When you consider the different sources that we rely on for water, which ones should we be more aware of as being unsafe. One type that most people rely on for drinking water as well as cooking, cleaning, bathing, and numerous other uses is tap water. You should be aware of what is in your tap water. One way of doing this is to take a sample and have it tested.

Tap water normally contains chlorination, which is one way of getting rid of bacteria. All water systems that provide tap water for the public have to test water pathogens. The purpose of this is to identify anything that could cause intestinal problems. City water supplied to customers through tap water has to be filtered and disinfected.

What cities and states are doing a better job at keeping their water safe for drinking than others? Top cities that had high rankings in keeping their water safe for consumption are Seattle, Washington, Boston, Massachusetts, San Francisco, California, and Denver, Colorado.

Water supplies in the following states may contain high levels of agricultural pollution, which contains nitrogen, pesticides, or sediment.

1) Baltimore, Maryland

2) Fresno, Los Angeles, and San Diego, California

3) New Orleans, Louisiana

The following cities source of tap water is being endangered from run off, industry and sewage contamination.

1) Atlanta, Georgia

2) Chicago, Illinois

3) Detroit, Michigan

4) Washington, D.C.

With all of the toxins that cause illness and death lurking in our water supplies, it is no wonder that so many people are opting for filtering systems for their water supply. According to recent studies by the EPA, one of the leading causes of contamination in home systems is the pipes that carry the water to the home. Many have not been replaced for years. They are the old iron type, a copper or brass, or a combination of these materials. These are not considered safe anymore. The lead pipes are especially dangerous to young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Changing your faucets and pipes can have a dramatic effect on the quality of your water. Add an in home filtration system and you can have the freshest, cleanest water that you have had for years. Many of the pipes that older homes were plumbed with many years ago are the cause of certain recurring illness. Diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and headaches can be caused by using pipes that are long overdue to be replaced. If you cannot afford to replace them at the present, at least consider using a filtering system that will remove any toxins or contaminants that are present in your water.

Replacing faucets can help as well. While you are at it do not forget to connect your refrigerator to the filtering system as well. This will improve the taste of the ice and water that you get from it in addition to the water from the faucet. If you have ever noticed that your sinks or toilets are stained from the water that is used in them daily, that may be a sign that there is something in your water that should not be present.

The contaminants in water are in every source that comes into your home. That is one reason for considering a whole house filtration system. From the water you use for bathing to the dishwasher, the water that you use every day should be as pure as it can be.