The Big Impact of Unfiltered Tap Water effects on Your Home and Health

Colorado Springs: Is Your Tap Water Really as Safe as It Looks?

For many homeowners in Colorado Springs, turning on the tap and pouring a glass of water is just another part of the daily routine. But behind that seemingly clean stream can lurk unseen risks. Whether you’re drinking it, cooking with it, or bathing in it, unfiltered tap water effects are far more significant than most people realize—especially over time.

At Rocky Mountain Plumbing Services, we’ve helped countless families understand and improve their home’s water quality. If you’ve ever questioned whether your tap water is truly clean, this blog is for you. Let’s break down how unfiltered water affects both your health and your home—and what you can do about it.

Glass full of unfiltered tap water

What’s Really in Your Tap Water?

Colorado Springs sources its water from mountain streams, reservoirs, and treated groundwater. While local treatment plants work hard to meet federal standards, the truth is that these standards don’t always eliminate all contaminants. What’s more, some pollutants come from your own plumbing.

Common culprits found in local tap water include:

• Chlorine and chloramine (used for disinfection)

• Lead and copper (from older pipes)

• Sediment and rust (from pipe corrosion)

• PFAS and other industrial chemicals

• Bacteria or viruses in well water areas

Even in trace amounts, these can build up over time, leading to long-term effects of unfiltered water exposure.

Unfiltered Tap Water Effects on Health

Let’s start with the most important issue—your health. The dangers of unfiltered tap water can range from mild irritation to serious, chronic conditions.

Skin and Hair Issues

Chlorine and other chemical disinfectants can cause:

• Dry, itchy, or irritated skin

• Rashes and flare-ups in conditions like eczema

• Brittle hair that feels dull or hard to manage

Digestive and Internal Health

Heavy metals like lead and copper, as well as PFAS (forever chemicals), have been linked to:

• Hormonal disruptions

• Reproductive issues

• Kidney and liver stress

• Increased risk of certain cancers

Children and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the effects of unfiltered drinking water.

Taste and Odor Issues

While not necessarily a health hazard, bad-tasting or smelling water often discourages people from staying hydrated—leading to its own set of health problems.

Unfiltered Tap Water Effects on Your Plumbing and Appliances

It’s not just your body that suffers from unfiltered water. Your home's plumbing system and appliances take a hit too. Let’s look at the most common ways unfiltered tap water damages your home:

1. Mineral Buildup in Pipes

Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals build up inside pipes, reducing water flow and increasing the risk of clogs and corrosion.

2. Appliance Wear and Tear

Your dishwasher, water heater, and washing machine all rely on clean water to function efficiently. Unfiltered tap water can:

• Shorten appliance lifespans due to scale buildup

• Reduce energy efficiency

• Cause breakdowns that require expensive repairs

3. Fixture and Faucet Damage

Visible mineral stains on your faucets and showerheads are more than cosmetic—they’re a sign that your water is causing long-term damage to fixtures and plumbing joints.

Long-Term Effects of Unfiltered Water Exposure

Even if you don’t notice immediate problems, prolonged exposure to unfiltered water compounds the risks. Over time, you could face:

• More frequent plumbing repairs

• Higher utility bills from inefficient appliances

• Chronic skin conditions or persistent dry hair

• Mounting health concerns from continued exposure to contaminants

  
  

How to Protect Your Health and Home in Colorado Springs

The good news? You don’t need to live with these risks. At Rocky Mountain Plumbing Services, we specialize in Colorado Springs water filtration systems that eliminate the guesswork.

Benefits of Installing a Water Filtration System:

• Removes harmful contaminants including chlorine, lead, sediment, and PFAS

• Protects plumbing systems and appliances

• Improves water taste and smell

• Promotes healthier skin and hair

• Encourages hydration with cleaner, better-tasting water

We offer whole-house water filtration systems and under-sink filter systems, custom-fitted for your home and water quality.

Ready for Safer, Cleaner Water?

If you're concerned about unfiltered tap water effects, you're not alone. Whether you're seeing buildup on your fixtures or just want peace of mind about your family’s health, we’re here to help.

Contact Rocky Mountain Plumbing Services today to schedule a free in-home water consultation. We’ll test your water, review your options, and recommend a filtration system that protects what matters most—your home and your health.