What's in Delaware County Water? Why a Drinking Water System Is Essential
If you live in Columbus or the surrounding Central Ohio areas, chances are you trust that the water coming from your tap is safe to drink. After all, it looks clear and the city reports say it's treated. But what those reports don't always emphasize are the trace chemicals, toxins, and contaminants that still remain — and the long-term health risks they can pose.
1. Exceeding Health Guidelines, Even Within Legal Limits
Even though Del‑Co Water Company meets all federal standards, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) highlights several contaminants in Delaware County’s tap water that exceed EWG health guidelines, albeit still legal delcowater.org+3ewg.org+3ewg.org+3. Key contaminants of concern include:
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Atrazine at 0.342 ppb, over three times EWG’s health guideline of 0.1 ppb regionalplanning.co.delaware.oh.us+1dam.assets.ohio.gov+1ewg.org+1ewg.org+1.
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Bromodichloromethane (a TTHM) at 13.1 ppb—218× the recommended level qualitywatertreatment.com+2ewg.org+2ewg.org+2.
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Chloroform at 39.3 ppb, nearly 100× guideline ewg.org+1ewg.org+1.
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Chromium‑6 at 0.296 ppb—15× guideline ewg.org+7ewg.org+7regionalplanning.co.delaware.oh.us+7.
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Chlorate, dibromoacetic acid, dibromochloromethane, and dichloroacetic acid also exceed recommended health levels ewg.org+2ewg.org+2qualitywatertreatment.com+2.
These chemicals—used in agriculture, disinfection, or present naturally—are associated with serious health risks including hormone disruption, cancer, and developmental harm.
2. Surface Water Sources are Vulnerable
Del‑Co draws water from the Olentangy River and Alum Creek Reservoir—surface water sources that are highly susceptible to agricultural runoff (e.g., atrazine), industrial discharge, and aging infrastructure ewg.org+2qualitywatertreatment.com+2ewg.org+2ewg.org+5delcowater.org+5qualitywatertreatment.com+5. Groundwater sources are equally at risk due to environmental exposure .
3. No Major Violations—but That Doesn’t Mean It's Safe
Regulatory compliance does not equate to health safety. Legal limits haven’t been updated in decades, yet EWG’s findings show numerous contaminants surpass health-based guidelines ewg.org+1ewg.org+1. Meanwhile, there are no recent health-based EPA violations on record—underscoring that water can be legally compliant but still potentially harmful.
4. The Limits of Pitcher Filters and Bottled Water
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Pitcher filters often miss disinfection byproducts, chlorate, chromium‑6, and pesticide residues.
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Bottled water can originate from the same municipal systems, is expensive, and contributes to single-use plastic waste.
Neither offers the comprehensive protection a properly engineered home system can deliver.
5. Investing in a Certified Drinking Water System
Here’s what a high-quality WaterCare reverse osmosis and whole-home filtration system can achieve:
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Remove disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids)
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Eliminate pesticide residues like atrazine
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Filter out chromium‑6, chlorate, and other heavy metals
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Reverse osmosis adds a barrier against PFAS, nitrates, pharmaceuticals, and more
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Protect appliances by reducing scale and buildup
These systems undergo third-party validation, not just self-tests — giving you verifiable assurance of your family’s health.
6. Health, Cost, and Convenience—All in One
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Health: Reduce risks of cancer, hormonal disorders, reproductive issues, thyroid dysfunction, and more.
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Cost: After installation, your cost per gallon is much lower than bottled water, with no ongoing purchase burden.
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Convenience: Tap water becomes safe at every faucet—ideal for drinking, cooking, coffee, and ice.
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Environment: Minimize plastic waste, water waste, and your carbon footprint.
7. What Delaware County Residents Should Do
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Request a free water test to identify specific contaminants in your home.
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Choose a full solution—whole-home filtration plus reverse osmosis drinking system.
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Enjoy peace of mind—fully protected water at every tap for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Delaware County water may meet regulations, but the presence of numerous contaminants that exceed health guidelines is troubling. Safe, clean water is not just about passing standards—it’s about safeguarding your family’s future.
Contact us today to schedule your free water quality test and consultation. Make a smart, proactive choice for health—because your family deserves more than “just enough.”