Drinking Water Safety: What the U.S. Government Says

The U.S. government thinks they have our back for drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Act created safety rules around our tap water back in 1974. This act gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the power to set limits on dangerous things in drinking water, like bacteria, lead, and certain chemicals.

Over the years, the EPA has created rules for how much of a certain substance is okay to have in your water—and when it's too much.

But here’s the thing: new chemicals are being used all the time, and can end up in our water.

You’ve probably heard about one nasty, carcinogenic substance getting in our water – PFAs (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFAs are used in stuff like nonstick pans, fast food wrappers, and waterproof clothes. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily and can stay in the environment—and our bodies—for a long time.

For a while, the EPA didn’t have official rules for PFAs, and didn’t set limits for PFAs in drinking water until 2024. And they had been in our water for a long time at that point. 

Government moves at a snail's pace. But a high quality home purification system can be installed in under a day to keep you safe.