I’m at the Point in My Education Where I’m Scared of Water

“Water?” asks my gracious host.

All I hear is: Pesticides, Lead, Bacteria?! And then my catastrophizing mind starts spiraling about the plastic cup she’s about to pour my parasitic water into.

And this, my friends, is how I found myself very dehydrated last week.

There is a shocking amount of chemicals and bacteria that end up in our tap water. Municipal water is treated to meet safety standards, but those standards don’t necessarily mean the water is ideal for our health. Here’s why:

• Bacteria & Parasites – Waterborne pathogens like E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium can sneak into the supply due to contaminated pipes, treatment failures, or runoff from farms and sewage systems. They can cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses. While most municipal systems filter and disinfect water, outbreaks have still happened when things go wrong.

  
  

• Chlorine & Chloramine – These are added to kill bacteria, but they come with downsides. Chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, forming disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which have been linked to cancer and reproductive issues in long-term studies. Chlorine can also strip water of beneficial minerals and disrupt gut bacteria.

  
  

• Heavy Metals – Lead, arsenic, and mercury can leach into water from old pipes and industrial pollution. Even at low levels, lead is dangerous—especially for children, as it affects brain development.

  
  

• Pesticides & Herbicides – Agricultural runoff can introduce glyphosate, atrazine, and other chemicals into drinking water, which have been associated with hormonal disruption and increased cancer risk.

  
  

• Solvents & Industrial Contaminants – Chemicals like benzene, toluene, and PFAS (‘forever chemicals’) from industrial waste can persist in water supplies and have been linked to immune dysfunction, liver damage, and endocrine disorders.

  
  

• Fluoride – While fluoride is intentionally added to prevent tooth decay, too much fluoride has been linked to bone weakening and thyroid dysfunction. Some studies suggest potential neurotoxic effects at high levels.

But here’s the problem—

• Bacteria in water = bad

• Chlorine in water = also bad

• Not drinking water at all = probably worse

So what do we do? How do we make sure we’re getting our eight glasses a day without sipping on a toxic cocktail?

Water Was My Cure… Until It Wasn’t

I used to get horrible migraines. Then one day, I realized my headaches were significantly better after having an electrolyte drink. Hmm. A clue?

Turns out, I was just really dehydrated.

So I bought a 40oz water bottle, filled it twice a day, and—POOF!—my migraines were almost non-existent. Problem solved.

That was until I noticed the bacteria buildup in my rubber straw. 😬

Each sip wiped a thin layer of bacteria onto my lips. Cute. That water bottle had to go.

Also, it was plastic. And at the rate I was using and washing it, I could taste the microplastics seeping in.

Finding the Right Water Bottle

Glass or stainless steel is the way to go. I’m still on the hunt for one that doesn’t fill me with existential dread, so for now, I’ve succumbed to hourly water-cooler trips. Yay—more steps!

(Send me your recommendations though if you have a bottle you love!)

What Water Am I Drinking Now?

Well, you best believe it isn’t tap water.

Luckily, my husband Simon was on this train years before me and had already set up a water delivery service. Now, we get purified spring water delivered in large glass jugs straight to our doorstep.

Why spring water?

• It’s lab tested to confirm that it does not contain chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, parasites, pesticides, solvents, or heavy metals.

  
  

• It still contains essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and sodium, which are key for hydration.

  
  

What About Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a popular way to purify water because it removes virtually all toxins. But—there’s a catch.

RO also removes the minerals that we actually need.

Since we eat a healthy, well-rounded diet, we might consider switching to RO-purified water, knowing we’d still get our minerals from food. TBD!

Should You Test Your Tap Water?

Absolutely. You can buy a water testing kit on Amazon. This one is pretty solid—it tests for everything except parasites and solvents.

Why does that matter?

• Parasites – While most city tap water undergoes treatment to remove parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, outbreaks have happened due to system failures or contamination events. If you’re on well water or in an area with aging infrastructure, testing is a smart move. Even in treated water, those with weakened immune systems may want to take extra precautions. This is one reason why purified water is the safest option.

  
  

• Solvents – These are harsh industrial chemicals often found in manufacturing and cleaning processes. Some, like benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene, are linked to cancer and organ damage. While they’re not usually in municipal water, industrial runoff and outdated piping can lead to contamination. Since solvent tests are pricey, if you’re concerned about them, your best bet is to stick to purified water and ensure your source is regularly tested.

  
  

The Bottom Line

The safest bet? Find a purified water source that is frequently lab tested. 

Just make sure you’re getting electrolytes from another method if your water is purified via Reverse Osmosis or is distilled. Otherwise, you could end up hydrated but still depleted.