What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Even in the U.S.—where public water systems are regulated—millions of Americans are unknowingly exposed to contaminants that can impact their health. From microplastics and chlorine to PFAS and lead, your tap may contain more than just H2O. But don’t panic—knowledge is power, and solutions are available.
Tap water in the U.S. is treated and regulated - but that doesn't mean it's contaminant free. From aging infrastructure to agricultural runoff, many harmful substances can still make their way into your glass. Understanding what's in your water and how to remove it, is essential for safeguarding your health and your family's well being.
At Crystal Quest, we've been designing and engineering advanced water filtration systems for over 30 years. Here's our breakdown of the most common tap water contaminants and the best ways to eliminate them.
Explore Articles About Specific Contaminants →
1. Microplastics
Why They're Concerning:
Microplastics - tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, are increasingly being detected in municipal and bottled water supplies. These particles can come from synthetic clothing, packaging, industrial waste, and even degraded plumbing.
While the long term health effects of microplastic ingestion are still being studied, early research links them to endocrine disruption, inflammation, and potential cellular damage.
How to Remove Them:
- Reverse Osmosis systems are currently one of the most effective methods for filtering out microplastics due to their submicron membrane pore size.
- SMART Filters can also help capture smaller particles using a multi-stage blend of filtration media.
2. Lead
Why It's Dangerous:
Lead is a neurotoxin that can enter tap water through old plumbing and service lines. Even low levels can cause developmental delays in children and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in adults.
How to Remove It:
- Point-of-Use Filters: Look for filters with lead focused media.
- Whole House Systems: For older homes with lead pipes, whole house filters are ideal.
To read more about Crystal Quest's Lead multimedia click here.
3. Chlorine and Chloramines
Why It's Used:
Municipalities add chlorine and chloramines to disinfect water. However, they can react with organic material to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like trihalomethanes (THMs), which may be carcinogenic.
How to Remove Them:
- SMART Filtration Media in Crystal Quest filters neutralize chlorine and chloramines while also addressing other contaminants.
- Shower/Bath Filters: Great for preventing skin and respiratory irritation from chlorine exposure.
Learn more about Crystal Quest's SMART multimedia blend.
4. Fluoride
Why It's Controversial:
Fluoride is added to public water supplies for dental health. However, excess exposure has been linked to dental fluorosis, thyroid disruption, and neurological concerns - especially in children.
How to Remove It:
- Aluminum Oxide and Calcium GAC media used in Crystal Quest Fluoride Filters offer powerful removal.
- Reverse Osmosis is also effective at reducing fluoride at the point of use, or throughout the whole house.
Want to read more about Calcium GAC and Aluminum Oxide media? Click here for calcium GAC and here for Aluminum Oxide.
5. Arsenic
Why It's Harmful:
Arsenic is a toxic metal found in groundwater, particularly in private wells. It's been linked to cancer, skin damage, and cardiovascular issues.
How to Remove It:
- Iron Oxide-Based Media in our Whole House Arsenic System is highly effective at removing arsenic III and V.
- Pair with RO systems for extra polishing at the tap.
Technical information about Eagle Arsenic Oxide media can be found here.
6. Nitrates and Nitrites
Where They Come From:
Runoff from fertilizers and livestock operations can cause nitrates to seep into water supplies. Dangerous for infants, they can interfere with the blood's ability to carry oxygen ("blue baby syndrome").
How to Remove Them:
- Reverse Osmosis Systems are the gold standard for nitrate and nitrite removal.
- Our specialized nitrate removal systems efficiently reduce 90-95% of nitrates, utilizing a special nitrate-selective resin.
Click to explore our Nitrate removal resin.
7. PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Why They're Alarming:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic chemicals found in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. Linked to cancer, hormonal disruption, and immune dysfunction, PFAS can be tricky to remove.
How to Remove Them:
- Crystal Quest's Guardian GAC system and advanced SMART filter systems with catalytic carbon and ion exchange resin reduce or remove PFAS compounds effectively.
