TAP WATER CONTAMINANTS
Tap Water Contaminants: Do You Need a Water Filter?
Common Contaminants Found in Tap Water
Learn about the water contaminants you're concerned about in one place. Below, you'll find our alphabetized list of common tap water contaminants. Educate yourself on what each water contaminant is, the signs your water may be contaminated, and what effects they have on the body.
If you are looking to start the filtration process, see our comprehensive guide to water contaminants.
Or, if you'd like to learn exactly what is in your water, schedule a free in-home water test with us.
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO WATER CONTAMINANTS
Common Tap Water Contaminants
Aluminum
Source:
Aluminum is found in the Earth’s crust and can be selectively leached from rock and soil to enter any water source. It is known to be prevalent in groundwater
Signs of Water Contamination:
Grayish tint or metallic taste of water. Test your water if you have concerns about aluminum contamination in your water.
Health Effects:
The health effects of aluminum are inconclusive. Some studies suggest elevated aluminum in those with Alzheimer's disease, but are unable to determine if it was the cause or effect of Alzheimer's.
Works Cited:
“Aluminum Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, wqa.org/resources/aluminum/
Klotz, Katrin, et al. “The Health Effects of Aluminum Exposure.” Deutsches Aerzteblatt Online, vol. 114, no. 39, 29 Sept. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5651828/, https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2017.0653
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Ammonia
Source:
Ammonia is an active compound found in most water sources, including ground and surface water. Ammonia enters our water sources through disinfection with chloramines, wastes, fertilizers, and natural processes.
Signs of Water Contamination:
Although colorless, ammonia produces a strong, fishy smell and unpleasant taste. Test your water to find out if you have ammonia contamination.
Health Effects:
- Health effects in fish: gill damage, hyperplasia, a substantial reduction in growth rates, disease, and mortality.
- Health effects in humans: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, coughing or coughing up white or pink colored fluid, skin blisters, pain, skin redness, burning feeling in the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes, narrowing or swelling of the throat, permanent or temporary blindness, and frostbite (if exposed to liquified ammonia).
- Exposure to very high levels of ammonia can lead to death.
Works Cited:
“Ammonia.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Sept. 2024, www.cdc.gov/chemical-emergencies/chemical-fact-sheets/ammonia.html
“Ammonia Fact Sheet.”Water Quality Association, 26 Feb. 2025, wqa.org/resources/ammonia/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Arsenic
Source:
Arsenic can be found in natural deposits of metalloids in the Earth's crust. It enters groundwater through the erosion of certain pesticides, animal feed additives, wood preservatives, petroleum production, and more man-made sources.
Signs of Water Contamination:
Arsenic is odorless and tasteless, so it is best to test your water for arsenic if you are concerned.
Health Effects:
- Cancerous Effects: skin, bladder, lung, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate cancer
- Non-Cancerous Effects: cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological, neurological, and endocrine disruption effects
Works Cited:
“Arsenic Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, 26 Feb. 2025, wqa.org/resources/arsenic/.
“Chemical Contaminant Rules.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/chemical-contaminant-rules.
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Bacteria & Viruses
Summary:
Bacteria exist almost everywhere on Earth. Not all bacteria are bad, but there are some bacteria/viruses, such as E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium, that you would not want in your water.
Signs of Water Contamination:
Bacteria & viruses have no odor, taste, or tint. Have your water tested if you have concerns about bad bacteria.
Health Effects:
- Bad bacteria can cause gastrointestinal issues and flu-like symptoms.
Work Cited:
“Bacteria & Virus.” Water Quality Association, wqa.org/resources/bacteria-virus/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Barium
Source:
Barium comes from naturally occurring mineral deposits. It enters the water through the discharge in the disposal of drilling wastes, the smelting of copper, and motor vehicle part manufacturing.
Signs of Water Contamination:
Barium has no odor or taste. Test your water for barium if you have concerns.
Health Effects:
- Effects in humans: difficulties breathing, increased blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm, stomach irritation, brain swelling, muscle weakness, and damage to the liver, kidney, heart, and spleen.
