Tap water in Taiwan's coastal areas contained high levels of chemicals such as lead and arsenic, exceeding the limits set by the Environmental Protection Administration, and may result in Blackfoot Disease, according to the survey conducted by the Environmental Technology Research Center at Yuan Ze University.

The survey also found a high density of free chlorine residues, which destroy Vitamin C in human bodies, in Huwei Township, Yunlin County and Shanhua Township, Tainan County.

"The commonly used reverse osmosis systems do not necessarily purify the water, especially in areas where the arsenic (levels) are higher," said Wang Chao-yen, manager of the research center.

She added that the water purification system usually also filters minerals that are vital to human beings.

The high frequency of typhoons and landslides in Taiwan tend to worsen the quality of drinking water, noted Lin Kun-sung, director of the research center.

Lin noted that households should clean their water towers every six months and choose water purifiers that suit their living environments, otherwise the purified water might be more dangerous than unfiltered tap water.

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