage, decreased fertility, increased cholesterol, weakened immune response, and several cancers. The scariest part? Scientists keep finding them everywhere they look.

    3. Nitrates – Farm Runoff in Your Cup

    Live near farmland? Listen up. When it rains, fertilizers wash into groundwater and eventually your taps. These nitrogen compounds are particularly nasty for babies under six months—they can develop “blue baby syndrome” where their blood can’t carry enough oxygen.

    For the rest of us, long-term exposure has been linked to certain cancers and thyroid problems. The limit is 10 parts per million, but why risk it?

    4. Chlorine Byproducts – The Ironic Contaminants

    Here’s a twisted situation: We add chlorine to kill bacteria (good!), but when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, it creates byproducts called trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).

    That swimming pool smell from your tap? Not a sign of cleanliness—it’s these reactions happening. Long-term exposure links to increased bladder cancer risk and reproductive problems.

    You’ll notice it most in summer when organic matter in water sources increases. If your shower smells like you’re at the YMCA pool, that’s why.

    5. Arsenic – Poison From the Earth

    Sounds like something from an Agatha Christie novel, but arsenic occurs naturally in certain rock formations and can leach into groundwater.

    Long-term exposure causes skin problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and various cancers. The current drinking water standard is 10 parts per billion, but many health researchers think that’s still too high.

    Private well owners get the worst of it since they don’t benefit from municipal testing. If you’re on well water, GET IT TESTED. Seriously.

    6. Microplastics – Yes, You’re Drinking Plastic

    This is the new kid on the block of water contaminants. Researchers are finding tiny plastic fragments—smaller than 5mm—in practically all water sources globally.

    Think about it: we’ve made plastic for decades that never fully breaks down; it just gets smaller and smaller until it’s invisible to the naked eye. Then we drink it.

    Scientists are still figuring out the health effects, but early research suggests these particles might absorb other toxins and potentially cause inflammation in tissues. One study estimated we consume about a credit card’s worth of plastic every week through food and water.

    Gross? Absolutely.

    7. Bacteria and Viruses – The Classic Villains

    Despite modern treatment, harmful microorganisms still sometimes slip through—especially during heavy rains or system failures when water pressure drops.

    E. coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and various viruses can cause everything from mild stomach upset to serious illness. Those times you’ve blamed food poisoning? Could’ve been your water.

    Boil water advisories exist for a reason. When your utility issues one, take it seriously. I’ve ignored one before, and spent the next 48 hours becoming very familiar with my bathroom.

    8. Pharmaceuticals – Other People’s Meds in Your Glass

    This one’s uncomfortable to think about. When people take medications—from antibiotics to antidepressants to hormones—some portion passes through their bodies unchanged, enters sewage systems, and eventually cycles back.

    Conventional treatment plants weren’t designed to remove these compounds. The concentrations are extremely low (parts per trillion), but scientists worry about long-term exposure, especially for developing fetuses and young children.

    The fish downstream have it worse—they’re showing gender changes from hormone exposure. Yikes.

    9. Copper – Too Much of a Good Thing

    Unlike most contaminants here, we actually need some copper in our diet. But too much causes stomach problems, liver damage, and kidney disease.

    It typically enters through corroded copper plumbing—especially in homes with newer plumbing or acidic water. Those blue-green stains around your drains and fixtures? That’s copper oxidation. Not just unsightly—potentially unhealthy.

    10. Uranium and Radium – Yes, Radioactive Stuff

    I saved the most sci-fi sounding for last. Radioactive elements can naturally occur in drinking water from certain rock formations.

    Long-term exposure increases cancer risk, particularly bone cancer from radium and kidney damage from uranium. Like most contaminants on this list, you can’t see, smell, or taste them.

    Testing is the only way to know.