- Effects in other animals: increased blood pressure and other heart effects.
Work Cited:
“Barium Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, 8 Nov. 2022, wqa.org/resources/barium/.
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Cadmium
Source:
Cadmium is a naturally occurring chemical found in zinc, lead, copper ores, coal, and other fossil fuels. It is released during volcanic action and gets into water via corrosion of galvanized pipes, erosion of natural deposits, discharge from metal refineries, and runoff from waste batteries and paints.
Signs of Water Contamination:
Cadmium has no odor or taste, so if you are concerned, have your water tested.
Health Effects:
- Potential health effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, salivation, sensory disturbances, liver injury, convulsions, shock, and renal failure
Work Cited:
“Cadmium Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, 8 Nov. 2022, wqa.org/resources/cadmium/.
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Chloramine
Source:
Chloramine is used in municipal water treatment. Ever since the EPA updated its regulations on Chloramine, many water treatment facilities switched disinfectants. More than 1 in 5 Americans use city drinking water treated with chloramines.
Signs of Water Contamination:
- Bad taste
- Unpleasant smell
To know for sure if you have choramine contamination, get your water tested.
Health Effects:
Chloramines have a long history of being used in America. Hemodialysis patients and fish have a higher risk of side effects. "Chloramines enter the bloodstream through dialysis membranes and the gills of fish. Once in the bloodstream, chloramines denature hemoglobin and cause hemolytic anemia. Accidental use of chloramine-treated water for dialysis has been responsible for a number of patients requiring transfusion to treat resultant hemolytic anemia, and was a possible factor in an increased mortality (death) rate among the dialysis center patients during the 5 months after the chloramine exposure when compared to the 12 months before the chloramine exposure" (Water Quality Association).
Work Cited:
“Chloramine Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, 27 Mar. 2023, wqa.org/resources/chloramine/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Chromium
Source:
Trivalent chromium is naturally occurring in rocks, soil, fruits, vegetables, and meats. Hexavalent chromium is not natural and is produced to make steel and other metals.
Signs of Water Contamination:
There are no obvious signs of chromium contamination. Get your water tested if you are worried about chromium contamination.
Health Effects:
Potential health effects of chromium contamination include nausea, gastrointestinal distress, stomach ulcers, skin ulcers, allergic reactions, kidney and liver damage, reproductive problems, lung and nasal cancer.
Work Cited:
"Chromium Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, 26 Feb. 2025, wqa.org/resources/chromium/.
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Copper
Source:
Copper is a natural and required element in human health. Too little or too much can be bad for you. Copper can get into the water through industrial discharges, the copper salts used for algae control in reservoirs, or corrosion.
Signs of Water Contamination:
- metallic taste
- blue/green tint
Health Effects:
Potential side effects include: acute copper poisoning: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal illness, abdominal and muscle pain, anemia, liver poisoning, and kidney failure.
Work Cited:
“Copper Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, 8 Nov. 2022, wqa.org/resources/copper/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Fluoride
Source:
Fluoride naturally exists in soil. It is added to water to help prevent tooth decay. It can become a problem if it is poorly monitored or if the municipal water system has a malfunction.
Signs of Water Contamination:
Fluoride has no taste, odor, or color in water. If you're concerned about fluoride in your water, have your water tested.
Health Effects:
Excessive fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis if excessively consumed for a long period of time (>4 mg/L).
Work Cited:
"Flouride Fact Sheet." Water Quality Association. https://wqa.org/resources/flouride/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Lead
Source:
Lead comes from industrial sources, mines, smelting, brass fittings, lead service lines, lead-containing solder, and more. It binds to the sediments found in water.
Signs of Water Contamination:
Lead contamination is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. If you have concerns, have your water tested.
Health Effects:
Lead poisoning can potentially cause irritability, weight loss, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, damage to the brain, kidneys, and bone marrow, coma, convulsions, damage to the nervous system and red blood cells, or even death.
Children are more at risk of lead poisoning than adults.
