WATER EDUCATION

Know your water.

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

— WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT

EPA Legal Limits vs. Health Guidelines

EPA sets enforceable limits for many drinking-water contaminants. For some, EPA’s health-based goal is lower than the enforceable limit, and some substances, such as microplastics, have no federal limit yet.

What to Know

  • Legal limits and health goals are not always the same

  • Some substances, such as microplastics, have no federal drinking-water limit

  • EPA limits consider health data and also treatment cost and feasibility

  • Your water supplier’s annual Consumer Confidence Report shows what was found in your water

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 UV-C lamp (manufacturer's description; not certified for any contaminant)
— WATER EXPERT

Become a Water Expert

WaterVO and Hydrology University (an education site under common ownership with WaterVO) offer 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 filtration or treatment system for your 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. We have no information that your water supply has any of them. Check your water supplier’s annual Consumer Confidence Report.
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)
EPA Health Goal (MCLG)
Zero
In California, look for a device registered with the State Water Board for this contaminant.
Synthetic Chemical

PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

Health Effects
EPA links long-term exposure to some PFAS to certain cancers and to liver, immune, and developmental effects.
Sources
Firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, food packaging, industrial runoff.
EPA Limit
4.0 ppt each for PFOA and PFOS (EPA 2024 rule)
EPA Health Goal (MCLG)
Zero
In California, look for a device registered with the State Water Board 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
EPA Health Goal (MCLG)
Zero
In California, look for a device registered with the State Water Board for this contaminant.

— WHO’S MORE VULNERABLE

Who's Most at Risk?

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

Infants & Children
Pregnant Women
Elderly & Immunocompromised
— WATER QUALITY

Water Quality Varies Widely Across the U.S.

Water quality depends on where you live. These are general regional concerns, not information about your water supply. We have no information that your water has any of these problems.

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

Hydrology University, an education site under common ownership with WaterVO, offers courses, articles, and explainers on water science and treatment technology. Free to access.

Shop WaterVO systems

This page is general information, not medical advice. WaterVO’s atmospheric water generators are not certified or registered to remove or reduce any contaminant. In California, see the State Water Board’s list of registered water treatment devices: www2.waterboards.ca.gov/rwtd. Product Information & Disclosures