    What Actually Works

    After learning all this, I was ready to switch to bottled water for life (until I researched what’s in THAT—another rabbit hole entirely). But there are actually practical things that help:

    1. Get tested. Knowledge is power. Basic tests start around $30, comprehensive ones around $200. Worth every penny for peace of mind—or to identify specific problems.
    2. Filter strategically. Different contaminants require different removal methods:
      • Carbon filters (pitchers, faucet-mounted): Good for chlorine, some pesticides, and improving taste
      • Reverse osmosis: The heavy hitter that removes almost everything, including PFAS and arsenic
      • Ion exchange: Best for hard water and certain heavy metals
      • UV treatment: Kills bacteria and viruses
    3. Read your water report. Utilities must provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports. They’re usually buried in jargon, but they tell you what’s being found (or what they’re choosing to test for).
    4. Maintain your plumbing. Simple habits help: Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches more metals), flush pipes after vacations, and replace corroded fixtures.
    5. Get involved locally. Water quality decisions happen at boring government meetings that almost nobody attends. Your voice matters more than you think.

    Bottom Line

    I’m not writing this to scare you. Well, maybe a little—fear is motivating. But mostly I want you to be aware of what might be in your water so you can make informed choices.

    Most tap water in America is pretty good, especially compared to many countries. But “pretty good” doesn’t mean perfect, and when it comes to what you put in your body every day, why settle?

    The next time you fill a glass from your tap, remember that water quality isn’t just about what you can see. Take reasonable precautions, and drink up—properly filtered, of course. the filtered pitcher in my fridge. Old habits die hard, but at least now I understand what I’m paying for – and what I’m not.

    Please read – our information

    The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.


    Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.


    We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.


    Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

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  • What’s Really in That Bottle? The Weird World of Water Regulation

    What’s Really in That Bottle? The Weird World of Water Regulation

    $4.99.

    That’s what I paid for a liter of “premium mountain spring water” at the airport last month. Highway robbery? Absolutely. But I was thirsty, my flight was delayed, and the drinking fountain was broken. As I grudgingly handed over my credit card, I found myself wondering: What am I actually paying for here? And who’s making sure this overpriced water is safe, anyway?

    My curiosity turned into a weeks-long rabbit hole investigation that left me stunned. Turns out, that bottle in your hand isn’t regulated the way you probably think it is.

    The Bizarre Regulatory Split

    Here’s the first weird thing I discovered: The water coming out of your kitchen faucet and the water in that fancy bottle are overseen by completely different government agencies using totally different rulebooks.

    Your tap water? That’s the Environmental Protection Agency’s territory. They regulate it under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which Congress passed back in 1974 after people got fed up with industrial chemicals showing up in their water supplies.

    But that bottle of Aquafina or Poland Spring? That falls under the Food and Drug Administration because bottled water is technically considered a “food product.” No, seriously. The FDA regulates it under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act – the same law that governs your breakfast cereal and canned soup.

    “It’s completely bonkers when you think about it,” says Mark Izeman, who spent 15 years as a water policy attorney before joining an environmental nonprofit. “We’ve created this weird dual system where identical H2O molecules are regulated differently based on whether they come through a pipe or a plastic bottle.”

    In theory, this split shouldn’t matter. Federal law actually requires the FDA’s bottled water standards to be at least as protective as the EPA’s tap water rules. But in practice? That’s where things get messy.

    Monday vs. Maybe-Once-a-Year Testing

    The differences start with how often the water gets checked.

    Your local water utility likely tests its water DAILY for bacterial contamination and regularly for dozens of other contaminants. My town’s water report shows they conducted over 1,500 tests last year alone. These folks are obsessive about water quality, partly because they’re legally required to be.

    “We test our water more frequently than I check my email,” jokes Linda Ramirez, who’s worked at a medium-sized municipal water plant for 17 years. “Seriously though, it’s multiple times per day, every day, no exceptions. Even holidays.”

    But bottled water companies? The FDA only requires them to test for contaminants roughly once a year – and sometimes even less frequently for certain substances.

    When I called a bottled water industry spokesperson to ask about this discrepancy, he assured me that “reputable companies test much more frequently than required.” Which sounded reassuring until I realized the key word there was “reputable.” The minimum legal requirement remains just annual testing.

