Can I Drink Water Straight From the Tap?

Is tap water safe to drink in many parts of Michigan? Yes, it is safe to drink tap water without risks to your health. There are, however, some differences between the water you might drink, and the water that you do drink boils down to personal preference.

To start with the water from your tap, know that the United States has one of the world’s most reliably clean supplies of drinking water. Public water systems have been regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act since 1974, which requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish and enforce safety standards in public drinking water. 

The EPA has mandated that water utilities provide quality reports every year, and those reports include information on your water source, contaminant levels, and potential health effects. However, you should be aware the EPA does not regulate private wells. If your water comes from a private well, you should be testing your water at least once a year.

You might drink your water not directly from the tap, but through a water filter. These filters, which can be attached directly to the tap, or as part of a pitcher, can clear out a few safety concerns. These can filter out bacteria, heavy metals, and pesticides. 

Finally, you may not drink from the tap at all, but from a bottle. Bottled water is overseen by the Food and Drug Administration and uses similar practices to the EPA in conducting its safety checks. However, bottled water may be just as safe as tap water, but with a higher price tag. In fact, some companies may just use tap water in their bottled water.

For safety, rarely will tap water be detrimental to your health. Tap water that comes from a well may not be safe for those undergoing chemotherapy, those who are pregnant, or those who are HIV positive. In those situations, consulting a doctor can help decide which water option is best.

While tap water is safe to drink, you may not enjoy the taste. A filtration system may help deliver what you prefer, same with bottled water. When it comes down to taste, ultimately it comes down to personal preference.

No longer worry about whether your tap water is safe to drink. Regardless of the source, water is there to help hydrate and refresh you. For more information on your home’s tap water, call Sunrise Heating and Plumbing at (616) 293-9326. We pride ourselves in providing nothing but exceptional customer service.