As a parent, you do everything possible to keep your children safe and healthy. Have you considered the quality of the water they drink daily? Despite passing regulatory standards, many municipal water sources may still contain harmful contaminants that pose health risks to children.
Most municipalities rely on chemical treatments, like chlorine, to sanitize water. While these treatments may meet government safety standards, the guidelines are based on an average adult body weight (154 lbs). Is treated water truly safe for the smaller bodies of children?
Government Water Standards Cater to Adult Safety, Not Children
Water safety standards set by regulatory bodies focus primarily on what is considered safe for adults. Children, however, are not "small adults"—their physiology and rate of water consumption per body weight make them more susceptible to contaminants. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), "Compared to adults, children drink more water per pound of body weight, resulting in greater exposure and greater risk. They’re also more vulnerable to harmful contaminants because their bodies are still growing, and toxic chemicals cause more harm to developing organs and tissues." (ewg.org).
Moreover, local municipalities do not always meet water quality standards consistently. New man-made contaminants are regularly detected in water supplies, and many are not yet regulated, posing additional risks to health and safety.
Estimated 21 Million Americans Drink Water That Violates US Health Standards
What’s even more alarming is that "drinking water supplies in America can potentially have higher amounts of contaminants than scientists consider safe, even if the water gets a passing grade from the federal government." (EWG’s Tap Water Database). Many of these chemicals are carcinogens, harmful to fetal development, and linked to brain and nervous system problems. You can check your local water quality using the Tap Water Database to see what’s in your water.
Understanding Contaminants in Tap Water
Municipal water treatment facilities play a crucial role in making our drinking water relatively safe, primarily by removing bacteria and pathogens. However, they rely heavily on chemicals like chlorine and chloramine, which sanitize but can also leave behind by-products that may be harmful. Contaminants are often present in tap water beyond these disinfectants, and they can stem from various sources:
- Industrial and Agricultural Pollutants: Runoff from factories and farms often introduces heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals into water supplies.
- Aging Infrastructure: Many municipalities still have lead pipes or old plumbing systems that can leach toxic metals, including lead and copper, into the water.
- Naturally Occurring Minerals and Metals: Arsenic, cadmium, and other metals can naturally occur in the Earth’s crust and sometimes make their way into groundwater.
Why Children Are More Vulnerable to Water Contaminants
Children are not just small adults; they have unique physiological characteristics that make them more susceptible to water contaminants:
- Higher Water Consumption: Kids drink more water per pound of body weight compared to adults, which means they accumulate a greater amount of contaminants in their bodies relative to their size.
- Developing Organs and Immune Systems: Because children's bodies are still growing, their organs, immune systems, and nervous systems are more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals and heavy metals. These contaminants can cause lasting damage, impacting growth, cognitive function, and even organ development.
According to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, early exposure to contaminants in water, particularly heavy metals like lead, can lead to cognitive delays and behavioral issues later in life. Even low levels of exposure have been linked to developmental issues, which makes it critical for parents to limit their children's exposure to these contaminants.
Common Contaminants in Tap Water That Affect Children
Here are some of the most concerning contaminants that may be present in unfiltered tap water:
- Lead: Lead exposure is highly toxic, especially for children, and has been linked to reduced IQ, attention disorders, and developmental delays. The EWG notes that lead contamination remains a significant issue, especially in older cities with aging plumbing systems.
- Chlorine and Chloramine: These disinfectants can produce by-products like trihalomethanes, which have been associated with an increased risk of cancer over long-term exposure. Children may experience stomach upset, rashes, or asthma-like symptoms due to chlorinated water.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Runoff from agricultural areas can bring harmful pesticides and herbicides into drinking water, which can interfere with hormone production and impact growth and development in children.
- Fluoride: While fluoride is added to water to prevent tooth decay, overexposure can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis. Children are particularly at risk for dental fluorosis, which causes discoloration and pitting in tooth enamel.
- Arsenic: A naturally occurring element, arsenic can enter water supplies through soil erosion. Long-term exposure, even at low levels, has been linked to developmental and neurological issues in children.
The Benefits of Filtered Water for Kids
Filtered water offers several critical benefits that support your child’s health and well-being:
- Removal of Harmful Contaminants: Quality water filters can remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, chlorine, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), providing cleaner, safer water.
- Improved Taste and Smell: Tap water can sometimes have an unpleasant taste or odor, particularly if it contains high levels of chlorine or sulfur. Filtered water often tastes better, encouraging kids to stay hydrated, which is crucial for their health.
- Reduced Chemical Exposure: By filtering out chemical disinfectants and their by-products, parents can reduce their child's risk of chemical exposure and potential side effects, such as stomach upset or skin irritation.
- Better Support for Growth and Development: When children drink water free from harmful contaminants, their bodies are better supported in growth, immune function, and cognitive development.
What Can You Do?
Investing in a water filter, like BOROUX, can protect your family from harmful contaminants. For over 20 years, millions of families have trusted black activated-carbon filters to provide contaminant-free water. No harsh chemicals, no plumbing, no electricity, just a simple and effective gravity-fed system.
BOROUX filters effectively remove sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and chemicals commonly used in municipal water treatment, such as chlorine. Our advanced filtration system reduces numerous contaminants and has third-party verified testing to prove it, ensuring safe, great-tasting water for your family.
Choosing the Right Filter for Your Family
When choosing a water filter for your family, consider these factors:
- Contaminant Removal Capabilities: Check the filter's specifications to ensure it effectively removes contaminants common in your area’s water supply. The EWG's Tap Water Database can help you identify specific concerns based on your location. See BOROUX's filtration specifications.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance: Some systems, like reverse osmosis, require regular maintenance. Make sure the system fits your lifestyle and upkeep preferences. See BOROUX's maintenance recommendations.
- NSF Certification: Look for filters certified by NSF International, as these have been independently tested for contaminant reduction claims.
Additional Tips for Safe Water Consumption
In addition to using a water filter, here are some practical tips to reduce your family’s exposure to water contaminants:
- Use Cold Water for Drinking and Cooking: Hot water can dissolve contaminants like lead more easily, so always use cold water when preparing drinks or cooking.
- Flush Your Pipes: If your home has older pipes, letting the tap run for a few seconds can help flush out stagnant water that may contain higher contaminant levels.
- Encourage Hydration with Filtered Water: Make filtered water easily accessible to encourage your kids to drink more throughout the day. Hydration is essential for cognitive function, mood regulation, and physical health.
Filtered Water for Peace of Mind
Providing filtered water to your children is a simple yet powerful step toward protecting their health and development. As contaminants in tap water remain a concern for millions of households, investing in a quality water filter can give you peace of mind, knowing you’re reducing your family’s exposure to harmful substances.
By being proactive about your family’s water quality, you’re setting the foundation for a healthier, safer future. Encourage your kids to drink plenty of filtered water, and take comfort in knowing you’re doing everything possible to protect their well-being.