    Then he added: “Besides, our bottling process provides natural protection against contamination.”

    Maybe so. But if something does go wrong…

    The “Nobody Needs to Know” Policy

    Here’s perhaps the most jaw-dropping difference I discovered: what happens when contamination is detected.

    If your local water utility finds a problem – like, say, bacteria levels that exceed safety standards – they’re legally required to tell you about it, often within 24 hours for serious issues. You might get an email, a text message, a notice in the local newspaper, or even one of those emergency alerts on your phone.

    “Public notification is non-negotiable,” explains Ramirez. “If we find something concerning in the water, we can’t just keep it to ourselves and fix it quietly. The community has a right to know.”

    But with bottled water? There’s no equivalent requirement for public notification. If FDA testing reveals a violation, they typically handle it privately with the company. Unless it escalates to a formal recall (which hardly ever happens), you’d never know there was an issue.

    I found a case from 2007 where a bottled water company’s internal testing found arsenic levels exceeding FDA standards in several production runs. They quietly pulled those specific lots from warehouses before they reached stores, fixed the filtration problem, and no public announcement was ever made. Technically, they didn’t break any rules by keeping customers in the dark.

    To be clear: This doesn’t mean bottled water is unsafe. But it does mean there’s way less transparency when problems occur.

    The Case of the 20-Year Delay

    Want to see how this regulatory gap plays out in real life? Check out the strange saga of DEHP.

    DEHP (or bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate if you’re feeling fancy) is an industrial chemical used in plastics manufacturing. It’s also a probable human carcinogen that can cause liver problems and hormone disruption.

    In 1992, the EPA set legally binding limits for DEHP in tap water. The law required the FDA to follow suit for bottled water within 180 days.

    Guess when the FDA finally established equivalent standards for bottled water? – 2012

    That’s not a typo. It took TWENTY YEARS for the FDA to create the same protection for bottled water that tap water had since the first Bush administration. For two decades, there was no legal limit on how much of this potential carcinogen could be in your bottled water.

    Was your water actually contaminated during that time? Probably not. But the point is, there was no legal limit preventing it – a regulatory blind spot that persisted for an entire generation.

    When “Water” Isn’t Actually “Water”

    Oh, and here’s another weird quirk I stumbled across: Not all bottled water is regulated as, well, bottled water.

    The FDA’s definition of “bottled water” only applies to products specifically labeled as bottled water, purified water, spring water, mineral water, artesian water, well water, or similar terms.

    But what about products labeled just as “water” or “water beverage” or “enhanced water”? They technically fall outside specific bottled water regulations. These products are still regulated as general food items (they can’t poison you, obviously), but they don’t have to meet the specific standards for bottled water.

    This isn’t just legal nitpicking – it creates real regulatory blind spots. A company could theoretically avoid certain bottled water testing requirements by simply tweaking their label terminology. Mind-boggling, right?

    Tap Water’s Secret Appearance

    Here’s a fun fact that made me laugh out loud when I learned it: About 25-30% of bottled water comes from… wait for it… municipal tap water sources. Yep, the same water you get from your faucet for practically free.

    Companies like Aquafina (PepsiCo) and Dasani (Coca-Cola) start with tap water, then typically put it through additional processes like reverse osmosis, deionization, or filtration. The result might be very pure water, but its humble origins remain municipal water systems.

    To be fair, the FDA requires bottlers to disclose when their product comes from a municipal source. But they often do this with tiny print that says something like “municipal water source” or “public water supply” tucked away on the back label – not exactly highlighted in the marketing.

    Next time you’re paying $2 for a bottle of water, check the fine print. You might be paying a 1000% markup for processed tap water.

    So What Should You Do?

    After all this digging, am I swearing off bottled water forever? Not necessarily. There are legitimate situations where bottled water makes sense – emergencies, travel in areas with unsafe water, or when you’re stuck at an airport with a broken water fountain.

