How to Remove Atrazine from Your Drinking Water

What is Atrazine, and How Does It Contaminate Drinking Water?

Atrazine is an organic compound and a chlorinated herbicide widely used in the United States to control weeds in agriculture, golf courses, and residential lawns. Despite being banned in many parts of the world, atrazine remains one of the most commonly used herbicides in the US. Unfortunately, this chemical can find its way into our drinking water sources through a process called agricultural runoff.

When atrazine is applied to crop fields, such as corn and soybeans, it can be carried away by rainwater or flooding, leading to contamination of surface and groundwater sources. This poses a significant risk to drinking water supplies, particularly in rural farming communities. It’s important to note that most water treatment plants do not have specialized filtration equipment to effectively remove atrazine, resulting in low concentrations of this chemical in treated tap water.

The Potential Health Effects of Atrazine

Exposure to atrazine-contaminated drinking water can have various health effects, some of which are still being studied. The difficulty in assessing the specific health risks of atrazine lies in its combination with other agricultural chemicals and organic pollutants. However, several known health effects have been identified:

1. Reproductive System Damage: Atrazine has been linked to reproductive issues, including hormonal changes that can reduce fertility and increase the risk of congenital disabilities. Studies on frogs have shown altered reproductive systems and developmental delays in offspring exposed to atrazine.
2. Internal Organ Damage: Prolonged exposure to atrazine has been associated with liver, kidney, and heart damage. It can also cause hormone changes that affect the body’s reproduction ability.
3. Increased Cancer Risk: The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment found that even low levels of atrazine in tap water can increase cancer risk. Studies have shown a potential link between atrazine exposure and breast, ovarian, uterine, and blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.

It’s worth noting that while atrazine is not a cumulative toxicant, meaning it doesn’t build up in the body over time, its presence in drinking water can still pose long-term health risks, especially with prolonged exposure.

Testing for Atrazine in Water

Atrazine is odorless, tasteless, and does not change the color or appearance of water, making it impossible to detect without water testing. DIY test kits for atrazine are not readily available, so specialized laboratories are currently the only reliable option for testing water for this herbicide. However, some local authorities may offer reduced-cost or free testing for atrazine in residential water samples, so it’s worth checking if such programs exist in your area. 

Methods to Reduce Atrazine in Drinking Water

Removing atrazine from your drinking water is crucial for safeguarding your health and your family. Several methods have proven effective in reducing atrazine concentrations in water.

Activated Carbon Block Water Filter

Activated carbon block filters effectively remove atrazine and other organic compounds from tap water. These filters use a process called adsorption, where the atrazine molecules adhere to the activated carbon surface, effectively removing them from the water. This method can significantly improve your drinking water’s taste, smell, and overall quality.

The removal efficiency of atrazine with activated carbon block filters can range from 70% to 99.99%, depending on factors such as the initial atrazine concentration, the filter media’s surface area, and the filter system’s quality. Activated carbon filters are found in our under-sink reverse osmosis water purification systems. Our whole-home filtration systems also incorporate a large carbon filter.

Remember that filter cartridges must be regularly replaced to maintain optimal filtration performance. This goes for nearly any filtration system.

Reverse Osmosis Purification

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are considered one of the most effective methods for removing atrazine from drinking water. These systems combine carbon block filtration with membrane separation to achieve near-complete removal of atrazine and other dissolved solids.

Most RO systems utilize an activated carbon filter as the second filtration stage, effectively capturing atrazine in the RO chamber and flushing it out with wastewater. The tiny pores of the semipermeable membrane in an RO system have an average size of 0.0001 microns, ensuring that atrazine particles, which are around 0.2 microns in size, are effectively blocked.

Investing in a reverse osmosis system not only removes atrazine but also provides protection against a wide range of other contaminants, including agricultural pesticides and herbicides. Professional installation and regular filter changes are necessary to ensure optimal performance. Most of our customers change filters in their reverse osmosis systems every six to twelve months.

Choosing the Right Water Filter

With various options available, choosing the right water filter for atrazine removal depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

1. Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend upfront and how much you will allocate for filter replacements and maintenance.
2. Contaminant Removal: Assess whether you are solely concerned about atrazine or want to remove other contaminants alongside this herbicide.
3. Filtration Speed: Decide whether you prefer on-demand filtration or are willing to wait for slower filtration like reverse osmosis.
4. Installation and Maintenance: Consider your installation preferences and the level of maintenance you are willing to undertake for the system.

Additional Tips for Safe Drinking Water

In addition to using water filters to remove atrazine from your drinking water, there are other steps you can take to ensure the safety and quality of your water:

1. Regular Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for filter replacement and system maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
2. Monitor Water Quality: Stay informed about the quality of your tap water by reviewing annual water quality reports or contacting your water utility for the latest test results.
3. Proper Storage: Store drinking water in clean, food-grade containers away from direct sunlight and chemicals. Replace stored water regularly to maintain freshness.
4. Boiling Water: Boiling water for at least one minute can kill bacteria, viruses, and some parasites, but it does not remove chemicals like atrazine.
5. Source Water Assessment: If you rely on well water, regularly test your water for atrazine and other contaminants. Consult a professional if necessary.

Removing atrazine from your drinking water is essential for safeguarding your health and well-being. Atrazine contamination can have severe health effects, including reproductive system damage, internal organ damage, and increased cancer risk. Testing your water for atrazine and implementing effective filtration methods such as activated carbon block filters, reverse osmosis systems, or whole-home filtration systems can significantly reduce atrazine concentrations. 

By taking proactive steps to remove atrazine from your drinking water, you can enjoy clean, safe, and refreshing water for you and your family. Stay informed, test your water, and invest in reliable filtration systems to ensure your peace of mind and well-being.