Should I consume tap water safely? Consult a medical professional.

Reports of a contaminated water supply in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have caused residents to be advised not to use water from their faucets, leading to general safety concerns.

On Tuesday, the city of Grand Prairie, Texas, discovered firefighting foam in the water. However, by Thursday, local reports indicated that the water was safe to drink.

Planet Chronicle Digital spoke to experts about potential risks with unfiltered tap water.

According to Dr. Brynna Connor, a board-certified family medicine physician in Frisco, Texas, and an ambassador for Northwestpharmacy.com, it is generally safe to drink tap water as long as it comes from a public water system and there are no active boil water advisories issued by local health committees and/or water companies.

The public water system in the United States is one of the safest in the world, as per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and meets federal standards for safe consumption, as stated by Connor to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Drinking unfiltered tap water can pose risks to the gastrointestinal, neurological, and reproductive systems, as stated by Connor.

Drinking unfiltered tap water can pose risks such as lead poisoning, hepatitis, nitrate contamination, and fluoride exposure, she stated.

Unfiltered tap water poses potential risks to infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, according to the doctor.

Jennifer Dunphy, a public health doctor and co-founder of the WIN Network in Los Angeles, California, acknowledged that most tap water is considered safe to drink due to regulations that limit harmful chemicals. However, she emphasized that there is still some risk involved.

Although tap water doesn't cause immediate health problems, there is still concern about long-term health effects, as she stated to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"The public water system in the United States is one of the safest in the world."

The doctor cautioned that tap water could potentially contain minute quantities of substances such as chlorine and arsenic.

According to Dunphy, there is conflicting evidence on whether long-term health risks are associated with the accumulation of these chemicals in the body over time.

In the US, it's generally safe to drink tap water, but privately owned wells are not subject to the same regulations.

Make sure to verify with the owner that they are monitoring for contaminants before consuming well water, advised she.

Drinking unfiltered tap water may cause health problems such as upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, as warned by Davis.

Other symptoms may include headaches or even fever.

Children may experience learning difficulties if the water they drink has high levels of lead, she stated.

"Water may contain chemicals and contaminants due to natural occurrence in the environment or human activities such as land operation or malfunctioning sewers and wastewater treatment systems."

Filtering out contaminants

One way to combat potential chemicals is to use a home filtration system.

Dunphy stated that there are numerous inexpensive filtration systems available that can reduce the amount of chemicals in your drinking water.

She highlighted the significance of selecting a system that effectively filters out harmful chemicals.

She pointed out that only specific filters remove arsenic, while some filtration systems concentrate on chlorine.

Experts agreed that filtration is crucial for those who rely on well water.

Connor advised that testing private well water regularly is crucial for ensuring its safety.

"Substances like heavy metals, bacteria, parasites, pesticides and herbicides, or other contaminants, such as plutonium, uranium or radium, can easily contaminate well water."

The doctor advised that those living in areas with high levels of contaminants or lead service lines should consider using a filtration system.

Instead of installing a whole filtration system, you can use a faucet-mounted filter, a point-of-use filter, or a pitcher filter, as suggested.

Using a home filtration system is a "wise decision" that can enhance taste and offer "a sense of security," according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician in Florida.

According to the doctor, filtration is particularly crucial for individuals with health issues, weakened immune systems, and young children.

"According to him, reverse osmosis systems are highly effective in removing up to 99% of contaminants, as stated on Planet Chronicle Digital. If that's not feasible, activated carbon filters with ion exchange can also be effective."

To ensure effectiveness, Mercola advises selecting an NSF International-certified filter.

Using a filtration system can aid in removing germs and contaminants, although it is not obligatory.

She pointed out that certain substances present in tap water are beneficial to consume, such as fluoride, which promotes dental health.

"Search for water filters that remove only undesirable substances from the tap water."

Testing is key, experts say

Mercola emphasized the importance of being proactive in understanding what's in your water.

"Consuming clean water is essential for maintaining your body's operations and well-being."

Regularly testing your tap water will help you select the most effective filter for the contaminants in your area, as advised by the doctor.

To better comprehend the contents of their tap water, homeowners can peruse their local water quality report, advised the expert.

"Drinking pure water is vital, as it supports your body's functions and health."

Mercola advised following local water safety advisories during emergencies or in areas with questionable water quality.

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health

Experts suggest checking the Environmental Working Group (EWG) tap water database at https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/ for information on the quality of water in your area by entering your zip code.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to Dallas Water Utilities requesting comment.