10 Contaminants Found in Tap Water
As soon as you open the tap to fill a glass with water, we expect it to be clean and safe. Unfortunately, our tap water can contain various unnoticeable contaminants that we need to recognize, making our consumption less healthy than it could otherwise be. Therefore, we must be informed about these potential issues to ensure it stays as pure and healthful as possible. This guide by Mr. Rooter Plumbing explores ten contaminants often present in tap water for further consideration if necessary. Additionally, contacting a plumber or plumbing service can ensure everything in your home remains in shape.
Lead
An Imminent Health Threat by Old Plumbing Pipes Lead can enter our drinking water through old plumbing pipes and pose significant health hazards, especially to children. If your home is older and may contain lead pipes, consider hiring a plumbing repair service to evaluate and replace them as soon as possible.
Chlorine
Chlorine is often used to disinfect our water supplies from potential threats from microbes. At the same time, its effectiveness in doing so has its uses. Too much chlorine may leave its mark and lead to unpleasant tastes, smells, and skin or eye irritations. A plumber can install filters to lower chlorine levels in your drinking supply for better taste and smell.
Pesticides
Pesticides from agricultural runoff may end up in our tap water. Unfortunately, these harmful chemicals, particularly hormonal and nervous system functions, hurt human health. Consulting a plumbing service about using water filters will help reduce contaminants in your tap water and ultimately lower health risks associated with using tap water for drinking and cooking purposes.
Nitrates
Nitrates may enter water through fertilizer runoff or septic system leaks. High concentrations threaten babies' ability to carry oxygen from their blood. A plumbing repair service may recommend water treatment systems designed to minimize exposure.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral that has the potential to pollute drinking water through natural deposits as well as agricultural and industrial pollution, potentially leading to long-term exposure in drinking water sources, which has been associated with skin irritations and increased cancer risks, among other health complications. If this issue concerns you, seek professional plumbing help with solutions to remove arsenic from drinking water supplies.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals like hormones and prescription drugs can contaminate our water supplies. Unfortunately, traditional water purification processes don't generally remove this contamination effectively. If this becomes an issue for you, contact a plumber to discuss installing more advanced water purification system(s).
Mercury Pollution
Mercury-containing waste from industries may contaminate drinking water systems and affect the neurological development of children while creating serious health concerns among adults. Filters installed by plumbing services might be required to keep mercury-contaminated water flowing freely throughout your system.
Microorganisms
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can contaminate tap water sources in homes, potentially leading to gastrointestinal illnesses and other forms of infection. With regular maintenance by an established plumbing repair service provider in place, regular checks on your system should help eliminate potential breeding grounds for microorganisms in your system.
Fluoride
Fluoride is added to water as a preventive measure against tooth decay; however, too much fluoride exposure may lead to dental conditions like fluorosis. If fluoride levels in tap water concern you, plumbers offer solutions limiting or controlling fluoride exposure and can install systems limiting it further.
Industrial Chemicals
Unfortunately, various industrial chemicals can enter our drinking water through leaks, spills, and improper waste disposal practices, potentially endangering the liver, kidneys, and other bodily functions. Ensuring your plumbing is up-to-date and consulting a plumbing service on suitable filtration systems may help safeguard against exposure to these dangerous toxins in our tap water source.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Water safety and cleanliness are of utmost importance to our health. Yet, many contaminants still make their way through to our taps despite efforts from water treatment plants to remove any impurities from them. Routine checks from plumbing repair services combined with appropriate water filtration systems can go a long way toward guaranteeing safe drinking water at home - and remember, if you have any doubt whatsoever about its quality, calling an experienced plumber can give you peace of mind and professional solutions!
