Heavy Metals and Drinking Water

Heavy metals are elements that are detrimental to human health even at small concentrations. These include metals such as lead, cadmium, zinc, mercury, arsenic, silver, chromium, copper, and iron. These elements occur naturally in the earth’s crust, and can enter water systems through natural processes like erosion. Mining, emissions from vehicles, and certain manufacturing processes introduce excess particles of these elements into water systems.

Associated Health Risks

Different heavy metals have different health risks. Some metals have importance to human health in small quantities, but others have no known importance and can be toxic at low concentrations. Overall, common symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, swelling and sores in the mouth, tremors, red urine due to the presence of hemoglobin, impaired coordination, paralysis, vomiting, convulsions, depression, and pneumonia[1].

How to Know if There are Heavy Metals in Your Water

Fortunately, while heavy metals can have very scary implications, the US government has guidelines in place to keep the public safe. Every year the Utah Department of Water Quality requires suppliers of public water systems to test their water for these contaminants and provide a report for water users. However, contamination can occur after the water has left the treatment facility. There are options for at-home testing, as well as labs in the area if you are concerned about your drinking water quality.

Well owners are responsible for their own water testing. Testing should be performed yearly, or more often if there are known problems with well water in your area, there is a noticeable difference in taste, color, or odor, or if you have repaired any part of your well system [2].

What to do if Your Water is Unsafe

If your testing results have found an unsafe amount of heavy metals, there are a few steps you can take.

Find the source of the contaminant and repair it

The easiest and most cost-effective way to improve your drinking water is to stop the contamination at its source. Plumbing is a common source of contamination.

Install a distillation or reverse osmosis unit

This option treats the contaminated water before household use. These systems require careful maintenance, and can be more expensive than replacing plumbing.

Use bottled water for drinking and cooking

If the above options won’t work for you, or you want an immediate change, bottled water is a great choice! Bottled water is regulated by the FDA, so it is known to be safe. This is a good option if there are high levels of arsenic in your drinking water, as absorption of arsenic through the skin is minimal. You can still use the tap water for other household activities like bathing and hand washing.

References

[1] Duruibe, J., & Ogwuegbu, M. (2007). Heavy metal pollution and human biotoxic effects. International Journal of Physical Sciences, 2(5), 112–118. https://academicjournals.org/journal/IJPS/article-full-text-pdf/59CA35213127

[2] Well testing. (2023, February 23). www.cdc.gov.