What’s In Your Tap Water?

It seems like a very simple question, it’s tap WATER, 2 parts hydrogen, 1 part oxygen connected by covalent bonds to make a transparent fluid, but unfortunately it is not that simple. Your tap water can contain any number of contaminants from a numerous of sources. Some of these can have an adverse effect on the taste, look and smell of your drinking water and others can potentially have more harmful effects on your health and on your appliances.

Environmental Contaminants

Pollutants from the environment find their way into our water supply by leeching into our groundwater, from surface run-off, erosion of natural deposits and rain. Dust, smoke and poisons from industrial facilities, pesticides and herbicides from farming and residential gardening and even animal waste can contaminate your drinking water.

Fertilisers and Nitrates

These can come in run-off from crop fertilisers as well as animal and industrial waste. Nitrates are highly leachable and are extremely dangerous for children under three months old.

Calcium and Magnesium

Calcium and magnesium are natural minerals found in our water supply particularly as we increase our use of groundwater. They are the key causes of “hard water” which can cause scale in heating appliances leading to increased corrosion.

Pesticides and Herbicides

Pollutants from agricultural, industrial and residential uses can leach into our groundwater supply sometimes lasting for years after their use has ended.

Added by the Water Authority

The Water Authority uses a wide range of chemicals to treat your tap water in order to comply with regulations.

Chlorine

Chlorine is used as a disinfectant to remove potentially dangerous bacteria and other micro-organisms. Chlorine is also one of the major causes of objectionable taste, smell and odour in our tap water and has been identified as a potential carcinogen.

Fluoride

Fluoride is added to protect against dental decay particularly in young children.

Aluminium

Aluminium is added to our water supply to act as a flocculant, ironically to make the water look clearer

From Pipes

Water leaves the water treatment plant and travels to your home through an extensive network of pipes. These pipes can be over 60 years old and contain all manner of pollutants:

Dirt, Rust, Slime, Sand and Mud

These build up over a number of years and can affect the appearance or taste of your tap water. They can be particularly prevalent when pipes are accidentally broken or accessed for repairs.

Copper and Lead

Copper and Lead can leach into the water supply from the copper pipes in your house. These have been identified as particularly dangerous to your health.

Chlorine Resistant Parasites

There are a number of hard shelled protozoa which are resistant to chlorine disinfection. Cryptosporidium and Giardia have been discovered in domestic water supplies throughout Australia and can cause immediate health problems if ingested.