    But I’ve definitely changed how I approach bottled water:

    1. I check the label more carefully now. Words like “purified water” or “drinking water” often indicate it started as tap water. If I’m paying a premium, I at least want to know what I’m getting.
    2. I look for brands that voluntarily publish detailed water quality reports on their websites, similar to what public utilities provide. Companies confident in their product quality tend to be more transparent.
    3. I’ve stopped assuming bottled automatically means better. Sometimes it might be, but that’s not guaranteed by the regulatory structure.
    4. I invested in a good reusable bottle and a home water filter. For a fraction of what I was spending on bottled water, I can filter my own tap water to remove many of the same things bottled water companies target.

    The bottom line? That bottle of water might taste great and be perfectly safe. The vast majority probably are. But the regulatory safety net beneath it has some surprising holes that most consumers know nothing about.

    And now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go refill my reusable water bottle from the filtered pitcher in my fridge. Old habits die hard, but at least now I understand what I’m paying for – and what I’m not.

  • Emerging Contaminants: A Guide to What’s Not in Your Water Report

    Emerging Contaminants: A Guide to What’s Not in Your Water Report

    Emerging Contaminants: What’s NOT in Your Water Report

    I’m sitting here at my kitchen table staring at the water quality report I just fished out of my recycling bin. Like most folks, I’d given it a quick once-over, noticed no red flags, and tossed it without a second thought. But after chatting with a neighbor whose well tested positive for something called “PFAS,” I’ve been wondering—what else might be lurking in my tap water that isn’t listed on this official-looking document?

    Turns out, quite a lot.

    The Invisible Threat

    My water utility, like thousands across America, diligently tests for about 90 contaminants regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Sounds impressive until you consider that over 85,000 chemicals are registered in the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act inventory (though only about 40,000 are actively used), with roughly 700-1,000 new chemicals reviewed by the EPA annually.

    The gap between what’s regulated and what’s actually in our water has become my new late-night anxiety fuel.

    “For decades, the American people have been exposed to the family of incredibly toxic ‘forever chemicals’ known as PFAS with no protection from their government,” said Environmental Working Group President Ken Cook in a recent statement when the EPA finally announced drinking water standards for these substances.

    After weeks of research, conversations with water quality experts, and more than a few rabbit holes on scientific journal websites, I’ve identified three concerning unregulated contaminants likely flowing through America’s pipes—and potentially, my kitchen faucet.

    1,4-Dioxane: The Stubborn Solvent

    Back in the day, I worked in a lab where we handled plenty of nasty chemicals, but 1,4-dioxane wasn’t on my radar. Now I know this industrial solvent is practically the perfect water contaminant—it dissolves completely, doesn’t stick to soil, evaporates slowly, and stubbornly resists standard water treatment.

    Commonly used as a stabilizer for chlorinated solvents, 1,4-dioxane shows up in countless products from paint strippers and antifreeze to personal care items. The EPA has classified it as a “likely human carcinogen,” and animal studies have linked it to liver and nasal cancers.

    A 2021 analysis found that over 20% of public water systems across the United States contained detectable levels of 1,4-dioxane. According to the Environmental Working Group, water supplies for more than 7 million Americans in 27 states are contaminated with 1,4-dioxane at levels higher than what federal scientists consider a minimal cancer risk.

    Despite the widespread presence of 1,4-dioxane, there’s no federal maximum contaminant level for it in drinking water. Only a handful of states have established their own guidelines, leaving most Americans in the dark about this contaminant.

    Microplastics: The Tiny Invaders

    Last week, I was washing my favorite fleece jacket when I remembered reading that a single wash can release up to 250,000 microplastic fibers. According to Earth Day’s fact sheet, the average American ingests more than 70,000 microplastics annually just from drinking water.

    These microscopic plastic particles—typically defined as smaller than 5 millimeters—come from the breakdown of larger plastics, synthetic fibers from clothing, microbeads from personal care products (though many countries have now banned these), and even tire dust from roadways.

    What makes microplastics particularly concerning isn’t just their ubiquity but their potential to absorb and concentrate other pollutants. Laboratory studies have shown they can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell damage, though the World Health Organization notes that conclusive evidence of health impacts in humans is still lacking.

