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What does tap water really contain?

It's a legitimate question to ask whether tap water is safe to drink. In France, tap water is strictly controlled and is safe to eat. But what about its exact composition? What minerals does it contain and what contaminants might it contain? This article looks at the elements present in drinking water.

Chemical composition of tap water

Tap water is mainly composed of water molecules (H₂O)but it also contains various minerals, trace elements and traces of contaminants. Its composition varies according to its origin (groundwater, rivers, lakes) and the treatment it undergoes.

💡 Good to know : In France, tap water is subject to the following strict controls carried out by the ARS and the health authorities. You can consult the local analyses on the Ministry of Health.

Essential minerals: calcium, magnesium and others

Tap water has a number of benefits minerals beneficial to health :

Calcium Helps keep bones strong and blood clotting (Source : CIEAU)
Magnesium Essential for nerve transmission and muscle relaxation.
Potassium and sodium : Involved in water and muscle balance.
Bicarbonates Helps digestion and maintain blood pH levels.

📌 Worth noting Contrary to popular belief, tap water can be a good source of calciumespecially in regions with hard water.

Trace elements: a vital contribution to health

Water also contains essential trace elementsalthough quantities vary from region to region:

Iron Participates in the production of red blood cells.
Zinc Strengthens the immune system.
Selenium Cell-protecting antioxidant.
Fluorine Dental protection: Present in small quantities, it contributes to dental protection.

💡 In France, unlike in the United States and the United Kingdom, fluoride is not added to drinking water. Instead, it is added to table salt. (Source : CIEAU)

Pollutants and contaminants in tap water

Although drinkable, tap water can contain traces of pollutants from a variety of sources:

Chlorine and its effects

Chlorine is used as a disinfectant to eliminate bacteria and viruses. However, a too much concentration can alter the taste of water and cause digestive irritation in some sensitive people.

📌 Solution A UV-A purifier as LAVIE water purifier eliminates chlorine without altering essential minerals.

Drug residues

Traces of medicines may be found in the water as a result of the industrial and hospital waste. Although concentrations are low, their long-term accumulation raises concerns.

Pesticides: contamination to be monitored

According to theAnses, 34% of the water distributed in France contains traces of a pesticide. These residues mainly come from agriculture and groundwater infiltration. (Source : Les Echos)

Heavy metals: lead, nickel and aluminium

Heavy metals can come from old pipes or other ageing infrastructure. They can be toxic with prolonged exposure.

📌 Recommendation Have your water analysed if you live in an old building and are considering a renovation. suitable pre-filtration system.

Microplastics: a new health issue

Microplastics have been detected in some drinking water, raising questions about their long-term effects.

📌 To find out more Discover our article on PFAS and their dangers for drinking water.

Filtration solutions to improve water quality

There are a number of ways of reducing contaminants and improving the quality of tap water:

Activated carbon filters Eliminates chlorine, certain pesticides and heavy metals.
Reverse osmosis Advanced filtration that eliminates most pollutants but can also remove beneficial minerals.
Filter jugs Improves taste and reduces certain impurities.
UV-A purifiers Disinfect water without altering its minerals, an effective, environmentally-friendly solution.

📌 Discover LaVie solutions : Ecological water fountains.

Regulation and control of water quality

In France, tap water is subject to the following regulations strict standardsset by theRegional Health Agency (ARS) and checked regularly.

📌 Check the quality of the water in your home : Access official data.

Comparison between tap water and bottled waterf

📌 Conclusion Tap water is an economical and ecological alternativeBut you need to be sure of its quality and, if necessary, filter it.

Conclusion: drink healthy, controlled water

Tap water is a precious resource, subject to strict controls. However, the presence of certain pollutants (pesticides, microplastics) suggests that we should adopt appropriate filtration solutions.

🔗 Find out how to optimise your drinking water with LaVie.

Article written on 15/02/2024 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.