Most homeowners don’t think twice—until something goes wrong. I’ve seen it—families in Greenville drinking straight from the faucet, trusting it’s fine, only to run into health issues later. Most unfiltered water health issues might appear over time.
Let’s shed some light on why unfiltered water can be more dangerous than you think.
Unfiltered water can expose you to harmful byproducts and chemicals from water treatment.
In Greenville (2025), disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids regularly outpace health guidelines.
Filters remove a huge chunk of contaminants—sometimes 90%+—but they also have pros and a few trade-offs.
The healthiest filtration methods—like reverse osmosis—offer stronger contaminant reduction.
Simple choices can lead to better health and better peace of mind.
Unfiltered water isn’t just about taste—it’s about invisible danger. In Greenville, Upstate South Carolina, public water treatment uses chlorine and produces common byproducts like trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).
According to EWG Tap Water Database:
Bromodichloromethane: 1.87 ppb — ~31× the health guideline (0.06 ppb)
Chloroform: 8.07 ppb — ~20× the guideline (0.4 ppb)
Dichloroacetic acid: 6.27 ppb — ~31× the guideline (0.2 ppb)
Haloacetic acids (HAA5): 10.2 ppb — ~102× guideline (0.1 ppb)
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs): 9.94 ppb — ~66× guideline (0.15 ppb)
These chemicals are linked to long-term risks like cancer and developmental issues in pregnancy.
Unfiltered water doesn’t just taste weird—it can mess with your body over time. Based on what’s in Greenville’s treated water, here are the main health issues you could face:
Increased Cancer Risk
Linked to long-term exposure to trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). These byproducts form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water.
Developmental and Reproductive Issues
Bromodichloromethane and dichloroacetic acid have been tied to pregnancy complications and developmental delays when consumed at high levels over long periods.
Liver and Kidney Damage
Chlorinated byproducts can stress the liver and kidneys, especially with prolonged exposure.
Digestive Problems
Some people report stomach upset or diarrhea when exposed to higher-than-normal chlorine levels or bacteria slipping past old pipes.
Weakened Immune System
Vulnerable groups like kids, seniors, and immunocompromised people are at higher risk when exposed to microbes that chlorine doesn’t fully neutralize.
These problems don’t happen overnight—but they’re a real concern if you drink unfiltered tap water for years without reducing exposure.
Greenville water is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria. That’s necessary, but the byproducts like TTHMs and HAAs are the real hidden threats. While public water systems follow EPA legal limits, these limits are often higher than what’s considered truly safe. The state’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) allow certain levels—but even lower levels (MCLGs) are better for health.
If your fridge water tastes “off” and need our help, reach out to us to help you with your refrigerator repairs and water filter replacement service.
Most quality home filters significantly reduce these contaminants:
Activated carbon filters remove up to 90–99% of chlorine, TTHMs, HAAs, and some PFAS Quality Water LabDistillata.
Reverse osmosis systems provide even higher removal—often 95–99% across a wider range of chemicals, including heavy metals and PFAS.
There aren’t many—but a few are worth noting:
According to the CDC, filters may remove beneficial minerals like fluoride (which helps prevent cavities) or residual chlorine that protects against microbes.
Reverse osmosis systems waste water—some systems produce multiple gallons of wastewater per filtered gallon.
Still, the health benefits usually outweigh these minor drawbacks, especially when you’re getting safer water.
Yes—in both health and taste. Removing chlorine and TTHMs means safer water and clearer, better-tasting drinks. With taste improved, many people drink more water and fewer sugary drinks—boosting overall wellness.
Here’s a quick look at effective options:
Reverse Osmosis (RO): Best all-round removal (heavy metals, PFAS, TTHMs), but uses more water and may remove minerals.
Activated Carbon + Ion Exchange Filters: Excellent for improving taste and removing most chemicals. Efficient and affordable.
Multi-Stage/Pitcher Filters: Great countertop option—some remove PFAS and microplastics.
To learn about long-term savings, check our appliance maintenance plan.
What are the benefits of filtering water?
It removes harmful chemicals, improves taste, reduces cancer-risk byproducts, and may cut exposure to heavy metals and PFAS.
What are the pros and cons of water filtration?
Pros: Safer water, better taste, fewer contaminants.
Cons: May remove beneficial minerals, cost of filter replacement, and waste water (especially with RO systems).
Is filtered water better for gut health?
Yes. It reduces microbes and contaminants that may irritate digestion. Clean water supports healthy gut flora.
Should I filter my tap water?
In Greenville and the Upstate—yes. Water is treated, but the byproducts are still high compared to health guidelines.
Is it healthier to drink bottled water or filtered tap water?
Filtered tap water avoids plastics, saves money, and is safer long-term if you use the right system.
Drinking unfiltered tap water can silently affect your health. Greenville water is legally treated, but the disinfection byproducts still exceed health guidelines by dozens of times. Filtering your water—especially with effective methods like RO or carbon filters—dramatically cuts your risk and gives you better flavor, too.
For homeowners in Greenville, Simpsonville, Spartanburg, and across the Upstate, Appliance GrandMasters can help with filter choices, installations, and even fridge upgrades.
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Fixing appliances has become a passion for us. We enjoy challenges, and we are always preparing and updating ourselves to become the very best.
We accomplish swift and top-notch service by employing efficient and friendly customer service procedures that guarantee accurate answers and solutions.
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