    Despite these concerns, water utilities aren’t required to test for or remove microplastics from drinking water. The technology to effectively detect these particles at low concentrations is still developing, meaning they’re invisible not just on your water report but often to the utilities themselves.

    PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals”

    Perhaps the most notorious of the emerging contaminants are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. This family of thousands of synthetic chemicals has been used since the 1940s in everything from non-stick cookware and water-repellent clothing to food packaging and firefighting foam.

    Their nickname—”forever chemicals”—is well-earned. The carbon-fluorine bonds that make them so useful are among the strongest in organic chemistry. These chemicals don’t naturally degrade in the environment—ever.

    A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that at least 45% of the nation’s tap water contains one or more types of PFAS. These chemicals have been linked to serious health problems, including increased cholesterol, decreased vaccine response in children, thyroid disruption, and increased risk of certain cancers.

    This widespread contamination has resulted in about 98% of Americans having detectable PFAS in their blood, according to CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.

    In April 2024, the EPA finally set national drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds. While this represents progress, it’s a small fraction of the thousands of PFAS chemicals in use, and compliance deadlines extend to 2029 and beyond.

    Why Aren’t These Regulated?

    When I first realized the scope of unregulated chemicals potentially in my drinking water, I immediately wondered—why haven’t these been addressed already? The answer involves a complex mix of scientific, economic, and political factors.

    For a contaminant to be regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA must go through a lengthy process that includes multiple steps and can take decades to complete. For example, perchlorate was first listed as a candidate for regulation in 1998 but still isn’t regulated at the federal level.

    Industry influence also plays a significant role. Many emerging contaminants are tied to profitable industries with substantial political clout and the resources to challenge regulations through litigation.

    In our regulatory system, the burden of proof effectively falls on the public to demonstrate harm, rather than on manufacturers to demonstrate safety—a framework that inherently favors the status quo, even when that status quo may be causing harm.

    What Can You Do?

    After discovering all this information, I felt overwhelmed but not helpless. Here are practical steps I’ve taken that you might consider too:

    Know Your Water Source

    Understanding where your water comes from can help assess potential risks. Is your water drawn from a river downstream from industrial facilities? Is your groundwater near agricultural areas with heavy pesticide use or landfills? Local watershed groups often have information about specific contamination concerns in your area.

    Consider Home Filtration

    Different filtration technologies target different contaminants:

    • For PFAS: Reverse osmosis systems and high-quality activated carbon filters (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification) are most effective
    • For 1,4-dioxane: Advanced oxidation treatment works best, though it’s not widely available for home use; some high-end reverse osmosis systems help
    • For microplastics: Fine mechanical filters (1 micron or smaller) can remove larger particles, while reverse osmosis can remove most microplastics

    Remember that no single filtration method removes all contaminants, and maintenance is crucial—an improperly maintained filter can become a source of contamination itself.

    Support Better Regulation

    Citizen pressure matters. Contact your representatives about supporting stronger water protections, faster regulatory action on emerging contaminants, and more funding for water infrastructure. Support environmental organizations working on water quality issues.

    Reduce Your Contribution

    Many emerging contaminants enter our water through everyday consumer products. Consider:

    • Avoiding products with “fragrance” or “parfum” which may contain phthalates
    • Choosing personal care products without “PEG” compounds which may contain 1,4-dioxane
    • Reducing plastic use to minimize microplastic pollution
    • Selecting cookware, clothing, and food packaging without PFAS (look for “PFAS-free” labels)

    The Future of Water Testing

    Despite the current regulatory gaps, there are reasons for optimism. Advanced detection technologies continue to improve, making it easier and more affordable to test for emerging contaminants. Public awareness is growing, putting pressure on utilities and regulators to address these invisible threats.

    Some forward-thinking utilities are already going beyond regulatory requirements, voluntarily testing for and treating unregulated contaminants. And states like California, Michigan, and New Jersey have stepped in with their own standards where federal regulations lag.

