Contaminant briefing
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Man-made chemicals found in 45%+ of US tap water, linked to cancer and immune system damage.
6 live guide pages in this cluster.
Water Topic Index
This page stays `noindex`, but it is now a real internal topic map: use it to jump into the contaminant clusters, well-water guidance, and filter-first paths already published across the site.
Cross-topic guide
Private well water now has its own entry point.
Use it when the first task is understanding annual testing, bacteria, nitrates, or when a lab result needs interpretation before any filter shortlist.
Open Private Well GuideContaminant briefing
Lead
Toxic heavy metal leaching from aging pipes and solder, with no safe exposure level for children.
6 live guide pages in this cluster.
Contaminant briefing
Iron
Common in well water, iron causes orange staining, metallic taste, and plumbing damage at high levels.
6 live guide pages in this cluster.
Contaminant briefing
Bacteria & Microorganisms
Pathogenic microorganisms including E. coli and Giardia that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
6 live guide pages in this cluster.
Contaminant briefing
Hard Water (Calcium & Magnesium)
Excess calcium and magnesium minerals causing scale buildup, appliance damage, and dry skin/hair.
6 live guide pages in this cluster.
Contaminant briefing
Chlorine & Chloramine
Disinfection chemicals added by municipalities that cause taste/odor issues and form carcinogenic byproducts.
6 live guide pages in this cluster.
Contaminant briefing
Nitrates & Nitrites
Agricultural runoff contaminants that pose a severe risk to infants (blue baby syndrome) and pregnant women.
6 live guide pages in this cluster.
Contaminant briefing
Arsenic
Naturally occurring toxic metalloid linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancers even at low concentrations.
6 live guide pages in this cluster.