I'll bet you didn't know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors sixty-nine different chemicals in tap water. That just covers the organic and inorganic chemicals, not to mention eighteen other contaminants. If you fill your drinking glass from the tap, you might be interested to know how these organic and inorganic chemicals in tap water can affect the health of you and your family.

Ingested at dangerous levels by drinking tap water, organic chemicals such as Toxaphene and Xylenes can cause damage to the kidneys, the liver, endocrine glands and the central nervous system. In addition, they increase your risk of contracting cancer. Dinoseb and Dioxin, for example, may inhibit the reproductive system. These organic chemicals in tap water can be detrimental to the overall health of you and your family.

Inorganic chemicals like Beryllium or Selenium are known to cause intestinal lesions, hair and fingernail loss, and problems with the circulatory system. Even copper corrosion from the pipes in your home's plumbing can harm you from simply drinking tap water.

Short term exposure may cause gastrointestinal distress-a stomach ache. Long term effects include liver and kidney damage.

The EPA even recommends that people with Wilson's Disease (a genetic disorder that prevents the body from getting rid of copper) consult a physician when copper levels in tap water exceed a safe level.

So, how do you protect yourself and your family from overexposure to these harmful chemicals in tap water? Are you thinking "water purification system"? To help you decide on one, here are a few types to consider.

Water purification systems are available from the personal size up to and beyond whole house units. If you drink tap water, these systems will suit your lifestyle. Whether you need to fill a sports bottle at the gym or if you want the water in your home to run cleaner, there is a water system for you.

Say, for instance, the water fountain at the gym looks unappealing and the bottled water behind the refrigerated glass at the juice bar commands top dollar. What alternative do you have?

A sports bottle filter is your best option. Sport bottle filters trap chemicals in tap water, like lead and chlorine, with disposable filter cartridges. You get safe, great tasting water with the convenience of filling up at the public tap.

For the home, an easy to install counter top or under the counter filtration unit economically turns the regular water you would drink from the tap into a refreshing beverage. Counter top units are inexpensive and attach right to your sink. Under the counter units mount out of the way, and install with ease for the qualified plumber.

Both types of system filter out lead, chlorine, VOCs and MTBE. Perhaps the best thing about the counter mount filtration systems shows in the quality of water you taste. The trace elements that give water its refreshing quality remain in your drinking glass.

Also for the home, but on a larger scale than the counter filters, is the whole house water filter. Economically priced and inexpensive relative to the confidence you will share with your family, a whole house water filter is a wise investment.

You will notice the difference a whole house filter makes when you drink tap water, wash laundry, and take a shower. The quality of your home life will increase instantly.

Underwriters Laboratories certifies these systems, so you know that you buying a safe and tested product. You will never have to worry about chemicals in the tap water again.

Your next step? Take what you've learned about chemicals in tap water and make an informed decision about which systems are right for you and your family. You will not go wrong. Buy the water filtration systems that give you the confidence to drink tap water.

For free information on how to protect yourself from water contaminated with carcinogens, traces of drugs, hormones, parasites and other toxins click here. Lauren Leddy is a consumer advocate and a dedicated researcher of health related issues. Visit her website now at http://www.safe-water-purifier.com and discover what she has learned that will help you select the very best water filtration system for your home or office.