What’s Actually in Tap Water (And Why I Filter Every Tap in My House)

For as long as I can remember, I knew tap water wasn’t perfect. I’d heard there were chemicals in it, but like most of us, I believed what we’re always told: “Just boil it — it’ll be fine.”

So that’s what I did. I used boiled tap water for bottles, tea, washing fruit… even baby formula. And for drinking, especially for my little ones, I’d buy Evian, thinking it was the safest I could do.

But when I got sick — with what now seems like an autoimmune condition — I started questioning everything. Not just food and cosmetics, but even the water coming out of my taps.

And the deeper I looked, the clearer it became: It’s not enough to filter what we drink. We have to filter every drop that touches our skin.

What’s Hiding in Tap Water?

Yes, UK and EU tap water meets legal safety limits. But “legally safe” isn’t the same as biologically safe. Especially when we’re talking about babies, toddlers, pregnant women, or anyone with a chronic illness.

Here’s what your tap water might contain — even after treatment:

1. Chlorine & Chloramine

• Added to disinfect water

• Can react with organic matter to form trihalomethanes (THMs) — linked to bladder cancer and reproductive issues

• Harsh on skin and gut microbiome

Research: Chlorine by-products and reproductive health

2. Fluoride

• Linked to:

  • Thyroid suppression

  • Neurodevelopmental delays in children

  • Bone density issues

Research: Fluoride exposure and IQ in children

3. Heavy Metals (Lead, Aluminium, Copper)

• Often come from pipes and plumbing, especially in older houses

• Lead is especially dangerous for kids — even low levels can impact learning and behaviour

Research: CDC on lead exposure in water

4. PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

• From non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam

• Found in water systems across the UK

• Linked to:

  • Hormone disruption

  • Immune dysfunction

  • Cancers

Research: PFAS in UK drinking water

5. Microplastics

• Plastic particles now found in rainwater, soil, breast milk — and yes, tap water

• Act as carriers for other toxins

Research: Microplastics in drinking water

6. Pharmaceuticals

• Traces of medications like antidepressants, antibiotics, and birth control

• Not filtered out in standard water treatment

  
  

But It’s Not Just About Drinking

This is the part no one talks about. Even if you only drink bottled or filtered water, you're still exposed through your skin and lungs every single day:

Showers & Baths

• Hot water turns chlorine into gas — you inhale it

• Skin absorbs fluoride, metals, and other chemicals

• Linked to skin irritation, eczema flare-ups, even headaches

Brushing Teeth & Washing Hands

• Water is absorbed via your gums, lips, and skin

• Kids are especially vulnerable to daily micro-exposures

Washing Baby Bottles, Dishes & Clothes

• Residues stay on what we eat and wear

• Water-soaked fabrics carry chlorine and metals right onto sensitive baby skin

What’s the Real Solution?

Let’s be honest: jug filters aren’t enough. Boiling doesn’t remove chemicals. Bottled water? Still wrapped in plastic. If we want real protection, here is what we can consider:

:

1. Undersink Filters at Every Tap That Matters

• Install under kitchen, bathroom, and utility sinks

• Removes:

  • Fluoride

  • Chlorine/chloramine

  • Heavy metals

  • PFAS

  • VOCs

• Easy to use for cooking, brushing teeth, washing baby bottles

Great brands:

• Frizzlife

• Waterdrop

Pros:

+ No electricity needed

+ Simple installation

+ Mid-range investment for long-term peace of mind

2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

RO systems offer the most thorough filtration available at home. Water passes through a membrane so fine that it removes almost everything — including particles, heavy metals, chemicals, and even pharmaceutical residues.

Removes:

• Fluoride

• PFAS

• Lead, arsenic, nitrates

• Chlorine/chloramine

• Microplastics

• Hormones & drug residues

But here’s the catch:❗️It also removes beneficial minerals (calcium, magnesium), so you need to remineralise the water. Many systems now come with built-in remineralisation stages or you can add trace mineral drops.

Great brands:

• Frizzlife RO – sleek, tankless, with remineraliser

• iSpring – more budget-friendly, needs a tank

• Waterdrop

Pros:

+ Ideal for families dealing with autoimmune issues, fertility concerns, or detox protocols

+ Delivers near-pure water for drinking and cooking

Cons:

- Not for whole-house use – drinking water only

- Needs regular filter changes and some under-sink space

3. Whole House Filtration System

• Filters every drop of water entering your home

• Protects you while:

  • Showering

  • Bathing your kids

  • Doing laundry

  • Cleaning dishes

Removes:

• Chlorine & chloramine

• Fluoride (optional with extra stages)

• PFAS

• Heavy metals

• Sediment, pesticides, and VOCs

  
  

Great systems:

• SpringWell Whole House Filters

• Berkey + Pre-Filters (for custom builds)

• HydroFLOW (includes limescale protection)

  
  

Pros:

+ Best for long-term health and simplicity

+ Ideal if you own your home or plan to stay long-term

When I got sick, I started questioning everything — and water was one of the first things I changed. It felt overwhelming at first. Filters aren’t cheap. There's so much conflicting advice. But the moment I stopped overthinking and just installed a proper undersink filter, I felt lighter. And when I later added a shower filter, I saw real improvements in my skin, my sleep, and even my kids' dry patches.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about facts. It’s about giving your body one less thing to fight against — and giving your family water that truly supports health.

Water touches every part of our life — and our kids’ lives. It deserves more attention than it gets.

If you’re starting your non-toxic journey, don’t skip this step. Your liver, your hormones, your skin — they’ll thank you.

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