Drinking Water Stations – Is Water in Water Fountains and Water Coolers Filtered?
Concerns about contaminated drinking water stations or fountains are not unwarranted. Most of the manufacturers do not include appropriate filtration systems. So, you and your co-workers are consuming whatever contaminants are present in the local water supply. Chlorine and THMs are chemical contaminants present in practically all publicly treated water supplies. Cysts may also be present at any time, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Lead is a problem in a number of cities, particularly those with older infrastructures. Herbicides and pesticides are big problems in Maryland and the “Corn Belt”. Benzene and other cancer-causing chemicals are present throughout the world. Perchlorate, a VOC and endocrine disruptor, has been found during independent testing in sites throughout the US. MTBE is a problem in many areas, due to seepage from underground gasoline storage tanks. MTBE is probably not a carcinogen, but it ruins the taste and smell of the water. You might believ
