The Hidden Dangers in Your Drinking Water (And What You Can Do About It!)

As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve become extremely mindful of what goes into my body, lets say 90% of the time, because I am human and I do not have a strong willpower to bread (facepalm). From the food I eat to the skincare I use, I do my best to avoid harmful toxins. But one of the biggest, yet most overlooked, sources of toxic exposure? Our water.

Most people assume that if their water is clear and comes from a municipal source, it must be safe. But studies show that tap water often contains contaminants linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other long-term health risks.

Let’s break down some of the most concerning toxins in unfiltered water and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

1. Chlorine and Fluoride: More Harm Than Good?

Most cities add chlorine and fluoride to their water supply. While they’re meant to kill bacteria and protect teeth, studies have linked long-term chlorine exposure to increased cancer risk and fluoride to potential neurotoxicity. The problem? These chemicals don’t just disappear when they hit your faucet.

2. Heavy Metals and Pharmaceuticals: The Silent Threat

Lead, mercury, and arsenic—yes, arsenic—have all been detected in drinking water. And that’s not all. Traces of prescription drugs like antibiotics, hormones, and antidepressants have been found in public water systems, this is another story for another day for sure. These contaminants can disrupt the body’s natural balance and may contribute to hormonal imbalances and increased cancer risk.

3. Microplastics and Forever Chemicals (PFAS): The Invisible Danger

Have you heard of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)? These man-made chemicals are found in nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, and even water supplies. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment or your body. Studies link them to cancer, thyroid disorders, and immune system issues—yet they’re still in many water sources.

What Can You Do?

After learning about these risks, I knew we needed a high-quality filtration system. That’s why we switched to a Berkey water filter, which removes:

✅ Chlorine and fluoride
✅ Heavy metals like lead and mercury
✅ Bacteria, viruses, and parasites
✅ Pharmaceuticals and harmful chemicals
✅ Microplastics and PFAS

The difference was night and day—not only in taste but in how we feel. Friends who visit our home ask for our water because it’s so pure and refreshing!

If you’re concerned about what’s in your water, I encourage you to do your own research. Filtering your water is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to protect your health. There are many out there that will help filter your drinking water, we just did our own research and found this to be the best for our needs.

Do you currently filter your water?

To clean, healthy living,
Lisa