With PFAS and microplastics constantly making the news cycle, consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about drinking water contamination. Knowing about the potential contaminants can lead to identifying the right treatment method to improve your health and overall well-being.

Problems Caused by Contaminated Drinking Water

Not all drinking water contaminants need to be reduced. Some are even harmless, but others are known to cause issues:

  • Negatively impact flavor, affecting the taste of coffee, tea and pasta you cook
  • Affect health and may even lead to certain types of cancer
  • Worsen overall hydration
  • Have a foul odor, such as a musty scent or smelling like a swimming pool
  • Taste metallic
A woman about to drink a glass of water

What’s Causing My Drinking Water Problems?

Municipal water is treated at the source, but what the government requires for treatment may not match your standards. In addition, most contamination occurs once the water has left the treatment facility, as it picks up a range of contaminants as it makes its way to your home or business. Wells can also be contaminated, as they are not regulated and are the responsibility of homeowners.

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The Impact of Drinking Water Filtration

Treated drinking water makes all the difference. From better hosting to improved health, the benefits are undeniable.

A woman holding a mug, looking out the window

Peace of Mind

Having drinking water you’re confident in reduces stress and reflects a commitment to better health.

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Improved Taste and Smell

Improve your hydration and upgrade the flavor of coffee, tea and anything you cook.

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Save Money

With better tasting, higher-quality water, you won’t need to rely on expensive bottled water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nicknamed “forever chemicals,” PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, were created for consumer products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing and food packaging starting in the 1940s.

A class of more than 10,000 synthetic chemicals, PFAS are commonly associated with tap water contamination which is problematic since they accumulate in the body, and some of these chemicals, such as PFOA and PFOS, are linked to serious health risks.

Microplastics are plastic particles that measure less than 5 millimeters in length. These tiny plastics are shed from textiles, tires and a variety of everyday consumer products.

Scientists are still studying microplastics contamination but studies indicate the consumption of microplastics, over time, can cause negative health effects which include cell death, damage to cell walls and increased allergies.

Drinking water filtration systems are designed to reduce a range of contaminants right at the tap. Most of these systems can be installed under a kitchen or bathroom sink, whereas whole-home filters are installed on the main water line and typically reduce a smaller range of contaminants.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a type of three-stage filtration, compared to most other under-sink filtration systems that work in two stages. RO systems are advanced and can be installed under a sink. They are designed to force water through a membrane that reduces a wide range of contaminants.

This varies per system, but filters usually need replacement every six months. The membrane in RO systems typically lasts 2-3 years. It’s easy to change most filters but if you’d like professional assistance, consult your local North Star dealer.