WATER EDUCATION

Know your water.

Learn what's commonly found in U.S. drinking water, and explore atmospheric water, filtration, and hydration products.

320M+

Americans exposed to contaminants in tap water

250+

Known contaminants detected in U.S. drinking water

100+

Contaminants with no legal EPA limit

40+ yrs

Since many EPA standards were last updated

— WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT

EPA Legal Limits vs. Health Guidelines

The EPA sets legal limits for contaminants, but many scientists and health organizations argue these limits are outdated and inadequate to health research.

The Problem: Legal ≠ Safe

  • Many EPA standards haven’t been updated in 20-40+ years

  • Over 100 known contaminants have no legal limit at all

  • “Safe” levels often set by cost/feasibility, not health science

  • Emerging contaminants like microplastics are completely unregulated

The WaterVO Approach

  • AWG technology makes water from the water vapor in the air, with no plumbing hookup

  • Multi-stage RO systems filter your tap water through several stages

  • Some systems add minerals such as calcium and magnesium back to the water

  • Some systems include a tank-based UV-C lamp
— WATER EXPERT

Become a Water Expert

WaterVO and Hydrology University are committed to making America the most water-educated nation. Explore our free educational resources.

Learn More

Water Science Fundamentals

Understand the chemistry of water, how contaminants enter the supply, and the science behind filtration technologies.

Home Water Testing Guide

Learn how to test your home water, interpret results, and choose the right purification system for your specific needs.

Water Rights & Policy

Explore the regulatory landscape of U.S. drinking water, EPA standards history, and advocacy for stricter protections.

WATER QUALITY

Common Tap Water Contaminants

These are some of the most commonly discussed contaminants in U.S. drinking water.
Heavy Metal

Lead

Health Effects
Brain damage in children, kidney damage, reproductive issues. No safe level of exposure
Sources
Corroding pipes, plumbing fixtures, lead solder. Common in pre-1986 homes.
EPA Limit
15 ppb (action level)
Health Goal
0.5 ppb
Check a system's independent certification for this contaminant
Synthetic Chemical

PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

Health Effects
Cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, reproductive harm. Persists in body for years.
Sources
Firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, food packaging, industrial runoff.
EPA Limit
4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS)
Health Goal
1 ppt
Check a system's independent certification for this contaminant
Heavy Metal

Arsenic

Health Effects
Bladder, lung, and skin cancer. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes.
Sources
Natural rock erosion, agricultural runoff, industrial waste
EPA Limit
10 ppb
Health Goal
0.004 ppb
Check a system's independent certification for this contaminant

THE ALWAYS FRESH PITCHER

Who's Most at Risk?

While contaminated water affects everyone, certain groups face significantly higher health risks.

Infants & Children
Pregnant Women
Elderly & Immunocompromised
Athletes & Active People
— WATER QUALITY

Water Quality Varies Widely Across the U.S.

Your water quality depends heavily on where you live. Here are some of the most common regional concerns.

Southwest (CA, AZ, NV)

  • Arsenic from natural deposits
  • Hexavalent chromium
  • Uranium in groundwater
  • Agricultural pesticide runoff

Midwest (OH, MI, IN, IL)

  • Arsenic from natural deposits
  • Lead from aging infrastructure
  • Atrazine herbicide
  • PFAS from industrial sites

Northeast (NY, NJ, PA, MA)

  • Lead from old plumbing
  • Disinfection byproducts (THMs)
  • PFAS contamination
  • Chloramine treatment effects

Hydrology University

Our dedicated education platform provides in-depth courses, research articles, and expert insights on water science, purification technology, and environmental sustainability. Free to access, always.

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