The fast facts about water filters: they minimize odor, get rid of funky tastes, and take care of turbidity issues. But the main reason that people choose filtered water is health. The water infrastructure in the United States recently received a D rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The organization cited polluted water bodies and depleted aquifers as top concerns.

With heavy metals like lead and chemicals like chlorine ever-present in our water supply, it’s a relief to hear that filtered water can improve our health and protect us from serious health issues. But how?

Reduce Risk of Cancer

Most tap water is treated with chemicals to remove microorganisms. Chemicals like chlorine and chloramines are effective at flushing out micro-organisms, but they can cause health problems on their own. Chlorine can interact with organic compounds in the water supply to create disinfection by-products. Trihalomethanes (THMs) are one form of by-products and are known to increase your risk of cancer and potentially cause reproductive issues. Chlorine and chloramines are linked to an increased risk of developing bladder and rectal cancers.

The health benefits of filtered water include a reduced risk of cancer simply because you aren’t exposed to these harmful chemicals. Filtered water is pure, clean, and safe to drink.

Protect From Diseases

When the pipes leak, corrode or break harmful microorganisms like E. coli bacteria can find their way into your drinking water from surrounding soil and water bodies. Waterborne pathogens can cause issues ranging from mild abdominal cramping to Legionnaires’ disease.

A water filtration system equipped with ultraviolet light (or UV) protection will destroy a pathogen or microorganism’s ability to reproduce. Filtered water can protect you and your family from a wide variety of viruses and diseases caused by organic matter.

Moisturize Your Skin and Hair

Showering in chlorinated water can cause your skin to become dry, cracked, red, and irritated. Chlorinated water can also dull your hair. All of these symptoms are common with swimmers who spend time in local pools, but for the shower in your home, there’s no need to irritate your skin and hair with chlorine.

Whole house water filtration systems filter contaminants like chlorine and chloramines as they enter your home. Your water is free of harsh chemicals whether it comes out of your kitchen sink or the showerhead. If you shower in filtered water for a few months you may notice that your hair is more vibrant and your skin is softer and more supple.

Clean Your Food

Something as simple as washing your greens in the sink before you prepare a salad can infect your lunch with chlorine and other harsh chemicals. Over time ingesting chlorine in your food can increase your risk of developing breast cancer — Scientific American points out that women with breast cancer have 50-60% more chlorine by-products in their breast tissue when compared to cancer-free women. Filtered water protects you from the dangers of ingesting chlorine in your food.

By preparing your food with chemical- and contaminant-free filtered water you also prepare tastier, better meals. Chlorine can affect the taste and color of some foods, especially products like pasta and bread.