Is tap water bad for you? Even if it looks clean and tastes fine, your tap water may still carry hidden risks. Municipal treatment systems do their best, but contaminants like chlorine, lead, PFAS, and microplastics can still make it into your home, without you even knowing.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common pollutants found in Missouri tap water, how they get there, and how to protect your health and home. If you’re unsure about your water quality, a free water test from Mid-Mo Water Solutions is the best place to start.
Quick Answer – Is Tap Water Bad for You?
<p>Tap water may meet federal safety standards, but that doesn’t mean it’s free from health risks. Chemicals like chlorine, lead, and PFAS are commonly found in public water supplies. The best way to know what’s in your water is to get a professional test, so you can treat what your eyes can’t see.</p>
Why Tap Water Isn’t Always 100% Clean
Treated ≠ Pure
Your local water utility treats tap water to meet EPA standards, but treatment doesn’t always equal purity. In Missouri, some systems still rely on aging infrastructure, meaning lead pipes and corroded plumbing may still be in use. Add in agricultural runoff, industrial waste, or naturally occurring minerals, and your “clean” water might carry hidden risks.
According to the EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, tap water is considered safe if it meets specific limits, but that doesn’t mean it’s contaminant-free.
The Hidden Additives
Municipal water is often disinfected using chlorine or chloramines, and may include additives like fluoride and ammonia. While these are used for public safety, long-term exposure to these chemicals can raise health concerns, or at least affect your water’s taste, smell, and feel.
If you’re concerned about exposure, certain filtration systems are designed to reduce or remove chlorine in tap water more effectively than basic treatment methods.
Common Contaminants Found in Tap Water
Contaminants vary depending on where you live, but these four are among the most concerning in Mid-Missouri:
Chlorine and Chloramines
These disinfectants are added to kill bacteria, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
They can dry out skin, affect the taste of your water, and in high levels, raise long-term health concerns. Some people are particularly sensitive to these chemicals, especially children or individuals with skin conditions.
➡️ Learn more from the EPA’s guide on chloramines and drinking water disinfection.
Lead
Lead is one of the most dangerous contaminants in tap water and often comes from old pipes, especially in homes built before 1986. Even tiny amounts can cause neurological damage, developmental delays in children, and increased health risks for pregnant women.
PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
These man-made chemicals come from industrial waste, nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, and more.
They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily, and have been linked to cancer, immune issues, and hormone disruption.
🔗 Learn how to remove PFAS from water and protect your home from long-term contamination.
Microplastics
Plastic particles can sneak into tap water through pipe corrosion, plastic storage tanks, and even bottled water. Although research is ongoing, microplastics have been found in 94% of tap water samples tested in the U.S.
💡 Have a private well instead of city water? Check out the signs your well water may be contaminated and what to do about it.
Is Bottled Water Safer?
Not necessarily. While bottled water might taste cleaner, it’s often just repackaged tap water, and lacks strict regulation. Plus, bottled water is a known source of microplastic contamination, especially when exposed to heat.
And don’t forget the environmental impact: single-use plastic bottles contribute to pollution and take hundreds of years to decompose.
How to Make Tap Water Safe
Boiling Water
Boiling water can help kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. But it doesn’t remove chemicals like lead, PFAS, or chlorine. It’s a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.
Installing a Water Filtration System
The best way to protect your family is to install a home filtration system customized to your water source and concerns. Options include:
- Water Softeners (removes hard minerals like calcium and magnesium)
- Carbon Filters (removes chlorine, pesticides, and odors)
- Reverse Osmosis Systems (removes lead, fluoride, and PFAS)
- Whole Home Filtration Systems: Target problem water across your entire home, removing contaminants like iron, sulfur, and sediment
Not sure which option is right for you? Learn what water softeners remove, and what they don’t so you can choose the best system for your home.
Get a Free Water Test from Mid-Mo Water Solutions
Don’t guess what’s in your water, test it.
Mid-Mo Water Solutions offers free water testing in Jefferson City, Columbia, and surrounding areas. We’ll identify what’s in your water and recommend the right treatment plan for your family.
FAQ – Tap Water Contaminants & Health Questions
What are the most harmful chemicals in tap water?
Common culprits include lead, PFAS, chlorine, and nitrates, depending on location.
Is tap water 100% clean?
No. It’s treated to be safe, but may still contain harmful contaminants.
What chemical is added to tap water?
Chlorine or chloramine is most commonly added for disinfection.
Is bottled water safer than tap water?
Not always. It may contain microplastics, lacks full regulation, and generates plastic waste.
What are the effects of PFAS in drinking water?
PFAS exposure has been linked to cancer, thyroid issues, and immune system problems.
Does boiling tap water make it safe to drink?
Boiling kills bacteria but does not remove lead, PFAS, or chemicals.
What is the healthiest water to drink?
Filtered water from a tested, well-maintained home system is the safest option.
How to purify tap water?
Reverse osmosis, carbon filters, and water softeners all help depending on the issue.
Why Homeowners Trust Mid-Mo Water Solutions
Local Expertise in Water Quality
We understand the unique water challenges in Jefferson City, Columbia, and Mid-Missouri because we live and work here too.
Transparent Testing, Honest Results
We never scare you with buzzwords or upsells. We test your water, explain the results, and help you choose the right solution.
Water Treatment Systems That Fit Your Home
Whether you need a full-house system, a single sink filter, or help with well water, we’ll design a system tailored to your needs.
📞 Contact Mid-Mo Water Solutions today to get a free water test in Mid-Missouri, and protect your health, your pipes, and your peace of mind.