Explore common water contaminants and quality concerns, where they can come from, why they matter and the treatment technologies commonly used to reduce them.
Substances can occur naturally in rocks and soils, enter catchments through agriculture or industry, be introduced during treatment, or come from distribution pipes and household plumbing. Private supplies can have different risks from public mains water.
The right response begins with reliable information. Check your water supplier’s quality report, investigate sudden changes and use an accredited laboratory where a specific contaminant is suspected.
Tapure® products can be used individually or together. Purahouse® treats the incoming supply throughout the property, the Tapure® Water Purifier provides high-level reverse-osmosis purification at the drinking-water outlet, and TAPOD® adds ultraviolet treatment at the point of dispensing on compatible systems.
Installed on the incoming mains supply, Purahouse® combines sediment, KDF and carbon-based stages. It is most relevant to chlorine and chloramine, sediment, taste and odour, and as upstream support for selected metals and organic contaminants throughout the home.
Boundary: whole-house filtration is not the same as reverse osmosis and should not be presented as the primary treatment for every dissolved ion or radiological contaminant.
View Purahouse® →The under-sink system combines a composite carbon pre-filter, a 0.0001-micron reverse-osmosis membrane and a remineralisation post-filter. It is the main Tapure® option wherever a contaminant sheet lists reverse osmosis for drinking and cooking water.
Boundary: suitability and reduction depend on the contaminant form, concentration, water chemistry, pressure, flow, installation and maintenance.
View the Tapure® Water Purifier →Compatible Tapure® boiling, chilled, sparkling and ambient systems use UV at the point of dispensing as an additional microbiological hygiene stage after purification.
Boundary: UV inactivates susceptible microorganisms; it does not remove dissolved metals, salts, nitrate, fluoride or most chemical contaminants.
View TAPOD® →Each entry provides a concise summary, the treatment methods listed by WQA, a carefully qualified Tapure® product-relevance section and a clearly labelled PDF download. The full WQA sheets remain the primary technical reference.
Showing 17 of 17 entries
Metals & minerals
Aluminium is naturally abundant and may enter water through rock and soil leaching or remain as a treatment residual after the use of aluminium-based coagulants.
Rock and soil; treatment chemicals such as alum; some industrial and distribution-system conditions.
At elevated levels it can affect colour and appearance. The source sheet highlights particular concern for dialysis process water.
Reverse osmosis, distillation and specialist cation exchange, selected following water analysis.
The WQA sheet uses the American spelling “Aluminum”; this page uses UK spelling.
Point-of-use RO
The WQA sheet lists reverse osmosis as a treatment method. The Tapure® Water Purifier combines the Combo Nano PURE pre-filter with the RO3500 PURE membrane for drinking and cooking water. Purahouse® can be used upstream as whole-house pre-filtration, but it should not be presented as a substitute for point-of-use RO where dissolved aluminium has been confirmed.
Treatment residuals & nutrients
Ammonia is a soluble nitrogen compound. In water it exists in equilibrium with ammonium, with the balance affected by pH and temperature.
Natural breakdown of organic matter, sewage and animal waste, fertilisers, industrial discharges and chloramination.
The source sheet reports no US EPA or WHO drinking-water limit at publication. Ammonia can contribute to taste issues, nitrification and aquatic toxicity.
Specialist zeolite ion exchange and distillation. Treatment choice depends strongly on pH, concentration and the wider water chemistry.
Ammonia and ammonium should not be treated as interchangeable without considering pH.
Specialist assessment first
Confirmed ammonia or ammonium requires laboratory testing and treatment selected for pH, concentration and the wider water chemistry. The Tapure® Water Purifier uses reverse osmosis and may provide reduction under suitable conditions, but the WQA sheet particularly identifies zeolite ion exchange and distillation. A standard Tapure® installation should not be described as a guaranteed stand-alone ammonia treatment without a site-specific assessment.
Disinfectants
Chloramine is formed when chlorine and ammonia are combined. Water companies may use it as a longer-lasting disinfectant residual within distribution networks.
Municipal water treatment and reactions between chlorine and naturally occurring nitrogen compounds.
It may cause a noticeable taste or odour. It also requires careful control in dialysis water and some specialist applications.
Activated carbon or catalytic activated carbon with adequate media volume and contact time.
Standard carbon performance varies; system design, flow and maintenance are important.
Whole-house carbon plus point-of-use RO
Purahouse® uses carbon-based media at the point of entry and can help reduce chloramine-related taste and odour throughout the property. For drinking and cooking, the Tapure® Water Purifier adds composite carbon pre-filtration followed by the RO3500 PURE membrane. Chloramine performance depends on concentration, flow, contact time and filter condition, so the incoming water and product specification should be checked.
