The United States does have one of the purest water sources in the world. However, there can be a fair chance the water tapping into your house might have some contaminants that can produce a change in the smell, taste, or appearance of water.
Clean water is essential whether we are drinking or bathing with the water that flows from the municipal water supply. However, while we are lucky to live in a country where tap water is almost always safe to drink, that does not mean tap water is always devoid of contaminants.
In case you want to schedule a water test in your house, we’ve compiled a list of 7 signs to help you determine if your tap water is contaminated or not.
Signs of Contamination
- Turbid water:
Many municipal systems do not filter minerals and other naturally existing elements from drinking water, which can cause water to appear cloudy or foamy. However, if the cloudiness and bubbles do not dissipate with time, microorganisms may produce them. If the problem persists, you consider getting your tap water tested for contaminants.
- Sediments and dirt:
Have you noticed sand, grit, clay, or other particulates floating in the tap water or settling at the bottom of the washbasin? These particles aren’t harmful most of the time, but they’re also not appealing. To solve the problem, consider installing a sediment filter.
- Spotting and Scaling on washed glassware and other dishes:
Although hard water is not harmful, it can impair the efficiency of dish cleansers, shower gels and laundry detergent by preventing foam from lathering. As a result, spotting occurs and scale deposits form on glassware, serving pieces and piping, reducing the functional duration of hot water systems, boilers and other appliances.
A water-softening system can be installed to remove extra minerals to treat hard water problems.
- Strange taste
Your taste buds have extremely sensitive receptors that naturally protect you from consuming harmful or dangerous substances, such as contaminated water. If your water tastes salty, oily, bitter, or metallic, it’s time to invest in a filter.
- Smell of Sulfur
If your tap water stinks like rotten eggs, it may be due to the quantities of sulfur present. The naturally present mineral is found in various water sources but is usually not toxic. Sulfur levels can be regulated with a filtration system.
- Chlorinated Odor
Chlorine is usually added to public water systems to eliminate germs or harmful microbes. It is rarely found in dangerously high concentrations, but it can make your drinking water taste unpleasant. Like you would do in the case of sulfur, consider purchasing a water filter to remove any residual quantities of chlorine.
- Water Pressure in the tap is low
If your kitchen tap is running slower than usual, you may have clogged pipes. It can develop gradually when pipelines corrode and clog with dirt and scale. Unfortunately, the only answer is to replace all plumbing with new copper or PVC fittings, which can be costly but essential.
Are Contaminants Harmful?
The Safe Drinking Water Act defines contamination as any biological, chemical, physical, or radioactive material. Small quantities may not be harmful (except for radioactive compounds and other harmful chemicals such as lead). However, the foul smell and dirty appearance can be a cause of concern for many.
Some contaminants, such as lead, are dangerous to consume even in small quantities. These substances can cause reproductive problems, neurological diseases and gastrointestinal illnesses.
The Environmental Protection Agency categorizes drinking water pollutants into four broad groups.
- Physical substances- Sediments, dirt, grit, or sand
- Chemicals- Sulphur, Chlorine, Pesticides, Lead & Arsenic
- Micro-organisms- Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites and Protozoa
- Radioactive substances such as Plutonium, Uranium and Cesium
Water supplies are often contaminated at the supplier and after treatment levels in the distribution system. Water contamination can come from chemicals and minerals in the water system through local land usage of fertilizers and agrochemicals, industrial waste and sewage overflows.
How to get a Water Filtration System in Orlando?
If you live in the vicinity of Pompano beach and are considering a water test or want to get a water filtration system installed, Coastal Energy Water and Air can provide you with the best services in South Florida.
They provide the best drinking water as well as the broadest range of water treatment products and services for your home or business, including water softeners, filtration systems, reverse osmosis drinking water systems, equipment installation and repair services.
For consultation or appointment, you can dial (954) 329-1815 and check out the services we provide.
