Water is something most of us take for granted. We turn on the tap and expect it to be safe. In the UK, water suppliers follow strict rules to make sure it is clean, but even when water meets official standards, what's in it can still affect our health. Small amounts of metals, chemicals, or bacteria can have long-term effects if they build up in the body.
To understand how this impacts you, keep reading to look at what can be present in your tap water and why it matters.
Chemicals and Additives in Tap Water
Tap water often contains added chemicals. One of the most common is chlorine, which is used to kill germs. While it helps to prevent illness, it can give water a strong taste or smell. Some people notice dry skin or a stomach upset when chlorine levels are higher.
There are also tiny traces of pesticides or cleaning products that can enter the water supply from farming or industry. Although levels are usually low, regular exposure still matters. Sensitive groups like children, pregnant women, or people with weak immune systems may be more affected. Knowing about these chemicals helps you make informed choices about your water.
Metals and Minerals That Build Up
Water can pick up metals from old pipes or natural deposits in the ground, with lead being one of the biggest concerns, as even small amounts of lead can harm brain development in children. Many older homes still have lead pipes, which increases the risk.
Copper is another metal that may be present. In small amounts, it is safe, but high levels can cause sickness and stomach pain. Iron and manganese are also common; they are not usually dangerous but can change the taste and colour of water.
Hard water, which contains more calcium and magnesium, is safe to drink but can affect daily life. You may notice it causing limescale in your kettle and making your soap less effective. Some people also find it leaves their skin and hair feeling dry. While these minerals are not strictly harmful, the build-up can be frustrating and costly over time.
Microbes and Hidden Germs
Most tap water in the UK is free from harmful microbes because of strict checks, but still, there is a risk of bacteria and viruses entering the system. This can happen after heavy rain, flooding, or pipe damage. One example is E. coli, which can cause diarrhoea and stomach pain. Cryptosporidium is another parasite that causes long-term stomach illness. People with weak immune systems are most at risk, but even healthy adults can get sick.
Boiling water is an easy way to kill most germs if there is a local warning. Water treatment works hard to stop outbreaks, but the risk can never be zero. This is why public health alerts are issued when problems are found. On the whole, staying aware of possible contamination will help you to act quickly if needed.
Everyday Health Effects
The quality of water you drink every day shapes your health in subtle ways. Some people notice digestive issues that improve when they switch to filtered or bottled water, whilst others feel their skin improves when chlorine levels are lower.
Over years, small amounts of metals or chemicals may contribute to health problems. For example, lead exposure is strongly linked to learning difficulties in children and higher blood pressure in adults. Even if levels are within legal limits, sensitive people may react.
It's also important to remember the importance of hydration itself. Clean water is vital for kidney function, joint health, and concentration. If the taste or smell of water puts people off drinking enough, it can harm overall health. Everyday water quality is about more than safety checks; it affects how likely we are to stay properly hydrated.
What You Can Do at Home
While you cannot control the whole water supply, you can reduce risks at home. If you live in an older house, check if your pipes are made from lead: replacing them is the safest option, but using a filter can also help to reduce exposure.
Running the tap for a short time before using it can flush out water that has been sitting in pipes, especially first thing in the morning. Additionally, boiling your water can remove germs during a contamination warning but it won't remove metals or chemicals.
Water filters vary in what they remove, so it's worth checking details before buying. Some focus on chlorine and taste, while others reduce metals or microplastics. Keeping taps and kitchen plumbing clean also reduces bacteria growth. Small steps at home can make a real difference to the water you drink every day.
