Do I need to purchase a home treatment device to make my tap water safe?
Most people do not need to purchase a home treatment device (e.g., a water filter) to make water safe. That’s because your tap water already meets very strict government regulations for quality.

If, however, you are considering buying a home treatment device because of health concerns (e.g., you have a severely compromised immune system), make sure that the device is certified by the California Department of Health Services (DHS). DHS certifies more than 350 home treatment devices that claim to reduce toxic chemicals or provide better health protection. All devices that make such claims must be state certified to be legally sold.

This includes carbon filters, distillation, reverse-osmosis, ion-exchange and ceramic filters. You can call DHS at (916) 327-1139 for more information about the certification program or log on to the DHS website.

If you want to improve the look, taste or smell of your tap water, a home treatment device can be the answer. Performance of these types of devices is certified by the independent National Sanitation Foundation. For more information call (800) 673-8010 or log on to its Website.

If you do decide to purchase a home treatment device, remember the following:
* Don’t be fooled by a sales demonstration that shows funny looking "stuff" settling to the bottom of a glass of tap water. The "stuff" you see is usually nothing more than the minerals that naturally occur in water.
* Home treatment devices have to be properly serviced to work well. If they aren’t maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions, water from the device may be less safe than water straight from the tap.
* Water that is treated by a home treatment device is usually much more expensive than water straight from the tap, when you take into account the cost of maintaining the device.
* Make sure the device removes the things you are concerned about. Not all home treatment devices remove the same things. If you have a severely weakened immune system, talk to your doctor about the type of home treatment device to use.

Show All Answers

1. How much water is used in the City of Chino Hills daily?
2. What are the major components of the water distribution system?
3. Does the City utilize recycled water?
4. What makes ice cloudy?
5. Is my water safe to drink?
6. Is my drinking water completely free of microbes?
7. Are all chemicals in my drinking water bad for me?
8. Why does my water have nitrates, and where do nitrates come from?
9. How much lead and copper does my water have?
10. Is fluoride in my drinking water safe?
11. Is water with chlorine safe to drink?
12. How much chlorine do I have in my water?
13. Should I buy bottled water?
14. How can I find out what is in my water?
15. Who is making sure that my water is safe and healthy to drink?
16. What is done to purify the water before it comes out of the tap?
17. Why does my water sometimes look dirty, cloudy or have a funny color?
18. Why does my water sometimes taste or smell funny and is it safe to drink?
19. Why does my water leave spots on my glasses, coffeepot and showerhead?
20. Do I need to purchase a home treatment device to make my tap water safe?
21. Should I boil my water?
22. Do I need a water softener?
23. Can pregnant women drink tap water?
24. Can people with HIV/AIDS or weakened immune systems drink tap water?
25. How do I treat water during an emergency?
26. Who should I call if I have a problem with my tap water?