    What’s clear is that our understanding of what makes water “safe” continues to evolve. Today’s emerging contaminant may be tomorrow’s regulated substance. In the meantime, the best defense is awareness—understanding that your water report, reassuring as it may seem, isn’t telling the whole story.

    The next time you receive that annual water quality report, give it more than a passing glance. But also remember what’s not listed there—the emerging contaminants silently passing through our pipes, waiting for science, regulation, and public awareness to catch up.

    Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to research water filters—and maybe buy a reusable water bottle while I’m at it..

    Please read – our information

    The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.


    Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.


    We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.


    Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

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  • The Silent Threat: PFAS Contamination in Ann Arbor’s Water

    The Silent Threat: PFAS Contamination in Ann Arbor’s Water

    The Silent Threat: PFAS Contamination in Ann Arbor’s Water

    Behind the Pristine Campus Image

    Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, looks picture-perfect on college brochures. The leafy campus, the vibrant downtown, the Huron River winding through parks where students lounge between classes – it’s the quintessential American college town. But this postcard-worthy community harbors a troubling secret that won’t wash away, no matter how many sustainability awards the city wins: its water is contaminated with PFAS.

    These “forever chemicals” have quietly worked their way into the town’s water system, raising alarm among residents who thought environmental problems happened somewhere else – not in their progressive, educated community. Though recent filtration upgrades have reduced detection levels in treated water, the underlying problem persists, linking Ann Arbor to the same toxic legacy that plagues hundreds of towns across America.

    What Are PFAS?

    PFAS isn’t just one chemical – it’s a family of thousands of synthetic compounds that manufacturers have used for decades to make everything from non-stick pans to waterproof jackets. They’re incredibly useful because they repel water, resist stains, and withstand heat. The problem? The same molecular bonds that make them so useful also make them virtually indestructible in the environment.

    Scientists have linked these chemicals to a disturbing array of health problems: certain cancers, fertility issues, developmental delays in children, weakened immune response, and increased cholesterol. What’s particularly troubling is that they can cause harm at vanishingly small concentrations – parts per trillion, the equivalent of a few drops in an Olympic swimming pool. In fact, the EPA’s 2022 health advisories suggest PFOA and PFOS (two common PFAS compounds) may be harmful at astonishingly low levels: 0.004 and 0.02 parts per trillion, respectively – thousands of times lower than previously thought.

    They also don’t play fair. Once in your body, they can remain for years, accumulating with each new exposure from water, food, or consumer products. While the body slowly tries to flush them out, they’re busy potentially disrupting hormones and cellular functions.

    The Huron River Connection

    For Ann Arbor, the story of PFAS begins with its beloved Huron River, which supplies most of the city’s drinking water. In 2018, tests revealed something alarming: the river contained measurable levels of these toxic compounds.

    State investigators eventually traced the source of contamination upstream to Wixom, where Tribar Technologies (formerly Wixom Plating) had been discharging PFAS-laden wastewater into the sewer system. This automotive supplier, which specializes in chrome plating and finishing, became the primary culprit in a contamination story that would affect communities all along the river. The Wixom wastewater treatment plant, never designed to filter out such chemicals, simply passed them along into the river.

    Tests conducted between May and December 2019 by the Environmental Working Group found Ann Arbor’s tap water contained 15.8 parts per trillion of PFOA and PFOS – two of the most notorious PFAS compounds. That’s below the EPA’s advisory level at the time of 70 ppt, but above Michigan’s later, stricter standard of 8 ppt for these compounds. As of June 2024, thanks to extensive filtration upgrades, Ann Arbor’s treated water consistently tests below Michigan’s standards – a victory for public health, but one that came at significant cost to the city’s residents rather than the polluters.

    University Response

    The University of Michigan, with its 45,000 students and staff dependent on city water, found itself in an uncomfortable position. Campus buildings were receiving the same PFAS-containing water as the rest of the city. University officials were quick to note that contamination levels didn’t exceed EPA guidelines, even during a concentration spike in fall 2018.

