If you are using tap water to make baby formula, please read this article. The chlorine and other chemicals present in publicly treated supplies are believed to be “safe” for adult consumption, but not for infants or toddlers.

In fact, the maximum contamination levels (MCLs) were determined by estimating what would be toxic to a 150 pound adult that drinks a liter of tap-water everyday. In the US, the EPA has different MCLs for children and babies. But, it is up to parents to read those MCLs and then read the Consumer Confidence Report provided by their local facility.

I have looked at reports from around the US and all of the MCLs exceed the safe level for infants and children.

The EPA warns that chlorine can cause anemia in children. So, if you are using tap water to make baby formula and you don’t have a chlorine filter on your faucet, then you are risking your child’s health. Chlorine is not the only problem. I’m not trying to scare parents. I just want to make sure that they have good information.

In DC, Baltimore, Richmond, Atlanta and other major cities, lead is present in publicly treated supplies.

The level of lead is higher in many homes, because of older lead joints that have been corroded by chlorine over time. The lead seeps into the water as it travels through the pipes. By the time that it gets to your home, the level can be quite high.

Many facilities offer in-home testing for concerned residents, but it is just as simple to assume that it is there and install a purifier with an ion exchange step to remove lead. They are not expensive.

Instead of using tap water to make baby formula, I have seen parents buying jugs of “nursery water”.

That is not the best solution. Not only does it cost more annually than you would spend on a home purifier and replacement filters, the jugs are another source of contamination.

Chemicals used to create the plastic jugs and bottles seep into liquids that are stored within them. Just ask any chemist. He or she will tell you that when they need pure liquids, they do not store them in plastic.

The plastic chemicals that are most talked about are phthalates and BPA. They are endocrine disruptors that are particularly hazardous to growing children.

They can cause permanent changes in the reproductive tract, as well as other health problems.

Using tap water to make baby formula is fine, as long as you have a good filter on your kitchen faucet.

You might also want to consider purchasing a filter for the bathroom, so that you can fill the babies tub with filtered water. The chemicals present in tap-water can be absorbed through, soap supplies, the skin.

It is also recommended that you check your baby shampoo and soaps for hazardous chemicals.

You can never be too safe, when it comes to your baby.

Those are the facts about using tap water to make baby formula. I hope you found them informative.