Work Cited:
“Lead Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, wqa.org/resources/lead/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Mercury
Source:
Mercury gets into the water through the combustion of fossil fuels and other man-made industrial releases
Signs of Water Contamination:
Mercury doesn't have a taste, smell, or color in water. If you have concerns, get your water tested.
Health Effects:
Mercury may cause brain damage, kidney harm, harm to a developing fetus, irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, and memory problems.
Work Cited:
"Mercury Fact Sheet." Water Quality Association, March 2005, https://wqa.org/resources/mercury/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Nitrates & Nitrites
Source:
Nitrates come from human sewage, livestock manure, fertilizers, or are a result of the erosion of natural deposits.
Signs of Water Contamination:
There are no specific signs of nitrate/nitrite contamination. Have your water tested if you have concerns.
Health Effects:
- In adults: nervous system effects.
- In infants less than 6 months old: blue baby syndrome.
Work Cited:
"Nitrates/Nitrites Fact Sheet." Water Quality Association, https://wqa.org/resources/nitrites-nitrates/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Perchlorate
Source:
Perchlorates are both natural and used in manmade materials such as fireworks, explosives, and other pyrotechnics. They can get into crops through contaminated soil and are very water-soluble.
Signs of Water Contamination:
Perchlorates have no smell, taste, or color in water. Get a water test if you have concerns.
Health Effects:
Perchlorate can cause hyperthyroidism, which can lead to chronic metabolic disorders, abnormal fetal growth in pregnant women, and decreased mental growth in infants and young children.
Work Cited:
"Perchlorate Fact Sheet." Water Quality Association, https://wqa.org/resources/perchlorate/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
PFAS/PFOAS
Source:
PFAS/PFOAS are manmade substances that are used for non-stick cookware and food packaging, stain and water repellents, and firefighting foams.
Signs of Water Contamination:
There are no immediate signs of PFAS contamination in water. Have your water tested if you have concerns about forever chemicals in your water.
Health Effects:
Side effects of PFAS exposure include increased risk of testicular, prostate, and kidney cancers, decreased fertility and other reproductive effects, developmental effects in children, elevated cholesterol, abnormal hormone levels, and a weakened immune system.
Work Cited:
“What You Need to Know about PFAS.” Water Quality Association, 17 June 2025, wqa.org/resources/what-you-need-to-know-about-pfas/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Radium
Source:
When thorium and radium, found in rocks and soil, decay in the environment, radium is formed.
Signs of Water Contamination:
Radium has no taste, odor, or color in water. Receive a water test if you have concerns about radium in your water.
Health Effects:
Radium exposure can cause cancer, kidney damage, and birth defects
Work Cited:
“Radium Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, wqa.org/resources/radium/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Selenium
Source:
Selenium is a metal found in natural deposits and is released into the environment primarily from copper smelting.
Signs of Water Contamination:
There are no visible signs of selenium in water. Get your water tested if you have concerns.
Health Effects:
The effects of excess selenium on the body include: hair and fingernail changes, damage to the peripheral nervous system, fatigue, and irritability
Work Cited:
“Selenium Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, 29 Sept. 2022, wqa.org/resources/selenium/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Silver
Source:
Silver is used as a water bacteriostat in carbon water filters.
Signs of Water Contamination:
Silver has no immediate signs when contaminating the water. Get your water tested if you have concerns.
Health Effects:
Silver can cause argyria, creating discoloration of the skin, hair, and organs.
Work Cited:
“Silver Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, 8 Nov. 2022, wqa.org/resources/silver/.
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Uranium
Source:
Uranium is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, soil, water, and air. The mineral enters water by leaching from soil and rocks and through releases from processing plants.
Signs of Water Contamination:
There is no direct indication of uranium in water. Have your water tested if you have concerns about excess uranium in your water.
Health Effects:
Uranium can cause kidney inflammation, changes in urine composition, and an increased risk of cancer.
