On July 26th, 2017, Tampa Bay’s ABC Action News reported that the EWG (Environmental Working Group) launched a database of what was found in your water supply.  We’ve already learned that Florida is ranked #2 WORST drinking water in America, so why would it have come as such a shock to find out what was in our local water supply?

When I entered my zip code and selected my utility provider, the information provided to me made my jaw drop!  There were 4 contaminants found in my water supply that were harmful and above the health guidelines. I have a reverse osmosis in my home that is used for drinking, cooking and for our pets.  But, I wasn’t entirely sure that it would filter these harmful contaminants in my Tampa water.  I started researching.

Contaminant #1 was Chlorate.  Chlorates are the salts of chloric acid.  It’s noted on the EWG website that chlorates can be especially harmful “during pregnancy and with children”.  It’s also said to hinder the thyroid’s function.  Unfortunately, I found that there are no known filtration devices that filter out Chlorates.  WHAT?!

Contaminant #2 were Radiological contaminants including Radium-226 and Radium-228.  These can increase your chances of cancer as well as affect the development of fetuses.  Good news though!  If you have a reverse osmosis, like me, then you’re covered!  The only way to filter out Radium 226 and 228 is with a reverse osmosis filtration system.

Contaminant #3 were Total trihalomethanes or TTHMs.  This includes chemicals dibromochloromethane, bromodichloromethane, bromoform and chloroform… also cancer-causing contaminants.  These can be filtered by a simple carbon filter, drinking water system.  So, I’m EXTRA covered with my reverse osmosis.

Contaminant #4 was Chromium (hexavalent and total).  Yep… you heard right.  Remember, Erin Brockovitch?  Someone call her and have her check out our Tampa water supply.  Chromium if you didn’t already know, is also a cancer-causing contaminant.  I was extremely comforted to know that, again, I’m in the clear a reverse osmosis is the only way to filter out Chromium.  Phew!