    But for many students, that wasn’t reassuring enough. In lecture halls where they learned about environmental justice and corporate responsibility, they were drinking water tainted by industrial pollution. It seemed like a real-world case study unfolding in their own community.

    Campus environmental groups began organizing information sessions and lobbying administration. Gradually, their focus expanded beyond campus to join broader community efforts. Student activists didn’t just want better filters – they wanted accountability from the companies responsible and stricter regulations to prevent future contamination.

    City’s Response and Treatment Efforts

    Unlike some communities that have dragged their feet on PFAS, Ann Arbor’s response has been relatively aggressive. The city has poured millions into upgrading its water treatment plant, particularly its granular activated carbon filters – currently the best available technology for removing these chemicals from drinking water.

    In 2019 alone, the city council approved $950,000 for additional PFAS filters. By 2020, about $1.5 million had been spent on system upgrades, particularly focusing on enhanced carbon filtration technology. The investment has paid off in one sense – recent testing shows near-undetectable levels of PFAS in the treated water leaving the plant.

    But Ann Arbor’s water treatment manager Brian Steglitz has expressed frustration that city residents are footing the bill for pollution they didn’t create. “It would be preferable,” he stated, “if City customers did not need to fund treatment for PFAS and that the polluter was responsible for removing all contamination from their waste streams.”

    Broader Implications for the Community

    The PFAS problem extends beyond what comes out of the tap. In 2018, state officials issued a “Do Not Eat” advisory for fish caught from the Huron River – a devastating blow for recreational anglers and a stark warning about how thoroughly these chemicals have infiltrated the local ecosystem. That advisory remains in effect today, a persistent reminder of PFAS’s environmental legacy.

    Health officials advise people to shower after contact with the river, especially after swimming or tubing – a precaution that underscores ongoing concerns about exposure. Then in 2020 came another unsettling discovery: PFAS had been detected in the city’s compost program, which distributes treated organic waste as fertilizer for parks and gardens. The city temporarily suspended compost distribution before resuming in 2021 with stricter testing protocols.

    Suddenly, these invisible chemicals seemed to be everywhere – not just in water, but cycling through the community’s soil and potentially into home-grown vegetables. For a town that prides itself on environmental awareness, it was a humbling realization.

    The Path Forward

    Ann Arbor’s experience highlights an uncomfortable truth about PFAS: once these chemicals enter the environment, completely eliminating them is nearly impossible. Treatment can reduce concentrations to safer levels, but the fundamental problem remains as long as industries continue using and discharging these substances.

    Michigan has taken some meaningful steps. In August 2020, the state adopted its own maximum contaminant levels for seven PFAS chemicals – ranging from 6 to 16 parts per trillion, creating more stringent and enforceable standards than federal guidelines at the time. But many advocates say this isn’t enough, especially now that the EPA’s 2022 health advisories suggest safe levels thousands of times lower than even Michigan’s standards.

    Representative Debbie Dingell, whose district includes Ann Arbor, has championed federal legislation to ban PFAS in food packaging and establish national regulations. She’s specifically cited Ann Arbor’s contamination issues when testifying before Congress.

    For residents of this college town, the PFAS saga represents a crash course in environmental realities. It’s one thing to discuss pollution in the abstract; it’s another to wonder about the safety of your morning coffee or your child’s bath water. As one local put it during a town hall meeting: “We thought we were doing everything right here in Ann Arbor. If we’re not safe from this stuff, who is?”

    The struggle against these persistent chemicals continues, forcing this community to confront difficult questions about environmental justice, corporate responsibility, and the true cost of industrial progress that gets passed down to ordinary citizens decades later.

  • Durham, North Carolina: The “Green” City with a Dirty Secret

    Durham, North Carolina: The “Green” City with a Dirty Secret

    Beneath the Surface of a “Sustainable” City

    Driving through Durham, you’d never know. The tree-lined streets near Duke’s campus, the bustling downtown packed with farm-to-table restaurants, the colorful bike lanes cutting through revitalized districts – all paint a picture of progressive urban planning. This former tobacco town has reinvented itself as a beacon of Southern sustainability. But beneath the carefully cultivated image lies a troubling reality that rarely makes it into the glossy promotional materials: the water.

