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Chlorine is a type of disinfectant, not a contaminant, that’s added to the water to control microbes. From chlorine, disinfection by-products, such as total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), can emerge in the water.
Health effects: - Chlorine can affect the taste and odor of drinking water.
Agricultural pollutants are runoff from herbicide and insecticide that can enter your drinking water.
Health effects:
Heavy metals such as lead may get into your water from the pipes and plumbing coming into your home. Excessive lead exposure is a serious concern, especially for young children and babies. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it’s estimated that lead in drinking water contributes between 10 percent and 20 percent of total lead exposure in young children.
Homes built before 1986 are more than likely to have lead plumbing pipes. Even newer homes are at risk because of old water-main lines leading to the home or because of brass or chrome-plated faucets and fixtures.
Health effects: - Children who are exposed to excessive levels of lead may have delayed physical or mental development and minor attention-span deficits and learning disabilities. Exposed adults may experience kidney problems and high blood pressure.
Sediment like dirt and sand can come from soil runoff, while rust can come from corrosion of iron or steel pipes either in your home or a water main. The amount of sediment determines the water’s turbidity (measure of cloudiness) and indicates filtration effectiveness.
Health effects: - According to the EPA, higher turbidity levels are associated with higher levels of disease-causing microorganisms, which can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and headaches.
Microbial cysts can enter the water from human or animal fecal waste. Cryptosporidium is a parasite commonly found in lakes and rivers. According to the EPA, cryptosporidium is resistant to disinfection, and even well-operated water-treatment systems cannot ensure that drinking water can be completely clear of it.
Health effects: - Microbial cysts can cause gastrointestinal illness, such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
Industrial pollutants in your drinking water can come from discharge from different kinds of factories or chemical plants.
Health effects:
In March 2008, the Associated Press published a report that found various pharmaceutical compounds in the water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas across the United States. In fact, many water treatment facilities may not be able to remove 100% of these types of manufactured compounds or substances.
PUR® faucet-mount filters remove residual pharmaceutical compounds by 99%, and PUR pitchers reduce pharmaceuticals by 96%.*
* Based on manufacturer testing for reduction in levels of 12 pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals may not be present in all users' water.
Health effects: - While there have been no conclusive studies showing the long- or short-term health effects of pharmaceutical compounds in drinking water, PUR is unwavering in the belief that your water should be as clean and natural, and free from unwanted substances as possible.
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What you can't see can't hurt you, right? Your tap water may look clean, but sometimes our drinking water contains contaminants. View disclaimer.
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