Inorganic ions
Fluoride occurs naturally in minerals and may also be added to some public water supplies as part of a controlled fluoridation programme.
Natural geological deposits and, in some areas, municipal fluoridation.
The source sheet describes dental fluorosis at elevated long-term exposure and skeletal fluorosis at substantially higher long-term exposure.
Reverse osmosis, activated alumina, strong-base anion exchange and distillation.
Fluoride concentration varies by location. Check your water supplier’s current report or obtain a laboratory test.
Point-of-use RO
Reverse osmosis is one of the treatment methods listed in the WQA sheet. The Tapure® Water Purifier uses the RO3500 PURE membrane to provide high-level point-of-use purification for drinking, cooking and food preparation, followed by a remineralisation stage.
Treatment residuals & nutrients
Nitrate and nitrite are nitrogen compounds that can enter water from agriculture, waste and natural processes. Private wells in agricultural areas may be more vulnerable.
Fertilisers, livestock manure, sewage and septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits.
Elevated levels are particularly important for infants because of the risk of methaemoglobinaemia, often called blue-baby syndrome.
Thin-film-composite reverse osmosis, nitrate-selective anion exchange, distillation and electrodialysis.
Boiling does not remove nitrate and can concentrate it as water evaporates.
Point-of-use RO after testing
The WQA sheet lists thin-film-composite reverse osmosis for nitrate and nitrite reduction. The Tapure® Water Purifier is the relevant Tapure® point-of-use option for drinking and cooking water. Where nitrate or nitrite is suspected, particularly on a private supply, obtain a current laboratory result and confirm the required reduction before selecting equipment.
Emerging contaminants
This broad group includes medicines, personal-care ingredients, veterinary products and compounds that may interact with endocrine systems, together with their metabolites.
Human and animal excretion, disposal of unused products, landfill leachate, bathing and washing, and agricultural runoff.
The source sheet notes that detected concentrations in finished drinking water were generally far below therapeutic doses, while acknowledging environmental and consumer concern.
Activated carbon, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation/peroxidation, depending on the individual compound.
No single treatment claim can represent every PPCP or endocrine-disrupting compound.
Carbon plus RO
The uploaded source lists activated carbon and reverse osmosis among the applicable technologies. The Tapure® Water Purifier combines carbon-based pre-filtration with the RO3500 PURE membrane, making it the most relevant Tapure® option for drinking and cooking water. Purahouse® can provide broader whole-house carbon filtration, but no single claim should be made for every pharmaceutical, personal-care ingredient or endocrine-disrupting compound.
Radiological contaminants
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that may dissolve into groundwater from rocks and soils.
Natural mineral deposits and, less commonly, releases associated with mining or processing activities.
The source sheet identifies kidney toxicity and increased cancer risk as the principal concerns from elevated long-term exposure.
Strong-base anion exchange, reverse osmosis and distillation.
Testing and specialist waste-handling advice may be required where radiological contaminants are confirmed.
Point-of-use RO with specialist advice
The WQA sheet lists reverse osmosis for uranium. The Tapure® Water Purifier is the relevant point-of-use Tapure® technology for drinking water, but a confirmed radiological result requires specialist assessment, product-performance verification and advice on concentrate and filter disposal.
Metals & minerals
Cadmium is a toxic metal that can be present naturally or enter water from corrosion and industrial contamination.
Corrosion of galvanised pipes, natural deposits, metal refining, batteries, paints and contaminated runoff.
The source sheet lists acute gastrointestinal and kidney effects and long-term damage to the kidneys, liver, bones and blood at elevated exposure.
Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, distillation and, for larger systems, coagulation/filtration or lime softening.
Correcting the source of corrosion or contamination should accompany point-of-use treatment.
Point-of-use RO and source control
Reverse osmosis is listed in the WQA treatment options. The Tapure® Water Purifier can provide point-of-use treatment for drinking and cooking water. Where cadmium is linked to galvanised plumbing, industrial contamination or a private supply, the contamination source should also be investigated and corrected.
Metals & minerals
Copper is an essential nutrient, but excessive copper in drinking water can arise when corrosive water contacts copper plumbing and fittings.
Plumbing corrosion, industrial discharges and copper compounds used for algae control.
High exposure may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; severe poisoning can affect the liver, kidneys and blood.
Reverse osmosis, distillation and cation exchange, alongside corrosion control and plumbing investigation.
Blue-green staining or a metallic taste can indicate a plumbing or corrosion issue.
