
Debunking 5 Common Water Myths: The Truth About Drinking Water Contaminants
Water is essential for life, and access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental human right. However, concerns about water quality and the presence of contaminants have led to a flood of information, sometimes conflicting, about what’s in our tap water. Read on as we delve into the truth about drinking water contaminants, dispelling common myths and presenting the facts to help you make informed decisions about your water sources.
Myth #1: Tap Water Is Always Safe to Drink
Fact: While many developed countries have strict regulations governing tap water quality, it’s not a universal guarantee of safety. Aging infrastructure, industrial pollution, and natural contaminants can still affect the quality of tap water. Contaminants in drinking water can also pose significant health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to contaminants in drinking water can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal illnesses, developmental problems in children, and even certain types of cancer. Therefore, understanding and addressing these contaminants is crucial for safeguarding your health and well-being.
Tip: Regular water quality testing is essential to ensure that your tap water meets safety standards.
Myth #2: Bottled Water Is Safer Than Tap Water
Fact: Bottled water is not inherently safer than tap water. In fact, some studies have found that bottled water may contain contaminants like microplastics. These tiny plastic particles can leach from the plastic bottles themselves and have been detected in various bottled water brands. When ingested over time, microplastics can potentially pose health risks.
Tip: Using reusable bottles helps reduce the 50 billion plastic water bottles sold in the US every year.
Myth #3: Boiling Water Removes All Contaminants
Fact: Boiling water can kill most harmful bacteria and pathogens, making it safer to drink in emergencies. However, it does not remove chemical contaminants or heavy metals and in some cases, boiling water can even concentrate these contaminants, making the water more toxic. If there are concerns about chemical contaminants or heavy metals in the water supply, additional treatment methods, such as using activated carbon filters or chemical purification, may be necessary to ensure the water’s safety for consumption.
Tip: The CDC recommends boiling water for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) to ensure it’s safe to drink.
Myth #4: Filtration Systems Are 100% Effective

Fact: Water filtration systems vary in their effectiveness and the types of contaminants they can remove. For example, basic carbon filters are effective at improving taste and odor by removing common impurities like chlorine, but they are not sufficient to eliminate heavier contaminants such as lead, mercury, or certain chemical pollutants that can be present in your water supply. It’s essential to choose a filtration system based on the specific contaminants present in your water and to regularly replace filters as recommended.
Tip: RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems are typically the best option for removing a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved salts, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and certain chemical pollutants, from your drinking water. Learn more about different water filtration systems in this Goettl Homeowner Tip on YouTube:
Myth #5: Water Contaminants Are a Third-World Problem
Fact: Water contamination is a global issue with wide-ranging implications for public health and the environment. While developed countries often boast more robust water treatment infrastructure, they are not immune to challenges. For example, in the United States, much of the water infrastructure is reaching the end of its useful life, with some pipes dating back a century. This aging infrastructure can lead to issues like leaks and water main breaks, potentially introducing contaminants into the water supply.
According to the Environmental Defense Fund, emerging contaminants, including PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also pose an ongoing challenge worldwide. PFAs—also known as “Forever Chemicals”—are synthetic compounds found all over the environment that don’t break down easily. A recent study found that more than 200 million Americans are exposed to PFAs in their tap water.
Tip: A reverse osmosis water filtration system is the most effective tool for removing PFAs, according to Goettl Master Plumber Gary Eisenhauer. To access information about your public water system, such as system characteristics, sampling data, violations, and enforcement, utilize tools like the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Federal Reporting Services.
Safeguarding Our Water Supply
Access to clean, safe drinking water is a vital part of public health, and understanding the truth about water contaminants is crucial. While many myths persist, it’s essential to rely on scientific facts and regularly monitor your water source’s quality. Whether you use tap water, bottled water, or natural sources, being informed and taking appropriate precautions can help ensure that your drinking water is safe for you and your family. Water is life, and it’s our responsibility to safeguard it.
GET SAFER DRINKING WATER IN YOUR HOME
Goettl experts can help you make the switch to a whole-home water purification system. Contact us today to provide you and your loved ones with pure and clean drinking water that’s easy to access. Contact Goettl today for expert advice and professional installation services.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Us

I look forward towards the next project. Thanks!




