Chlorine is widely used in municipal water systems as a disinfectant, killing harmful bacteria and pathogens to ensure safe drinking water. However, when chlorine interacts with organic matter in water, it can create dangerous byproducts known as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). These byproducts are linked to increased cancer risk—particularly bladder cancer—and can cause liver and kidney damage with prolonged exposure. There is also evidence suggesting that exposure to chlorine and its byproducts may lead to reproductive health issues, including low birth weight and complications during pregnancy.

Lead contamination in drinking water remains a serious public health issue, especially in older homes with aging pipes and plumbing systems. As water flows through lead pipes, lead particles can leach into the water supply. Even small amounts of lead exposure can have devastating health effects, particularly for children, whose developing brains and nervous systems are highly vulnerable. Lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Pregnant women are also at risk, as lead can pass through the placenta and harm the developing fetus. Unlike other contaminants, there is no safe level of lead exposure, making it critical to filter water effectively to protect your family.

Nitrates, found primarily in fertilizers and agricultural runoff, often contaminate drinking water in rural areas or regions with heavy farming operations. When consumed, nitrates interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen through the blood, a condition known as methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome," which can be life-threatening for infants. Pregnant women are also at risk, as high nitrate levels can reduce oxygen flow to the fetus, increasing the chance of miscarriage or birth defects. Even low-level, chronic exposure to nitrates has been linked to thyroid issues and certain cancers, emphasizing the importance of filtration systems designed to eliminate these contaminants.

Pesticides and herbicides, used extensively in agriculture, often seep into groundwater and contaminate both municipal water supplies and private wells. These chemicals contain toxic substances designed to kill weeds and pests, but they can also pose serious risks to human health. Exposure to pesticide-contaminated water has been associated with hormone disruption, cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems. Some pesticides mimic hormones in the body, leading to early puberty, fertility issues, and developmental delays in children. Herbicides like glyphosate, which is commonly used in farming, have been linked to kidney disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Radioactive pollutants, such as uranium, radium, and radon, can naturally seep into groundwater from surrounding rocks and soil or result from industrial activities and nuclear waste. Long-term exposure to radioactive contaminants in drinking water has been linked to cancer, kidney damage, and developmental issues.

Pharmaceutical pollutants, including hormones, antibiotics, and painkillers, enter the water supply through improper disposal, agricultural runoff, and human waste. These contaminants may interfere with the body's endocrine system, disrupt hormone levels, and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Unfortunately, many municipal water systems aren’t designed to filter out pharmaceuticals or radioactive elements, highlighting the importance of home water filtration to protect your family’s health.