There is nothing spooky or mysterious about our tap water, so consider it your default source for all of your water needs.  No tricks here, just the treats of safe, dependable, life-sustaining water. During this Halloween season, the only thing SAWPA and its partner agencies are brewing is an avenue to continue delivering reliable tap water. 
 
We get it, there are many haunting stories and tall tales about tap water that, if they were true, might give you a scare. But we’re here to demystify the myths. SAWPA’s partner agencies must meet strict federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, and that means your tap water is of the utmost quality. Let’s tap into the details on why these wicked stories and myths are just a bunch of hocus pocus!  
 
Story/myth #1: Tap water is not regularly tested 

Our water agencies test the quality of tap water more times than you may think. The process of water testing is based upon many factors including the number of customers an agency serves, where water comes from and what chemicals are present. By way of example, Western Water takes daily samples of their water and conducts third-party microbiological testing. Orange County Water District tests 500 compounds and examines over 20,000 samples every year to make sure its tap water is safe and clean. There are no cobwebs on testing schedules because they are testing 24/7/365!  

Story/myth #2: Bottled water is safer and better than tap water  

Wait, are there still people drinking bottled water in this day and age? If you’re still reaching for a bottle of water, instead of getting water from a faucet, you need to know that bottled water is not tested as stringently as tap water.  As noted earlier, tap water is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), whereas bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The EPA’s standards are higher than the FDA’s, and it mandates water-testing schedules that agencies must meet. Additionally, earlier in 2023, the EPA took water quality to the next level by implementing another standard in their drinking water testing that requires water agencies to do more stringent testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Not only do our water agencies test water all day long, but the EPA ensures their standards will build trust that tap water is safe and ready for you to consume.  

Story/myth #3: People need additional filtrations for tap water  

Our partner agencies already filter water and run test after test to ensure that tap water is clean and safe for our customers to consume straight from the tap. It is a misnomer that additional filtration is beneficial because we need the nutrients in tap water.  Certain at-home filtration systems can actually strip away the natural minerals found in tap water that are helpful for us and contribute to our overall wellbeing (we’re looking at you; magnesium and manganese). The added expense and upkeep of such a filter is unnecessary, in our opinion, because our tap water meets the highest standards and is tested constantly. But, hey, who’s counting?  This checklist of benefits that come with tap water show there is no need to spend money on a water filtration system. Don’t be spooked by tap water, it is the smart and safe way to stay hydrated.  

Story/myth #4: Sodium in tap water dehydrates your body  

We’ll admit it, growing up we were told that salt (aka sodium) can dehydrate you. Let’s send that old tale to the grave and dig up why sodium in tap water has its health benefits. Sodium, at the curated levels found in our tap water, actually helps our body manage blood pressure, fluid levels and supports the proper functioning of our nerves and muscles.  

Story/myth #5: Your water source choice does not impact the environment 

Drinking tap water is one of the best ways to ensure you’re taking care of the planet for yourself and the future. The consumption of tap water decreases the amount of wasted plastic. In fact, the carbon emissions produced during the manufacturing, packaging and transportation of bottled water are significant, and could be avoided by simply using tap water instead. No packaging, no delivery trucks: just tap water that is safe, ready and waiting to be used. Tap water is the more sustainable choice.  

Now you can see there is nothing frightful about our tap water. We’re here to debunk the eerie stories and myths about it. Don’t be fooled by silly tricks and misinformation. Our partner agencies’ consumer reports provide sufficient data to help you put your trust in tap water. Tap water is a precious resource, so let’s give it some love and appreciation!  

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