Your Water Looks Clear - But Is It Safe?
Approximately 90% of Americans receive their drinking water from public water systems. These systems are regulated and maintained by local, state, or federal agencies to ensure water quality and safety through extensive cleaning processes that end with chlorination. While ingestion of small amounts of chlorinated water is generally considered safe, as regulatory standards limit chlorine levels to minimize risk, there has been concern about potential long-term effects related to disinfection. Tap water contamination can also cause a host of other chemicals to be in public water, such as:
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts
Chlorine and chloramine are commonly used disinfectants.
Byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) may form during disinfection.
Minerals and Inorganic Chemicals
Calcium, magnesium (which contribute to water hardness)
Nitrates and nitrites, often originating from fertilizer runoff
Fluoride, sometimes added to aid dental health
Lead and copper, which can leach from plumbing materials
Arsenic, naturally occurring in some groundwater sources
Organic Chemicals
Pesticides and herbicides from agricultural runoff
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene, usually from industrial pollution
Industrial solvents and fuels
Radionuclides
Radium, uranium, and radon can be present naturally in groundwater
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products
Trace amounts of medications and chemicals from human waste can occasionally be detected
Regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set standards to control the levels of these chemicals, ensuring drinking water safety and quality.
The good news is, there are lots of water solutions out there to ensure what you are drinking, whether from a well or public water, is free of contaminants. If you need any advice, feel free to call and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
In the meantime, whether you have public water or well, here are three simple maintenance tips to have peace of mind when hydrating your body, and your loved ones, all day long:
1 - Install/maintain a water solution. Now is the perfect time to get your carbon filtration, water solution or water softener serviced. If you use your fridge for water, check/replace your fridge filter.
2 - Test water (public or well). Make sure your water is safe to drink and wash with. If you have a well, do an annual water test to check for bacteria and germs. Even if you have a water solution installed for public water, the only true way to know that the solution is working is by periodically testing your water.
3 - Inspect well mechanics. If it's been a few years since you last checked your well, it's time to check your well components to make sure everything is still working properly.
Regular maintenance of your water and water solutions not only contributes to a healthy body, but it also helps prevent costly repairs in your home and extends the life of your well and/or appliances throughout your home that use water.
Need help with water testing or a mechanical well inspection? Interested in a Reverse Osmosis System installed at your kitchen sink?
Just Maintenance can help install. For our DIYers..we have a video on our YouTube Channel that walks through how to install a sink water filtration system.
Give us a call at 267-328-4220 or fill out our easy request form online.
You can count on Just Maintenance to be a resource for your home maintenance needs and questions. Our services include annual home maintenance plans, residential prep for sale, home consultations, and your growing home irritation list.
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Click here to find out more on what causes water tap contamination.