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How to Make Your Tap Water Safer to Drink

May 26, 2025

Tap water should be the simplest way to stay hydrated—but for many of us, it’s not the go-to anymore. Whether it’s because of taste, concerns about contaminants, or stories in the news, more people are questioning what’s really coming out of their faucet.

The truth is, even if your water looks clear and meets basic safety standards, it may still contain trace amounts of chemicals, metals, or microplastics that aren’t doing your health any favors. These low-level exposures might not cause immediate harm, but over time, they can add up.

That doesn’t mean you need to panic or stop using your tap forever. With a few smart upgrades, you can make your water safer to drink, tastier, and better for your long-term health. Here’s how.

What’s Really in Your Tap Water?

Most tap water in the U.S. meets basic safety standards. But “safe” on paper doesn’t always mean it’s free of low-level contaminants that could affect your health over time. 

Here are a few common culprits that can still make their way into tap water:

• PFAS (“forever chemicals”): Found in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and industrial waste. These don’t break down easily in the environment and have been linked to hormone disruption, thyroid problems, and increased cancer risk.
  
  
• Heavy metals: Lead, mercury, arsenic, and chromium-6 can leach into drinking water from old pipes and industrial runoff. Even small amounts of lead have been associated with lower IQ, cardiovascular disease, and kidney issues.
  
  
• Microplastics: These tiny particles can come from packaging, clothing, or plastic waste and may carry hormone-disrupting chemicals and other pollutants into the body.

These contaminants don’t show up in the taste or smell of your water—but over time, they can chip away at how your body functions, especially if you’re already dealing with inflammation, hormone imbalances, or detox issues.

How to Check Your Water Quality

Want to know what’s in your local water? Go to the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database and enter your ZIP code. You’ll see which contaminants are most common in your area and how your local supply stacks up against national standards.

You’ll also see which contaminants exceed the EWG’s health guidelines. Don’t worry if the list is long: By taking the appropriate steps, you can filter these contaminants out of your tap water.

How to Get Cleaner Water from Your Tap

Here are a few simple steps that can make a big difference:

1. Use a high-quality water filter

Basic carbon-based pitcher filters like Brita can improve taste and reduce chlorine—but they’re not built to catch PFAS, microplastics, or most heavy metals. For more complete filtration, look for a system that’s certified by NSF International or the Water Quality Association.

The best option for most people: a reverse osmosis system which, according to the EWG, is most effective for filtering out contaminants. It also improves taste by removing chlorine, metals, and other residues that can make water taste off.

I recommend AquaTru, particularly their convenient countertop version, because it doesn’t require installation and removes a wide range of contaminants (including PFAS, lead, and prescription drug residue). 

2. Replenish lost minerals

While reverse osmosis systems are highly effective, they also strip out helpful minerals like magnesium and calcium. You can easily add those back in using a trace mineral supplement like Perfect Mineral from AquaTru. Just a few drops per glass or pitcher is enough. (You can also purchase a filter with a built-in mineral booster.)   

3. Stay on top of filter changes

No filter works forever. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations and set calendar reminders so you’re not drinking from a system that’s overdue for maintenance.

Clean water isn’t just about hydration—it supports every system in your body, from your brain to your gut to your skin. With the right setup, you can feel good about what’s coming out of your tap.