Are There Cancer Causing Chemicals in Water?

Jared from Idaho writes:

I heard that there might be stuff in tap water that causes cancer. Is that true?

Hi Jared

Yes, it’s true that there is a chance for there to be some suspected cancer causing chemicals in the water called trihalomethanes, or THM’s.  THM’s can be formed when naturally occurring organic chemicals in raw water supplies are combined with chlorine.

Fortunately, this is a well known chemical process and is heavily regulated. Health professionals have determined that a safe level of THM’s where the body’s natural processes can easily deal with and remove THM’s is 100 parts per billion.

The amount of THM’s or if THM’s are even formed are determined by many factors. The water source (river water has a higher chance than ground water because it contains more organics), pH, alkalinity, temperature, and many other factors. Water plants strive to remove as many organics as possible through processes like coagulation, flocculation, advanced oxidation, before chlorine is added as a disinfectant. The result is that most water supplies have THM levels well below 100 parts per billion, and some have zero THM’s.

Health professionals state that at or under 100 parts per billion there is no cause for alarm, and I tend to agree. There is more danger from external radiation and genetic disposition for cancer than with the low THM levels in water. However, if you want to take any and all chances away, activated carbon filters will reduce and remove THM, even in the minute quantities that are found in drinking water.

Activated carbon is used in inexpensive Jug Filters, Tap Filters, and under sink filters.

I hope that helps.

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Save Water Around the House

Karen writes:

Hi, I was wondering, how do I save water around my home? I’ve read that water is running out and I try to be environmentally conscious, so what is the best ways to reduce my water use?

Hi Karen

Thanks for writing in.

There are many ways to save water around the house. Some are free, some have a very low cost. I’ll list them for you to get you started on the road to saving water.

  • Purchase a low flow shower head. These are inexpensive and can add up to saving a lot of water over time.
  • Get low flow tap aerators for all the taps in your house. Like the shower head, these devices can save a large amount of water over time.
  • You don’t have to purchase an entire low flow toilet to get a low flow toilet. Simply buy an inexpensive toilet dam for your old high capacity toilet.
  • If you are going to water your lawn, only do so late at night or very early in the morning. This allows more of the water to penetrate into the ground before being evaporated by the sun, leaving more water for the plants and you can get the same performance for less water.
  • This may be a simple one, but don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth.
  • Wait for a full load before starting the dishwater or doing your laundry.
  • If you have your own toilet, you may want to consider the concept of “if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown, flush it down”.
  • Sweep your driveway and sidewalk instead of cleaning debris with a garden hose.
  • When tending and planting your garden plants, try to talk to plant experts on which species take less watering to survive.

Saving water at home is simple and inexpensive and just by doing some of those steps listed above you can save thousands of liters of water a year, all on your own.

I hope that helped.

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Free Computer Consulting at, Computer Choice – We’ll find your perfect computer to fit your needs, free.
Want more information, have a question or want to see more cool water stuff? Then Head on over to the main site!

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