Work Cited:
“Uranium Fact Sheet.” Water Quality Association, 29 Sept. 2022, wqa.org/resources/uranium/
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Testing Process
This is a certification standard developed by NSF International, an independent organization that tests and certifies products related to public health and safety. NSF/ANSI Standard 58 establishes requirements for the performance and safety of reverse osmosis drinking water treatment systems. Reverse osmosis is a process that removes impurities from water by forcing it through a semipermeable membrane. Certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 indicates that a reverse osmosis system has been tested and meets specific performance and safety standards.
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
This is a certification standard developed by NSF International that establishes requirements for the performance and safety of point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) drinking water treatment systems. POU and POE systems are designed to treat water at the point where it is consumed or where it enters a building. Certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 indicates that a water treatment system has been tested and meets specific performance and safety standards related to the reduction of aesthetic contaminants such as taste, odor, and color.
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
This is a certification standard developed by NSF International that establishes requirements for the performance and safety of bottled water products. Certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 473 indicates that a bottled water product has been tested and meets specific performance and safety standards related to its source, treatment, and packaging.
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
This is a certification standard developed by NSF International that establishes requirements for the performance and safety of water filtration systems related to the reduction of emerging contaminants. Emerging contaminants are chemical or microbial substances that have been identified in water sources, but for which there are no established health standards. Certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 401 indicates that a water filtration system has been tested and meets specific performance and safety standards related to the reduction of these emerging contaminants.
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. They are emitted by a variety of products and materials, including paints, adhesives, cleaning agents, and building materials. Exposure to VOCs can cause a range of health effects, including respiratory problems and neurological damage. Surrogate testing using chloroform is a method for measuring the concentration of VOCs in air or water samples. Chloroform is used as a surrogate because it is easy to measure and its behavior is similar to that of many VOCs. The importance of VOC testing is related to the health effects of exposure and the need to control emissions of these chemicals to protect human health and the environment.
Source:
US EPA. “What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?” US EPA, 19 Feb. 2019, www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs.
Last updated on: 9/12/2025
Common Drinking Water Questions
A: Spokane’s public drinking water is regulated under the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act. Safety can vary by source and home plumbing. Review your utility’s annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), consider a water test, and use NSF/ANSI-certified filters if needed for added protection.
Sources: EPA — Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) for Drinking Water
Last updated: 8/25/2025
A: Lake Coeur d’Alene is not recommended as a direct drinking water source without treatment. EPA and Idaho DEQ report historic mining contamination with lead, cadmium, and zinc. For safe use, test water and install NSF/ANSI-certified treatment such as reverse osmosis or certified carbon filtration.
Sources: EPA — Coeur d’Alene Basin Cleanup
NSF — Certified Drinking Water Treatment Units
Last updated: 8/25/2025
A: EPA and state assessments list Spokane River impairments that can include PCBs, certain metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, zinc), nutrients, and bacteria. Check your segment in EPA’s How’s My Waterway and consider NSF/ANSI-certified treatment for drinking water if needed.
Sources: EPA — Spokane River PCBs
NSF — Certified Drinking Water Treatment Units (DWTU)
Last updated: 8/25/2025
A: Yes. A water softener removes hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium, but it does not remove contaminants such as lead, PFAS, or nitrates. For safe drinking water, the EPA and CDC recommend point-of-use treatment like an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system in addition to a softener.
Sources: EPA — Home Water Treatment
NSF — Certified Drinking Water Treatment Units (NSF/ANSI 58)
Last updated: 8/25/2025
A: Common signs include bad taste or odor, staining, cloudy ice, and PFAS concerns. Review your EPA Consumer Confidence Report and test your water; select NSF/ANSI-certified carbon or RO filtration matched to your results. EcoWater Spokane offers complimentary water testing for Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho homeowners.
Sources: EPA — Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR)
NSF — DWTU Listings (Standards 42/53/58)
EPA — Secondary Drinking Water Standards
Last updated 8/25/2025
A: PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also called “forever chemicals,” that may be found in Spokane water from industrial and consumer sources. EPA health advisories recommend reducing PFAS exposure. The best removal options are NSF/ANSI 53–53-certified carbon filters or NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis systems, which EcoWater Spokane installs locally.
