Why Water Quality Matters More Than You Think
By Dee Davidson
When we talk about health foundations, water often gets overlooked. Yet what’s in your water—both drinking and bathing—can have a profound impact on your detox systems, hormone balance, immune function, and overall resilience.
What’s Lurking in the Water?
Many municipal and wastewater treatment plants are effective at targeting microbes and pathogens, but not engineered to fully remove synthetic chemicals—especially ones that are stable or at low concentrations.
Pharmaceuticals in the water supply:
Pharmaceuticals enter the water system through human excretion, prescription drugs flushed down toilets, and agricultural runoff. (USGS)
The WHO’s report Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water notes the occurrence, treatment challenges, and potential health risk assessments. (WHO Report)
One U.S. review found that while most drug residues are at low (trace) levels, they are largely unregulated and may pose unknown long-term risks. (PMC Article)Wastewater plants and “cleaning” limitations:
Many treatment systems are optimized to kill or remove bacteria, but they’re not always built to neutralize pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, or persistent chemical compounds (e.g. endocrine disruptors). (USGS)
In fact, pharmaceuticals often “pass through” many stages of treatment and reenter water systems or move into groundwater sources. (USGS)
Beyond Drinking: The Hidden Risks of Bathing & Showering
We often assume that if our water looks and tastes okay, it’s safe. But inhalation and dermal absorption during baths or showers can add a hidden toxic load.
Trihalomethanes (THMs) and disinfection by-products (DBPs):
THMs are disinfection by-products formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. These compounds are volatile and can off-gas in warm water, becoming airborne during showers or baths. (Study)A study on exposure to THMs during showering predicted cancer risks (through inhalation + dermal routes) in several Canadian cities ranging from ~4.3 × 10⁻⁶ to 7.6 × 10⁻⁶ per person. (Study)
Another recent study modeled inhalation risk and found that in dwellings with shared or less ventilated shower stalls, the inhalation cancer risk increased measurably over successive showers. (Study)
Research also indicates that during showering, THMs move into the air phase, and inhalation becomes a notable route of exposure. (Study)
One multi-route risk assessment showed that 80–90% of cancer risk from THMs was from inhalation, rather than ingestion or dermal absorption. (Springer)
Blood and cancer links:
A systematic review found that experimental groups exposed to THMs had significantly higher blood levels compared to controls—showing uptake beyond ingestion. (MDPI)Another study associated higher exposure to brominated THMs (Br-THMs) in drinking water with increased cancer mortality. (ACS)
Why Your Filter or Refrigerator System May Fall Short
Fridge filters & point-of-use filters often focus on chlorine taste and odor, but don’t effectively remove heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, or volatile organic compounds.
Whole-house filters vary dramatically in quality. Many aren’t designed to handle modern contaminants (especially unregulated ones).
Without regular water testing, you’re essentially guessing about your exposure.
That’s why I always advise clients: test your water regularly, so you know what you’re up against.
Bathing, Steam & Skin Absorption
Warm water helps volatile compounds (like THMs) move into gas, making them easier to breathe in.
Your skin is a carrier—not a perfect barrier. Chemicals in water can be absorbed transdermally.
In small, poorly ventilated bathrooms, these exposures add up quickly.
It’s not just about drinking clean water. It’s about reducing your total exposure load, and your bathing environment plays a big role.
What About Hydrogen Water?
Going one step beyond pure filtration: hydrogen-infused water introduces molecular hydrogen (H₂) into your water. Emerging research suggests potential benefits including:
Neutralizing oxidative stress
Supporting mitochondrial function
Improving recovery and inflammation markers
I recently spoke with Dr. Paul Barattiero, founder of Echo Water, who has appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience and other podcasts, about the science and real-world applications of hydrogen water. You can listen here:
Confidently Balance Your Hormones Podcast: Dr. Paul Barattiero & Hydrogen Water
My Favorite Tools & Resources
Want to take control of your water quality? In my FREE Wellness Toolkit (bookmark this) you’ll find:
Recommended point-of-use and in-house filtration systems
Shower & bath filters to reduce THMs and VOCs
Clean, safe water isn’t just about what you drink—it’s about what you bathe in, breathe in, and expose your skin to. The hidden chemical load in our water can quietly stress detox pathways and cellular systems even in otherwise healthy people. By testing, filtering, and upgrading your water environment, you significantly reduce that hidden burden.
Dee Davidson is a Board-Certified Functional Health Practitioner based in North Attleboro, MA, specializing in hormone balance, mineral restoration, gut health, and women’s wellness. She helps women ditch surface-level solutions and address the real root causes of fatigue, hormonal chaos, and burnout—so they can finally feel like themselves again.