Most people assume that tap water has already been tested for any substances that might affect their health. Public water systems do conduct tests and treat drinking water to meet the standards set by the Drinking Water Quality Regulations, but research is advancing rapidly, and scientists continue to discover potentially harmful substances that may be present in drinking water even before regulations are updated. This lag makes it necessary to monitor water quality more closely.
For example, in Quebec, as elsewhere in North America, public health authorities and government agencies are paying increasing attention to emerging contaminants in drinking water. PFAS (“forever chemicals”), microplastics, certain pharmaceuticals, and other substances are the subject of research and increased monitoring to better understand their presence in the environment, their potential health effects, and the need to adapt standards as scientific knowledge evolves. Source: Government of Quebec – Toxic Substances and Emerging Contaminants (french).
Recent findings show why this issue is in the news in North America. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that at least 45% of U.S. tap water may contain one or more types of PFAS, while researchers have detected microplastics in tap water, bottled water, and human tissues and organs. In Canada, Health Canada has established a target for a group of PFAS in drinking water to better protect the public from long-term exposure.
So what exactly might be in the water you drink, use for cooking, and consume every day? The answer depends on where you live, how water is treated in your area, and substances that researchers and regulatory agencies are still working to identify.
Why are emerging contaminants receiving increased attention?
The growing focus on emerging contaminants may seem sudden, especially since many of these substances have been in use for years. What has changed is the science behind them: researchers can now detect minute traces of chemicals and particles in water, and public agencies are taking a closer look at substances that previous regulations were not designed to address.
In Quebec and Canada, scientific knowledge about emerging contaminants is evolving rapidly. Governments, researchers, and public health agencies are continuing their work to better understand the presence of these substances in the environment, their potential health effects, and the need to adapt recommendations or standards when new scientific data warrants it. This evolving understanding explains why contaminants that were once little known, such as PFAS, are now subject to increased monitoring. Source: Government of Quebec – Toxic Substances and Emerging Contaminants (french).
The contaminants that scientists are monitoring most closely
Not all contaminants of concern are the same. Some come from industrial products, others from consumer goods, and still others may form during water treatment. Together, they explain why the debate over water quality now extends far beyond the contaminants already known to the general public.
PFAS
PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they degrade very slowly in the environment. Used in products such as stain-resistant textiles, nonstick cookware, food packaging, and certain firefighting foams, they can end up in water, soil, and the air. According to Health Canada, exposure to certain PFAS is associated with potential effects on several organs and systems, including the liver, kidneys, thyroid, immune system, development, and reproduction.
Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are intentionally manufactured for certain products. They are found in rivers, lakes, bottled water, and tap water. Environment and Climate Change Canada acknowledges that microplastics are widespread in the environment and are subject to increased monitoring. Recent studies have also revealed the presence of microplastics in human tissues and organs, fueling public concern as scientists continue to investigate the long-term consequences of widespread exposure.
Medications
Pharmaceuticals can enter the water cycle as a result of human or animal consumption, agricultural runoff, or improper disposal of medications. These substances include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and veterinary drugs.
Water treatment processes can reduce the concentration of certain pharmaceutical compounds, but their effectiveness varies depending on the substance and the type of treatment used. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the concentrations currently found in drinking water are generally too low to pose a significant health risk, although pharmaceuticals remain a subject of research and monitoring.
Endocrine disruptors (EDs)
Endocrine disruptors can interfere with hormones and come from plastics, pesticides, personal care products, or industrial processes. Because of their wide variety and the many ways people are exposed to them, researchers are still working to understand their role in drinking water quality. Several public health agencies are continuing their research to better understand the potential effects of these substances on human health and the environment.
What do these new water contaminants mean for you?
Water quality has become a growing concern, and new research is fueling discussions across North America. In some Canadian communities, this growing awareness has led to concrete action. For example, residents of Hazelbrook, Prince Edward Island, have filed a lawsuit against the government over the contamination of their drinking water with PFAS.
Understanding drinking water guidelines and standards may seem complex, but they evolve as scientific knowledge advances. In Canada, Health Canada has established a target for a group of PFAS in drinking water to better protect the public from long-term exposure. As research progresses, recommendations and standards may continue to be adjusted to reflect new scientific data. In the meantime, you can take action on your own by learning about your water quality and the treatment options best suited to your situation.
While waiting for more comprehensive solutions, you don’t have to live in uncertainty about the quality of your tap water. You can review the drinking water quality requirements published by the Government of Quebec to better understand the regulatory framework. It is important to note, however, that not all emerging contaminants are necessarily covered by the tests required under current regulations. Having your water tested, learning about certified water filters, and understanding how your water system treats water remain the best ways to make informed decisions and better protect the quality of the water you consume.
How to Stay Informed About Changes in Water Regulations
Advances in analysis and monitoring now make it possible to collect more data than ever before. As scientists learn more about contaminants in drinking water, consumers may see changes in recommendations, standards, and treatment technologies. Governments, public health agencies, and researchers are continuing their work to improve our understanding of emerging contaminants and their potential health effects.
Understanding the composition of your water, staying up to date with information from trusted scientific and government organizations, and learning about treatment options designed to address specific contaminants can help you make informed decisions as our understanding evolves.
This article was produced by Culligan and reviewed and published by Stacker.
Original article : Why concerns about tap water quality are getting harder to ignore (6 juillet 2026).