Outstanding Plumbing Service –
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Above and Beyond — 10-Star Service
Martin Alamaguer Morones did an absolutely exceptional job repairing our attic. From start to finish, his professionalism, skill, and attention to detail were outstanding. He clearly explained what needed to be done, worked efficiently, and delivered results that exceeded our expectations.
The quality of Martin’s workmanship is top-tier, and it’s obvious he takes great pride in his work. He was punctual, respectful of our home, and left everything clean and in perfect condition. The repairs were done right the first time, giving us complete peace of mind.
If we could give Martin 10 stars, he would absolutely deserve them. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for reliable, honest, and high-quality repair work. We wouldn’t hesitate to hire him again.
As always…..Thank you Goettl for EXCELLENT CONTINUOUS SERVICE!








By the end of the day, I had hot water and Mark left no sign of a mess behind.
I was surprised at such fast service and impressed by everyone I interacted with.
Great company!



Gilbert was very knowledgeable and explained what he had done for us and about insulation. If you had a scale to 10, Gilbert would earn that 10! Thanks.





His help was very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Shawn











Tai Fernandez-Estabillo, service rep is excellent. I deal with a lot of contractors in my student housing operation and he is at the top of his field. Proud to know him. Thanks for the professional service Tai.



Husam, Raymond, Johnny, Joe, Marcus; Very professional and great communication skills. Great service all around!





Mike was so very thorough and explained each thing that he was taking care of, that I asked him if I could request him for our next service.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to renew my membership with GOETTL, but after such a great experience with Mike, I’m definitely renewing..





Daniel came out to perform my yearly maintenance review he did a great job. He was very informative. Provided recommendations and very knowledgeable. Very polite and professional. I would recommend him for services






Goettl is not cheap, although their service visit is very inexpensive, their quotes are almost always considerably higher. The service from an employee like Gilbert, however, is the sole reason why I would even consider entertaining a higher cost.

you Goettl!













William came out for warranty work in September and quickly got our issue diagnosed and up and working again. It's always scary when your AC goes out in Texas, so I appreciate the effort to get the work done and resolved quickly.


Recommend Highly!

He certainly understands what Customer Service is all about!
Joey was on time, well-mannered, and very professional. He took care of our problem, took time to explain all aspects of the project in detail, and left the work area nice and clean.
We will definitely utilize Goettl’s services in the future, as needed and have nothing but the highest praise for Joey Martin!







I would recommend him.



Junior and Anthony just came out to finish the hvac job in my complicated 106 year old house. They were kind and professional, just all round great young me who know their craft. My heat works great and i do not have to go into the attic anymore to change the filters.



Thermostat. Stopped working on Monday night 10/20 /2025. GOETTL Tech. Kevin Andrew text to notify me of his ETA. Was very punctual. Explain what the problem was, he checked it out , went up to attic and found the problem. Explain to me the issues that was causing the A/C Thermostat to turn off. Went into detail explaining to me what was causing the A/C Thermostat to turn off. He was very professionalc and ourteous.
Thank you Kevin... Blessings

Explained everything clearly and was very respectful..
Thanks for a job well done Frank.













As usual we are very satisfied with Goettl













I had such a good experience with Goettl the last time, that I decided to use them again for HVAC. Kevin was the technician assigned to my job. He was very professional and provided me with a thorough and accurate diagnosis. He patiently explained everything to me and walked me through the recommended repairs and even shared alternative solutions. I have the information I need and feel comfortable moving forward. I’m in good hands. I will be requesting him as my technician for all future calls.