Whole-house support plus point-of-use RO
The Tapure® Water Purifier uses reverse osmosis, which is listed by WQA for copper reduction at the drinking-water outlet. Purahouse® also uses KDF and carbon-based media that may help reduce certain metals across the property. If copper is caused by pipe corrosion, correct the water chemistry or plumbing issue as well as treating the water.
Metals & minerals
Selenium occurs naturally in some mineral deposits and can also be released by industrial activities. It is nutritionally essential in small amounts but harmful in excess.
Natural deposits, irrigation and groundwater interactions, and releases from copper smelting.
The source sheet lists hair and fingernail changes, peripheral nervous-system effects, fatigue and irritability at excessive exposure.
Reverse osmosis, activated alumina, strong-base anion exchange and distillation.
Performance depends on whether selenium is present as selenate or selenite.
Point-of-use RO after speciation/testing
The WQA sheet lists reverse osmosis as a treatment method. The Tapure® Water Purifier is therefore the relevant Tapure® point-of-use option. Treatment performance can vary according to whether selenium is present as selenate or selenite, so laboratory analysis and product-specific verification are important.
Metals & minerals
Silver is generally present at low levels. It may also be used as a bacteriostatic material in some carbon filters and treatment devices.
Natural silver minerals and leaching from silver-containing treatment media or equipment.
Long-term excessive ingestion can cause argyria, a persistent blue-grey discolouration of skin and other tissues.
Reverse osmosis, distillation and strong-acid cation exchange.
The fact sheet describes argyria primarily as a cosmetic effect.
Point-of-use RO
The WQA sheet lists reverse osmosis for silver. The Tapure® Water Purifier can be considered for drinking and cooking water after the source and concentration have been established. If silver originates from a treatment device, that device and its media should also be reviewed.
Aesthetic water quality
Taste and odour are symptoms rather than a single contaminant. The description of the problem can help identify its likely source.
Disinfectants, algae-derived geosmin and MIB, hydrogen sulphide, iron, manganese, minerals, plumbing materials and petroleum-related compounds.
Some causes are aesthetic only; others may indicate a chemical, plumbing or microbiological issue that needs investigation.
Treatment must match the cause and may include activated carbon, aeration, oxidation, sediment filtration, specialist media or reverse osmosis.
Sudden or severe changes in taste, smell or colour should be reported to the water supplier before water is consumed.
Whole-house carbon and drinking-water RO
Purahouse® uses sediment, KDF and carbon-based stages to help improve taste and odour throughout the home. The Tapure® Water Purifier adds composite carbon filtration and reverse osmosis for drinking and cooking water. Because taste and odour can also signal plumbing, chemical or microbiological problems, the cause should be identified before relying on filtration alone.
Emerging contaminants
Perchlorate is a highly soluble ion that occurs naturally at low levels and is also associated with pyrotechnics, explosives and rocket propellants.
Manufacture, use and storage of munitions and propellants, fireworks and certain industrial processes; limited natural occurrence.
The source sheet explains that perchlorate can interfere with iodide uptake by the thyroid, with particular concern during pregnancy and childhood.
Reverse osmosis, regenerable or non-regenerable anion exchange and distillation.
The uploaded source filename was ambiguous; it has been renamed clearly for website use.
Point-of-use RO after testing
The WQA sheet lists reverse osmosis for perchlorate reduction. The Tapure® Water Purifier is the relevant point-of-use Tapure® system for drinking and cooking water. A confirmed result should be reviewed by a competent water-treatment professional so the required reduction and maintenance regime can be established.
Metals & minerals
Barium is a naturally occurring alkaline-earth metal. The health significance depends on the chemical form and how readily it dissolves in water.
Mineral deposits, drilling wastes, copper smelting and motor-vehicle-parts manufacturing.
The source sheet lists effects from high soluble-barium exposure including blood-pressure and heart-rhythm changes, muscle weakness and organ damage.
Cation exchange, reverse osmosis, distillation and electrochemical deionisation.
High sulphate can reduce dissolved barium by forming poorly soluble barium sulphate.
Point-of-use RO with water analysis
Reverse osmosis is listed by WQA as a barium treatment method. The Tapure® Water Purifier can provide point-of-use treatment for drinking and cooking. The dissolved form, sulphate level and concentration should be assessed before confirming suitability.
Metals & minerals
Chromium occurs in several chemical forms. Trivalent chromium, Cr(III), occurs naturally; hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), is more soluble and is associated with industrial processes.
Rocks and soils, metal plating, pigments, steel production, corrosion-control chemicals and industrial releases.
The source sheet identifies Cr(VI) as the greater concern, with potential gastrointestinal, skin, kidney, liver, reproductive and cancer effects.
