Tap water remains safe despite new findings, experts urge vigilance

Despite recent discoveries of new chemicals in U.S. drinking water, experts say tap water remains generally safe for consumption while emphasizing continued research and monitoring. 

According to research published in Science, scientists recently identified a previously unknown chemical byproduct, chloronitramide anion, in tap water used by millions of Americans. However, researchers say this finding should not cause immediate alarm.

"The U.S. generally has very good quality tap water," said Julian Fairey, lead author of the Science study and environmental engineer at the University of Arkansas.

The discovery comes amid ongoing discussions about water safety, including debates over fluoride and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for removing fluoride from drinking water, and concerns have been raised about various contaminants, experts emphasize that tap water undergoes more rigorous treatment and regulation than bottled water.

"At this point, we are tinkering at the margins, trying to make an already safe product even better," said Daniel McCurry, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Southern California.

The newly identified chloronitramide anion forms when chloramine disinfectants break down in water distribution systems, particularly when they react with ammonia from stormwater runoff or fertilizers. Researchers suggest that the toxicity of this compound requires further study.

Erik Olson, senior Natural Resources Defense Council strategist, cautioned against focusing on single contaminants. "It is a mistake to just isolate concern about a single chemical because we know it is a witch's brew of different chemicals," he said.

Experts present varying perspectives on fluoride's presence in drinking water. While its cavity-prevention benefits are well-documented, some scientists suggest alternative approaches might be more effective.

"The most effective way to do it is not to fluoridate the water and hope that some gets on your teeth. The way to do it is fluoridated toothpaste," said Ronnie Levin, an instructor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

David Sedlak, professor and director of the Berkeley Water Center at the University of California at Berkeley, noted that while fluoride levels in water remain low enough to avoid adverse health effects while improving dental health, "the newest health data suggest that we need to come back and reexamine it."

Lead contamination remains a significant concern for water safety. The Environmental Protection Agency recently finalized a rule requiring water utilities to replace all lead pipes within 10 years. Federal officials report that less than three percent of public water systems exceeded the previous 15 parts per billion threshold in the past three-year monitoring period.

According to McCurry, lead pipes do not necessarily indicate contaminations. However, he stressed that any lead levels exceeding EPA recommendations warrant serious concern, particularly due to potential cognitive damage in children.

The EPA maintains stricter oversight of tap water than the Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water. The International Bottled Water Association notes that bottled water must meet most standards set for tap water.

For those concerned about water quality, experts recommend:

• Checking local water testing reports
• Verifying whether their area has a history of violations
• Being aware of lead service lines in their region
• Monitoring for taste and odor problems

Sedlak emphasized the importance of continued research and regulatory oversight, saying these efforts "allow us to stay ahead of the curve."

While activated carbon filters can remove many contaminants, their effectiveness against chloronitramide anion remains unclear, according to Fairey. Reverse osmosis systems may provide more comprehensive filtration but at a higher cost.

The experts stress that contaminant levels determine risk rather than mere presence. "Anything can be a poison; it is a matter of dose," Fairey said.

As utilities work to address PFAS levels in some water supplies, Sedlak assured that most U.S. tap water contains concentrations below health effect thresholds. However, he and other experts advocate for continued vigilance in monitoring and research.

"The best thing we can do is to pressure our utilities and government to be vigilant and to do the kinds of research and monitoring that these studies represent," Sedlak said.

Olson emphasized the importance of addressing contaminants early in the treatment process. 

"What you want is a water treatment plant that addresses the wide array of chemicals and precursors before you disinfect," he said. "The more you can remove the precursors, the less of this toxic brew you get downstream."