Do you know if your tap water is safe to drink? Many people don’t realize that the tap water in their homes may not be as clean as they think. Various contaminants can be found in tap water, and it’s important to know what these are and how to test for them.
In this blog post, we will discuss the reality of tap water and how you can test it for safety. We will also talk about common contaminants and how to filter them out of your drinking water.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Determining if tap water is safe to drink is a difficult question to answer, as tap water quality can vary significantly based on your area and water source. For instance, some homes rely on municipal water supplies, while others may get their water from private wells.
Tap Water from Municipal Treatment Centers
Local water treatment centers treat municipal tap water. These facilities are supposed to remove bacteria, toxins, and other contaminants from tap water. However, tap water can still contain chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, and lead, which may concern some people.
Tap Water from Private Wells
Private wells are not subject to the same regulations as tap water from municipal treatment centers. This means private wells may contain more contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals.
Whether your water comes from a well, a treatment plant, or some other source, the best way to know whether your tap water is safe is by testing it. This can be done in a variety of ways, including both home and lab tests.
Common Contaminants in Tap Water
Tap water from both public and private sources can contain various contaminants. It’s important to understand these contaminants and how they could affect your health if consumed at high levels.
Typical tap water contaminants can include:
- Bacteria and Viruses: Bacteria and viruses are microscopic organisms that can make you sick. They can be found in tap water, even after treatment.
- Heavy Metals: Lead, copper, and other metals can leach into tap water from pipes and fittings. These can have toxic effects on the body over time.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are chemicals like solvents, paints, and cleaning products that can evaporate into tap water.
- Chlorine: Chlorine is used to treat tap water in treatment plants, but it can leave a bad taste and may be linked to certain health risks.
- Nitrates and Nitrites: Nitrates and nitrites can enter tap water from farm runoff or fertilizer. They can be dangerous for infants and young children.
- Pesticides: Pesticides from agricultural runoff can also end up in tap water, even after it has been treated.
Tap Water Testing
Not sure about water safety in your area? By the time you hear any public safety announcements about potential tap water contamination, you and your family may have already been exposed. That’s why it’s essential to consider tap water testing on your own.
Testing tap water helps identify any potential contaminants that may be present in your specific drinking water. It can also determine if the water is safe to consume. With plumbing infrastructure aging around us and water crises making headlines across the United States, it’s vital to stay ahead with tap water testing options.
Types of Tap Water Testing
There are two main types of tap water testing: home tests and lab tests. Home test kits can be purchased online or at most hardware stores, and they use chemical strips to detect the presence of contaminants in tap water. However, professional analysis is more comprehensive and reliable.
On the other hand, lab tests are more accurate than home tests as they use sophisticated equipment to analyze tap water samples. The results of a lab test can identify not only specific contaminants but also their levels in tap water. When these results are presented to you by water safety professionals, you can also reap the benefit of their expert recommendations to ensure your water is safe and clean.
Home Water Filtration Systems
If tap water testing reveals contaminants present in your tap water, then quick action is required. In particular, you may want to consider installing a home filtration system. These systems work by removing potential contaminants from your tap water before reaching your faucet. The most common type of home filtration system is the reverse osmosis system. This system uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter tap water, removing any potential contaminants in the process.
Home filtration systems come in various models and sizes, making them ideal for both large and small households. Many systems also offer additional features such as taste and odor control, making it even easier to enjoy clean tap water. And not only does whole-home filtration make your water cleaner, safer, and more delicious, but it can also save you money in the long run by reducing stress on plumbing and appliances and reducing your household’s reliance on pricey bottled water.
Protect Your Home with The Science of Water
At The Science of Water, we understand that tap water safety is critical to protecting your health and your family. That’s why we offer free tap water testing and consultations to guarantee the safety of your water supply.
At The Science of Water, we assess and install water filtration systems to meet your unique needs. Using filtration technology backed by NASA and the EPA, our advanced water systems purify your home’s tap water to the highest standard. Whatever you’re looking for in a water filtration system, we can help you enjoy safer, more transparent, and more delicious water through every faucet and appliance in your home.
Don’t wait to find out about contamination when it’s too late. Proactively protect your household with tap water testing and filtration for pure, delicious water that can be relied on. For more information about The Science of Water or to book your free water test, just get in touch with our team today!