    What Is 1,4-Dioxane?

    1,4-Dioxane is an industrial solvent that can be found in everything from shampoo to plastic manufacturing. It’s classified by the EPA as a “likely human carcinogen.” The chemical has been detected in water systems throughout North Carolina’s Cape Fear River Basin, presenting serious health concerns for residents.

    This industrial solvent is used in a wide variety of manufacturing processes and can also be found as a byproduct in many consumer products. Unlike some contaminants, 1,4-dioxane is highly soluble in water and doesn’t easily break down in the environment, making it particularly challenging to remove once it enters water systems.

    Durham’s Current Water Situation

    Durham’s current drinking water supply—primarily from Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir—hasn’t shown dangerous levels of 1,4-dioxane. However, the future water supply plans for the city face a potential contamination issue.

    In 2022, testing around Teer Quarry, where Durham plans to store future water supplies, found 1,4-dioxane seeping through groundwater toward the quarry. More than half of the monitoring wells showed levels significantly above what North Carolina considers acceptable for drinking water sources.

    According to state documents, “1,4-Dioxane was found in more than half of the 26 groundwater monitoring wells at levels 3 to 50 times above the state’s target value for water supplies.” North Carolina recommends keeping 1,4-dioxane below 0.35 parts per billion in drinking water sources, but some monitoring wells near Teer Quarry detected concentrations far exceeding this threshold.

    Following the Toxic Trail

    The Cape Fear River Basin—which provides drinking water for roughly a million North Carolinians—has become a significant concern for industrial chemical contamination.

    Wastewater treatment plants in several municipalities including Greensboro, Reidsville, and Asheboro have been identified as sources passing along industrial waste they can’t filter out. Industries discharge chemicals into city sewers, treatment plants can’t remove them effectively, and downstream communities are left dealing with the toxic results.

    The Financial Burden

    The cost of filtering these chemicals falls largely on water utilities and ultimately their customers. Down in Wilmington, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority is facing estimated expenses of $17-24 million just to upgrade their treatment systems for 1,4-dioxane, plus another $1-3 million yearly to operate the new equipment.

    These costs arise because conventional water treatment methods aren’t effective at removing 1,4-dioxane. Advanced treatment technologies such as Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are required, which involve significant infrastructure investment and operational expenses.

    Authorities’ Response

    Durham’s water management officials maintain that the city’s drinking water meets all regulatory standards, despite these regional challenges. Joe Lunne, spokesperson for Durham’s Department of Water Management, has stated that 1,4-dioxane hasn’t been detected in current water supplies, and that any future water from Teer Quarry would undergo treatment before reaching consumers.

    Durham has taken some legal action by joining other municipalities in lawsuits against chemical manufacturers over PFAS and 1,4-dioxane pollution. However, these efforts haven’t yet resulted in comprehensive pollution prevention measures.

    Other states have established stricter standards and placed more responsibility on industries to clean up their own pollution. In contrast, North Carolina’s approach has often resulted in the burden being shifted to water utilities and their customers rather than preventing contamination at the source.

    The Green Veneer

    This gap between image and reality highlights a key issue with environmental responsibility. Durham, like many “eco-friendly” cities, has focused on visible sustainability efforts while sometimes overlooking less visible but equally important environmental challenges.

    True environmental stewardship requires addressing both the visible and invisible aspects of sustainability—from bike lanes and solar panels to water quality and industrial waste management.

    Moving Forward

    For Durham, confronting the realities about its water future means pushing upstream communities to control industrial pollution at its source. It requires demanding better monitoring and stronger regulations on emerging contaminants.

    As the situation develops, the pressing question remains: will industrial polluters be held accountable for their waste, or will water customers continue bearing the financial burden of treating contaminated water? The decisions made now will determine the true substance behind Durham’s sustainability reputation.