- Reverse Osmosis completely removes PFAS, providing protection at the tap, or throughout the whole house.
8. Sediment, Rust, and Sand
Common but Easily Overlooked:
Visible particles like sand, rust, or silt not only affect water clarity but can also damage appliances and clog finer filtration stages.
How to Remove Them:
- Sediment Pre-Filters (5 micron or less) are essential for both point-of-entry and point-of-use systems.
- 5-Micron Carbon Block Filters can capture unwanted sediment while providing better tasting water.
9. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
What They Are:
VOCs like benzene, toluene, and chloroform can enter water through industrial discharge, gas stations, and landfills. Many are carcinogenic.
How to Remove Them:
- SMART media and/or Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) can effectively reduce VOCs.
- Use as part of a whole house or undersink system.
10. Hydrogen Sulfide (Rotten Egg Smell)
Why It Smells So Bad:
Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that naturally occurs in groundwater and produces a distinct "rotten egg" odor. It forms from decaying organic matter and is especially common in private wells or areas with high sulfur content. While not usually a direct health threat at low levels, hydrogen sulfide can corrode pipes, stain fixtures, and make your water unpleasant to use or drink.
How to Remove It:
- SMART Whole House Filters: These advanced systems use 2 types of coconut-shell GAC (including Catalytic) with 2 types of Eagle Redox Alloys® (9500 & 6500) & anion exchange resin to reduce hydrogen sulfide gas and eliminate odor at the point of entry.
- Point-of-Use SMART Filters: Ideal for eliminating sulfur smell in drinking water at a specific tap, like the kitchen or bathroom.
Final Thoughts: Know What's In Your Water
Tap water may be regulated, but that doesn't always mean it's safe or optimal. Many contaminants still fall below federal limits, yet pose long-term risks. The only way to know is to test your water and match it with the right solution.
Need More Information?
Understanding water contaminants can be complex. We're here to help you make informed decisions about your water quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tap water in the U.S. really safe to drink?
While U.S. tap water is regulated by the EPA, it can still contain harmful contaminants like lead, PFAS, microplastics, and chlorine byproducts. Aging pipes, outdated infrastructure, and industrial runoff can all contribute to unsafe drinking water. The only way to know what's in your tap is through professional water testing and filtration.
What are the most common tap water contaminants I should be aware of?
Common drinking water contaminants include lead, chlorine, chloramines, fluoride, PFAS (forever chemicals), arsenic, nitrates, VOCs, and microplastics. Each poses unique health risks—from cancer and hormonal disruption to skin irritation and developmental delays.
What is the best water filter for removing PFAS and other "forever chemicals"?
The most effective PFAS water filters use catalytic carbon and ion exchange resin, found in Crystal Quest's advanced SMART filtration systems and Guardian whole house filtration systems. For added protection, a reverse osmosis system can further polish your water at the point of use, and remove up to 99% of contaminants.
How can I remove lead from my tap water at home?
To remove lead from drinking water, use a trusted point-of-use filters with lead-specific media, or install a whole house lead filtration system if your plumbing contains old lead pipes. Crystal Quest offers both options for comprehensive protection.
Do reverse osmosis systems remove microplastics and fluoride?
Yes, reverse osmosis filters are highly effective at removing microplastics, fluoride, nitrates, and many other dissolved solids. Their submicron membranes block particles down to 0.0001 microns in size, offering some of the most thorough filtration available.
What's the difference between a whole house filter and a point-of-use filter?
Whole house filtration systems treat all the water entering your home—ideal for protecting plumbing, appliances, and bathing water. Point-of-use filters, like undersink or countertop systems, focus on drinking and cooking water at specific faucets or points of water use. For complete protection, some homeowners combine both systems.
How do I know which water filter is right for my home?
Start by testing your water to identify specific contaminants. From there, choose a filter system that targets those pollutants. Crystal Quest offers solutions for lead, fluoride, chlorine, PFAS, arsenic, and more—with both residential and commercial options. If you need additional help, Crystal Quest will analyze your water test and offer guidance on the best system for your unique needs.