Sources: EPA — PFAS Explained
NSF — Certified Drinking Water Treatment Units for PFAS (Standards 53 & 58)
CDC — Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health
Last updated: 8/25/2025
A: Use a drinking-water filter certified for lead reduction—NSF/ANSI 53 (carbon) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis). Install at the tap, use cold water for drinking/cooking, and test your water. EcoWater Spokane installs certified RO and filters for CDA homes.
Sources: EPA — Lead in Drinking Water
NSF/ANSI Drinking Water Treatment Units Certifications (e.g., 53 & 58)
Last updated: 8/25/2025.
A: Choose a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI 58 for contaminant reduction, matched to your household use, and professionally installed. Review your utility’s EPA Consumer Confidence Report, then select an NSF-listed unit. In Spokane, EcoWater Spokane installs NSF/ANSI 58-certified RO and provides in-home testing and quotes.
Sources: NSF — Certified Drinking Water Treatment Units (NSF/ANSI 58)
EPA — Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) for Drinking Water
Last updated: 8/25/2025
A: Certified local providers, including EcoWater Spokane, install PFAS-reducing systems that use activated carbon or reverse osmosis and are certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58. Choose equipment verified for PFOA/PFOS reduction and confirm needs with testing per EPA guidance. Certified local providers, including EcoWater Spokane, install PFAS-reducing systems that use activated carbon or reverse osmosis and are certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58. Choose equipment verified for PFOA/PFOS reduction and confirm needs with testing per EPA guidance.
The best water softener for well water depends on the water chemistry and hardness levels. We at EcoWater Spokane offer complimentary water testing. We'll help you determine the best water system for your home.
Sources: EPA — PFAS in Drinking Water
NSF — Certified Drinking Water Treatment Units (PFAS-related standards 53 & 58)
Last updated: 8/25/2025
A: RO (NSF/ANSI 58) targets drinking-water contaminants like lead, arsenic, and PFAS at one faucet. Whole-home filters (NSF/ANSI 42/53) treat all taps for chlorine, taste, odor, and some contaminants. Many homes use both. Test first, then match solutions to results.
Sources: NSF — DWTU Listings (42/53/58)
EPA — Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR)
Last updated 8/25/2025
A: To maintain your RO system, replace pre- and post-filters every 6–12 months and the membrane every 2–3 years. Use only NSF/ANSI 58-certified replacement filters. Check the EPA Consumer Confidence Report or conduct regular water tests to ensure continuing performance.
Sources: NSF/ANSI 58 — Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Units (Certified DWTU Listings)
Last updated 8/25/2025
A: Quality water matters because regional sources can contain lead, arsenic, and PFAS that affect health. EPA and CDC recommend testing and using NSF/ANSI-certified filtration to reduce risks and ensure safe drinking water for Spokane, CDA, and Northwest homes.
Sources: EPA — PFAS & Drinking Water
CDC — Drinking Water (Home Treatment)
NSF — Certified Drinking Water Treatment Units
Last updated 8/25/2025
A: Choose low-waste, NSF/ANSI-certified systems: high-efficiency reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) and certified activated carbon filters (NSF/ANSI 42/53). Test your water, size the system correctly, and maintain filters. EcoWater Spokane installs efficient RO and carbon solutions for Coeur d’Alene homes.
Sources: NSF — Certified Drinking Water Treatment Units (NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58)
EPA — Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) for Drinking Water
Last updated: 8/25/2025
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We have systems designed specifically for the filtration of city water sources. This includes the removal of sand, silt, sediment, iron, hardness, chlorine, chloramines, and disinfection byproducts that are created when the water is chlorinated by the city. This means the removal of all chemicals that are transdermal and can be absorbed directly through the skin.
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We specialize in well water treatment. When it comes to treating well water, many factors come into play to ensure that the water is treated to remove all water contaminants so your system lasts for years to come. We strive to provide you with lifetime products that will last for decades.
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