These Contaminants May be in your Tap Water
Key Takeaways
Tap water can contain contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, microorganisms, chemicals, and sediments—many of which may pose long‑term health risks.
Different filtration systems vary widely in what they remove; reverse osmosis (RO) is the most comprehensive option.
Raleigh Raw uses RO water because it ensures purity, improves taste, and aligns with our commitment to clean, health‑focused ingredients.
Consumers should check the EWG Tap Water Database to understand the contaminants found in their local water supply.
The best filtration method depends on your needs, but RO offers the broadest protection against modern water pollutants.
In One Sentence
Reverse osmosis water provides the cleanest, most reliable protection against common tap‑water contaminants, which is why Raleigh Raw uses it in everything we craft.
Common Tap Water Contaminants
Clean water isn’t optional—it's foundational to your health. But tap water, even when treated, can still contain contaminants that slip through the cracks. Understanding what those contaminants are—and what filtration actually removes them—is the first step toward protecting your health and making informed decisions at home.
Below, we break down common tap water contaminants, filtration options, and why Raleigh Raw chooses reverse osmosis water for every product we make.
1. Chlorine
Used in water treatment plants for disinfection.
Issues: Strong taste/smell, potential harmful byproducts (chloramines, trihalomethanes).
2. Heavy Metals
Includes lead, arsenic, mercury, copper—often from old pipes or industrial contamination.
Risks: Neurological damage, developmental issues, hormone disruption.
3. Microorganisms
Bacteria, viruses, parasites.
Risks: GI distress, infections, waterborne illness.
4. Chemical Pollutants
Runoff from farms & industry, pesticides, PFAS, pharmaceuticals.
Risks: Hormone disruption, toxicity, chronic illness.
5. Sediment
Sand, dirt, rust from old pipes.
Issues: Cloudy water, unpleasant taste, potential carrier of other contaminants.
Water Filtration Options
Carbon Filters
- Removes: chlorine, odor, some chemicals
- Does NOT remove: heavy metals, microorganisms
- Best for: taste improvement
UV Filters
- Removes: microorganisms
- Does NOT remove: metals, chemicals, chlorine
- Best for: biological safety
Activated Alumina
- Removes: arsenic, fluoride, heavy metals
- Does NOT remove: microorganisms, sediment
- Best for: high‑metal areas
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
- Removes: metals, microorganisms, chemicals, sediment, chlorine
- Comprehensive purification
- Best for: whole‑home or highest purity needs
Why Raleigh Raw Uses Reverse Osmosis Water
At Raleigh Raw, purity matters—because everything starts with water.
Here’s why RO is the foundation of everything we make:
✔ Removes the Broadest Range of Contaminants
Reverse osmosis removes:
Heavy metals
Chlorine/chloramines
Fluoride
Microorganisms
PFAS / pharmaceuticals
Pesticides & chemical residues
Sediments
No other single filtration method covers this many categories.
✔ Better Taste & Product Quality
Neutral, clean water ensures our juices, mylks, smoothies, and bowls taste exactly the way they’re meant to—no chemical aftertaste.
✔ Supports Your Long‑Term Health
Our mission: give your body ingredients you can trust.
That starts with eliminating as many toxins as possible from your diet.
✔ Aligns With Our Clean Label Philosophy
No preservatives.
No gums.
No additives.
And no questionable water.
✔ Transparency for You
RO water backs our commitment to integrity—from sourcing to final product.
Check Your Local Water Quality
We recommend searching your zip code in the EWG Tap Water Database.
Knowing what’s coming out of your tap helps you choose the right filter and protect your long‑term health.
Bottom Line
Clean water is one of the simplest, most powerful upgrades you can make for your health—and reverse osmosis remains the most effective, reliable way to remove modern contaminants. At Raleigh Raw, our commitment to RO water reflects our commitment to you: every juice, every bowl, every sip is made with the purest foundation possible.