Know What’s in Your Water
Must-Know Water
Contaminants
Understanding the substances that may appear in drinking water helps homeowners make informed decisions about filtration. Many contaminants are invisible, odorless, and tasteless, which is why targeted filtration systems are often used to address them.
Authentic Water USA offers American-made filtration systems designed to help reduce a wide range of contaminants through specialized media and multi-stage treatment.
Understanding Hidden Risks
Contaminants Found
in Drinking Water
Some contaminants are not caused by plumbing or minerals, but by environmental exposure and human activity. While not every home is affected, awareness helps homeowners make informed decisions about filtration and water treatment options.
Below are some of the most important contaminants homeowners should know about.
Must-Know Contaminants
PFAS / “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals used in manufacturing processes and consumer products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, firefighting foams, and food packaging. They are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment and can persist in water sources for long periods of time.
Studies have shown that long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds may be associated with health concerns. Because PFAS compounds are extremely stable, they can accumulate in groundwater and municipal water supplies.
One of the most effective approaches for reducing PFAS in water involves advanced carbon filtration and multi-stage systems designed specifically for these compounds.
Recommended solution:
Xenoestrogens
Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds that mimic the behavior of estrogen hormones. These chemicals can enter water systems through industrial processes, plastics, agricultural runoff, and wastewater discharge.
Because these compounds can interact with biological systems, many homeowners prefer to reduce their presence in drinking water. Xenoestrogens are typically addressed using high-quality carbon filtration and advanced drinking water systems designed to capture organic contaminants.
Recommended solutions:
Pharmaceuticals
Trace pharmaceutical compounds can enter water systems when medications are flushed or improperly disposed of, or when they pass through wastewater treatment processes. While concentrations are typically very low, awareness of these compounds has increased as detection technology has improved.
Multi-stage filtration systems and reverse osmosis systems are often used to help reduce trace organic compounds from drinking water.
Recommended solutions:
Lead
Lead contamination in drinking water is most commonly associated with aging plumbing materials such as pipes, fixtures, or solder. Lead can enter water as it travels through plumbing systems, especially in older homes.
Because lead has no taste or smell in water, it often goes unnoticed without testing. Point-of-use filtration systems designed to address heavy metals can help reduce exposure at the tap.
Recommended solutions:
Chromium-6
Chromium-6 is a form of chromium that can enter water supplies through industrial activities or environmental processes. Unlike naturally occurring chromium, this form has raised public awareness due to its potential health impacts.
Specialized drinking water filtration systems that use advanced membranes and carbon stages are commonly used to reduce chromium-6 in drinking water.
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Disinfectant Byproducts
Municipal water systems commonly use disinfectants such as chlorine or chloramine to protect public health. When these chemicals react with natural organic matter in water, they can form disinfectant byproducts.
Many homeowners choose filtration systems that reduce chlorine, chloramine, and related byproducts to improve taste, odor, and overall water quality.
Recommended solutions:
Pesticides / Herbicides
Agricultural runoff can introduce pesticides and herbicides into groundwater and surface water sources. These compounds may travel through soil and eventually reach drinking water supplies.
Activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis systems are commonly used to help reduce pesticide and herbicide residues from drinking water.
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Solutions Designed for Contaminant Reduction
Not all filtration systems are designed to address chemical contaminants. Choosing the right system depends on what you’re trying to reduce—and where your water comes from.
Authentic Water USA offers American-made filtration solutions designed to target specific contaminants using proven filtration methods, without unnecessary complexity.
Why Authentic Water USA
- American-made water filtration systems
- Solutions designed to target specific contaminants
- Nationwide support from real water experts
- Guidance based on your water source and concerns
If you’re unsure which contaminants may apply to your home, explore our water solutions or learn how contaminant reduction differs from common water problems.
Fresh Water Starts
With the Right System
Knowing what may be in your water helps you make confident decisions. Whether you’re concerned about chemical contaminants or simply want peace of mind, our team can help you explore American-made options built for clarity, performance, and long-term reliability.