Many people trust that any water treated by the local municipal treatment system is safe to drink. After all, it goes through a fairly rigorous testing, filtration, and treatment process. However, there are contaminants that can get through the pipes or that may be missed by municipal treatment.
Many people object to some of the chemicals added during this process. In addition, the city’s water supply is allowed a small amount of contamination. Small percentages of lead and other pollutants may be allowable when the city’s water is tested. So how do you know if your water is really safe to drink?
Do you notice a strange taste or odor?
If you notice an unusual odor or a weird taste from the water, it may not indicate a major health issue. Sometimes, a strange taste in the water comes with no health risk, but other times the risk can be serious.
One potential cause for a strange taste and/or odor from the water is hydrogen sulfide. This will emit a strange rotten egg odor. Chlorine may be able to get rid of this, but it’s something you have no control over when you get your water from the local system. Chlorides can even be the source of your strange water odor or taste, and some studies have linked chemical additives like chlorine to certain long-term health effects. That’s why many people choose home water treatment systems in addition to public treatment.
Are there particles in the water?
If you see particles floating around in the water, it might mean your pipes or water heater are beginning to rust—a plumbing problem more than a water quality issue. The appearance of particulate like dirt and other suspended solids in the water, though, could be harmful if you don’t have the water tested and treated. It’s certainly not something you hope to ingest.
Are deposits left behind on sinks and dishes?
The good news is that left-behind white or yellowish deposits in the sink, on the faucet, or around the drains is probably indicative of unsafe drinking water. Calcium deposits can get left behind due to a problem known as “hard water,” but this doesn’t necessarily mean your water is unsafe to drink.
Just because the water quality is safe to drink, though, it doesn’t mean no problem exists. Hard water can clog up pipes and lead you to replace plumbing components early, which is why you should consider adding a water softener to the home.
When’s the last time you had it tested?
The only true way to determine whether your drinking water is safe is to have it tested. Regular water testing helps you find out what types of contaminants are common in your area and to treat anything unusual in your water. Whether you need a filter cartridge to eliminate suspended solids or want a more advanced reverse osmosis system to clear even chemicals from the water, you’ll get the peace of mind you deserve.
Continental Plumbing Services, LLC offers water treatment systems and services in New Port Richey, FL. Contact our team today!