In most cases, it's safe to drink tap water during pregnancy. Public drinking water in the United States is carefully regulated and routinely tested, but contaminants like lead, bacteria, and chemicals can occasionally make their way into the water supply. Polluted water is unsafe for anyone to drink, but it can be especially harmful for expectant moms and young children.
Here's what to know about drinking tap water while you're expecting and how to make sure yours is safe.
What does "safe water" mean?
"Safe water" is tap water that's unlikely to harm you if you drink it. Safe water contains low levels of contaminants like microorganisms and organic and inorganic chemicals.[1]
What are some common water contaminants?
That crystal clear water pouring from the tap may (rarely) contain contaminants that at high levels may cause problems for young children and pregnant women. A few of the most common contaminants and why they’re especially problematic during pregnancy include:
Lead
One of the most serious toxic substances, lead can leach into tap water through corroded lead pipes, including those in your home or those that bring water to your neighborhood.
Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder than newer homes, and pipe corrosion is more likely to occur when your water has high acidity or low mineral content.
Lead exposure during pregnancy and childhood has been associated with various cognitive and attention-related behavioral problems later on.[2]
Microorganisms and bacteria
E.coli, Giardia, and noroviruses can potentially infiltrate a city’s water supply or your neighborhood well water through sewage or animal waste contamination.
These can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, which can be more problematic during pregnancy because your immune system is somewhat suppressed.
Pesticides
The organic chemicals glyphosate or atrazine may get into the water from agricultural pesticides and runoff from crop production. Some evidence suggests drinking atrazine-contaminated water can affect a baby’s growth in utero.[3]
Industrial chemicals
These enter the water supply from factory and manufacturing plant runoff.
Disinfection byproducts
Chloroform is one example of this type of contaminant, which forms when chemical disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in water. Some small studies have found a link between disinfection byproducts in drinking water and an increased risk of birth defects, but most experts agree the evidence is too limited to be conclusive.
Nitrates and nitrites
These end up in the water supply through fertilizer, livestock manure, and human sewage runoff. Some studies have linked high levels of nitrates with thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women, which may lead to complications, but more research is needed.
Arsenic
This metal contaminant can enter the water supply from natural deposits in the earth or from industrial pollution. Elevated arsenic levels in private wells may come from agricultural pollution. High levels of arsenic during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and preterm birth.
Get more expert advice, track your pregnancy, and connect with other moms who have similar concerns in our free What to Expect app.
How can I ensure I'm drinking safe water during pregnancy?
Water testing can tell you how safe your tap water is. How your water is tested depends on whether your water comes from a public water system or a private well.
About 90% of the water in the U.S. comes from public water systems, which are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The other 10% of water in the U.S. comes from private wells.
Public water supply
Most drinking water in the U.S. comes from public water systems, so you usually don’t have to worry about its safety. Most cities’ water supply is tested frequently and considered safe to drink unless the local government notifies you otherwise.
In the event of a natural disaster or chemical spill, pay attention to alerts and warnings about disruptions to the water supply, which could affect how safe it is to drink.
If you haven’t heard any local warnings but want to be extra safe, you can contact your local water supplier, health department, or the EPA. The EPA requires all community water systems to prepare an annual report called a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR),[4] so you can request a copy from your local water utility.
What might signal a problem with your tap water? You may notice that:
- The taste is off
- It smells funny
- The color isn’t right
- Your pipes are deteriorating
If there’s a possibility that your water supply is compromised, you can arrange to have it tested. You can get a list of certified testing laboratories from your state or local drinking water authority. Talk to your health care practitioner if you have questions.
The nonprofit Environmental Working Group has a database of information on tap water. Simply type in your ZIP code or state for a list of water contaminants in your location.
Private well water
If your water comes from a private well, it’s a good idea to have it tested every year or two, just to make sure it doesn’t have high levels of chemicals that could harm you or your developing baby.[5]
Experts recommend testing more often if there are known problems with well water in your area, if there was any flooding or ground disturbance in your area, or if you notice a change in water taste, color, or odor. Check in with your practitioner to see whether that applies to you.[6]
What can I do if my water isn't safe?
If testing reveals that your water is contaminated, you can make a few changes to ensure the water you’re drinking is safe:
Install a filter
Invest in a water filter designed to filter specific water contaminants. For example, if your water supply tests for unsafe levels of lead, choose a filter that's certified to reduce or eliminate lead — then use that filtered water for both drinking and cooking.
"Our reverse osmosis filter was the best investment," says What to Expect Community mom luvebeinamama. "It also tastes so much better."
Buy bottled
Use bottled water for both cooking and drinking if your tap water contains contaminants. Be aware, however, that not all bottled water is free of impurities. Some bottled water actually comes from the tap.
Look for NSF certification on the label, which indicates the bottler meets regulatory requirements and industry quality standards.
"I live in an area where our tap water is pretty unsafe to drink and have only been drinking bottled water," says Community mom Manatee123.
Boil water before use
If the contamination in your water is bacterial, boiling water before use can kill microbes — but only if health officials have told the public that such steps are enough for your water. Boiling water isn’t effective, for instance, if your water contains lead, arsenic, or nitrates.
Let it stand
If your water smells or tastes like chlorine (which is often used to disinfect water), let it stand uncovered for 24 hours so the chlorine can dissipate.
Flush your pipes
If testing shows that your city’s water supply is lead-free but you have lead pipes in your home, flush your pipes by running the cold water until it becomes as cold as it will get before using it for drinking or cooking. That’s because the more time water sits in your pipes, the more lead it may contain.
Depending on how long the water has been sitting in the pipes, flushing may take anywhere from 5 seconds to 2 minutes or longer.
Remember to use only water from the cold water tap for drinking and cooking, since hot water is likely to contain higher levels of lead.
If your city’s water supply itself is lead-contaminated, flushing your pipes is not enough to make it safe. Only filtered or bottled water is okay for drinking or cooking.
Even if the only lead is in your home’s pipes, filtered or bottled water is your best bet when you’re expecting — just to be extra sure there’s no chance your baby is exposed.
Some reassuring news about lead-contaminated water: Bathing and showering are generally considered safe for you and your children, even if the water contains high levels of lead. Just don’t drink it.
What about BPA in my water bottle?
In recent years there’s been increased awareness about possible health risks linked to bisphenol A (BPA), an industrial chemical used in hard plastics and in the lining of food and beverage containers, because it can mimic estrogen.[7] If you want to avoid BPA during pregnancy, stick to BPA-free water bottles. Avoid those with the numbers 3, 6, or 7 on the bottom, or use stainless steel or glass containers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned BPA in the manufacture of baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula cans.
It's important that you drink enough water to stay well hydrated during pregnancy. So it's worth taking a few simple steps to make sure the water you're drinking is safe.
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