Like most people, I typically search for the cheapest service I can find, and I end up having other plumbers come out to check out issues with my tankless water heater, who run their mouths, upsell parts (that don't seem to be causing the problem), and generally don't really know enough about tankless water heaters. This time, I decided to go with an experienced company with a good reputation, and I am glad that I did - Goettl's prices are very reasonable and worth the service they provide.
Juan, was very knowledgeable, patient, and persistent. Even better, he was careful and humble enough to acknowledge that he didn't know everything and checked with the manufacturer at every step. Juan spent a great deal of time helping me diagnose the problem (which always seems impossible to ascertain quickly with machines like tankless water heaters), and went above and beyond to ensure that my guests and I had hot water tonight.
Juan never got frustrated; he handled everything carefully and made sure to clean up after himself when he was done. If I can have Juan take care of all of my plumbing or AC issues in the future, I will. And if you're reading reviews to decide whether to call Goettl for your issue, I would encourage you to trust their service and experience. My experience with Juan was definitely memorable.
We now have hot water again. Can I get a "hell yeah"?








We had a concerning plumbing issue, and Geo was able to diagnose the problem with impressive speed and accuracy. What I really appreciated was that he took the time to clearly explain what was wrong, showed me what he was looking at, and gave me honest, practical advice on the best solution.
He had the issue resolved in no time at all. The whole experience was seamless, from the quick scheduling to the efficient and high-quality work. It’s so refreshing to find a technician who is not only a master of his craft but also a genuinely kind and trustworthy person.
A huge thank you to Geo and the entire team at Goettl. You have a customer for life! If you need a plumber, ask for Geo—you’ll be in the best hands

We had a concerning plumbing issue, and Geo was able to diagnose the problem with impressive speed and accuracy. What I really appreciated was that he took the time to clearly explain what was wrong, showed me what he was looking at, and gave me honest, practical advice on the best solution.
He had the issue resolved in no time at all. The whole experience was seamless, from the quick scheduling to the efficient and high-quality work. It’s so refreshing to find a technician who is not only a master of his craft but also a genuinely kind and trustworthy person.
A huge thank you to Geo and the entire team at Goettl. You have a customer for life! If you need a plumber, ask for Geo—you’ll be in the best hands





Call Goettl and was able to get us on the schedule due to a cancellation they had.
Jef Eusepi our tech was fantastic.
He explained everything and showed us pictures of what he was doing and fixing.
Would definitely recommend this Company and Jef.












I have seen Goettl vans all over town and so I called them.
Got appointment right away and the Technician, Jef Eusepi, took care of our problem.









Thank you,
Greg Sanches





















This past week our service technician was Andrew Morgan and he is such a friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled technician. He spent time making sure the job was done correctly and he explained it in terms that I could understand. Not only is our unit functioning even better than before, I also gained knowledge of how the system works.













I highly recommend Goettl as this is the second time l've used them in less than a year. (2 seperate issues)... and I highly recommend them..anytime and anyday.
They have exceeded to top any expectations I could have ever had with any company.








The company is installing a tankless heater and the customer service is outstanding.
I recommend Geottl to all!


They made sure my carpet was covered and when they were all through they cleaned up perfectly
I would recommend your company to anyone looking to put in a new air conditioner.
Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Sincerely, June Jones

And I would highly recommend the company and the quality technicians like Jarod.
Jarod is the go to if you want excellent
Customer service and communication for any AC related issues. He is very knowledgeable, personable and trustworthy. I am grateful and satisfied.






They listened to my issue, were very through, checked for leaks, etc. I’ve lived in Lakeway for 30 years, used MANY local plumbers - but Goettl will definitely get all my business moving forward. HIGHLY recommend!
Ty, Wil & Adrian!

Everyone from the Goettl sales representative Christian, Tech / Advisor Josias recommended a HVAC A/C and Heating system replacement. Technicians team Veronica and her partner.