Reverse osmosis and distillation; cation or anion exchange depending on chromium form; activated carbon may help with some organic complexes.
A total-chromium result does not identify which chromium species is present.
Point-of-use RO; identify chromium form
The WQA sheet lists reverse osmosis for trivalent and hexavalent chromium. The Tapure® Water Purifier is the primary Tapure® point-of-use option. Purahouse® KDF and carbon media may provide supplementary whole-house reduction for some metal forms, but a total-chromium result does not identify Cr(III) versus Cr(VI), so speciation and product-specific performance must be checked.
Radiological contaminants
Radium is produced naturally as uranium and thorium decay in rocks and soils. Some deeper groundwater sources may contain higher concentrations.
Natural radioactive decay within geology and groundwater-bearing formations.
The source sheet identifies increased cancer risk as the main concern from prolonged exposure.
Cation-exchange softening, reverse osmosis, distillation, electrochemical deionisation and lime softening.
Confirm treatment performance and disposal requirements with a qualified specialist.
Point-of-use RO with specialist advice
The WQA sheet lists reverse osmosis for radium. The Tapure® Water Purifier is the relevant Tapure® point-of-use technology for drinking water, but radiological contamination requires specialist confirmation, equipment verification and appropriate handling of spent filters and reject water.
Metals & minerals
Lead in tap water usually comes from plumbing materials after water has left the treatment works, including lead service pipes, older solder and some brass fittings.
Lead service lines, household plumbing, solder and fittings; industrial sources are less commonly the direct cause at the tap.
Children and unborn babies are particularly vulnerable. Lead can affect neurological development, hearing, growth, kidneys, bone marrow and red blood cells.
Source replacement is the preferred long-term solution. Certified adsorption filters, reverse osmosis, cation exchange and distillation can reduce appropriate forms of lead.
Lead may be dissolved or particulate, so technology and certification must match the form present.
Replace the source and protect drinking water
Replacing lead service pipes, solder or fittings is the preferred long-term solution. For drinking and cooking water, the Tapure® Water Purifier combines targeted carbon pre-filtration with the RO3500 PURE membrane, both technologies identified in the WQA sheet for suitable forms of lead. Purahouse® may provide supplementary whole-house filtration, but it does not replace removal of lead-containing plumbing.
No single technology is best for every contaminant. These supporting sheets explain three widely used approaches and their limitations.
GAC uses adsorption onto a highly porous carbon surface. It is widely used for chlorine, taste, odour, disinfection by-products and many organic compounds.
Important: Capacity and performance depend on carbon type, pore structure, contact time, competing contaminants and timely media replacement.
Download the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) fact sheet (PDF) →UV treatment uses germicidal light, commonly around 254 nm, to inactivate microorganisms by disrupting their ability to reproduce.
Important: UV does not remove dissolved salts, metals or most chemicals. Water clarity, dose, lamp condition and maintenance are critical.
Download the Ultraviolet (UV) Water Treatment fact sheet (PDF) →RO applies pressure to move water through a semi-permeable membrane, separating water from many dissolved ions, salts, molecules and particles.
Important: Reduction varies by contaminant, membrane, pressure, temperature, recovery, pretreatment and maintenance. Product-specific claims should be independently verified.
Download the Reverse Osmosis (RO) fact sheet (PDF) →Review your supplier’s report, the age and material of your plumbing, and whether the supply is public mains or private.
Use an appropriate accredited laboratory and sample correctly. A treatment recommendation is only as reliable as the test result.
Select equipment with verified claims for the contaminant and concentration, then follow filter-change, cleaning and servicing requirements.
Use Purahouse® for whole-property pre-filtration, the Tapure® Water Purifier for high-level drinking-water reverse osmosis, and compatible TAPOD® systems where an additional UV hygiene barrier is required. Start with the contaminant, the test result and the intended point of use.
The downloadable technical sheets are published by the Water Quality Association (WQA) and cover contaminant chemistry, occurrence, potential effects and treatment methods. They use reference values available on their publication dates and primarily cite US EPA, WHO and Health Canada information. For current requirements in England and Wales, refer to the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the applicable Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations.
Tapure® product-relevance notes are based on the treatment methods in the WQA sheets and current Tapure® product information reviewed on 13 July 2026. This content is for general education and is not medical advice, a diagnosis of a water supply, or a guarantee that a specific treatment device will reduce a contaminant. Reduction performance depends on the exact product, certification, feed-water chemistry, concentration, pressure, flow, installation and maintenance. Where there is an immediate concern about public mains water, contact the water supplier. Owners of private supplies should contact their local authority or a competent water-treatment professional.
View Drinking Water Inspectorate standards and regulations →
