What’s in Your Tap Water? A Guide to Common Contaminants in the UK

Despite treatment and regulation, UK tap water often contains a range of contaminants that may affect your health and well-being. These impurities vary by location and can include chemicals, heavy metals, and even microplastics. Understanding what’s in your water is the first step toward making it safer.

1. Chlorine Chlorine is added to water supplies across the UK to kill harmful bacteria. While effective as a disinfectant, chlorine can leave behind a strong chemical taste and odour, and long-term exposure has been associated with skin irritation and respiratory issues.

2. Lead Many older UK properties still have lead plumbing. Even in small amounts, lead can leach into drinking water, posing serious health risks—especially for children and pregnant women. This contaminant is particularly dangerous because it accumulates in the body over time.

3. Microplastics Tiny plastic particles from synthetic clothing, packaging, and cosmetics have been detected in UK tap water. Traditional treatment plants are not equipped to fully remove microplastics, and research into their health effects is ongoing but concerning.

4. Pesticide Residues Agricultural activity across the UK results in pesticide runoff entering water supplies. Though treated, trace amounts of these chemicals often remain, contributing to long-term health risks and affecting the taste and purity of drinking water.

5. Nitrates Nitrates from fertilisers and animal waste can seep into groundwater. High levels in drinking water are linked to conditions such as “blue baby syndrome” and other serious health effects, making them a major concern in rural areas.

How Water Filters Help Modern water filtration systems can target a broad range of these contaminants. Activated carbon filters are excellent at removing chlorine, pesticides, and VOCs, while systems like reverse osmosis can eliminate heavy metals, nitrates, and microplastics.

Why Choose Aura? Aura’s advanced multi-stage filtration systems are designed to protect against the full spectrum of UK tap water contaminants. From lead and chlorine to emerging threats like microplastics, Aura provides a comprehensive and reliable solution for cleaner, safer water in your home.