Why Home Water Testing is Important to Your Health
Over the last few decades, we’ve witnessed a number of devastating water contamination crises. Across the country, people have become more aware of the water they drink and pay closer attention to filtration. Industrial dumping, pesticide runoff, and storage tank leaks are all ways our drinking water can become easily contaminated. Other hazards and contaminants can lurk in our taps, which is why it’s so important to undergo home water testing.
What’s Lurking in Your Water?
No matter where you live, tap water is susceptible to contaminants. While some are more harmful than others, it’s always a good idea to test your water before using it as a reliable drinking source. It’s also important to know what exactly to look for. Here are a few top pollutants that can threaten your drinking supply:
- Fluoride - Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water. In most cases, there isn’t enough of it to benefit your teeth or harm your health. However, elevated levels of fluoride can occur in certain areas and should be avoided. According to data published by the National Institute of Health, elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water are suspected to be a neurotoxic risk that may cause cognitive deficits in developing children. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also classifies fluoride within the same contaminant category as mercury and lead for their National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, so it’s best to have your water tested to ensure its fluoride levels are within safe drinking levels.
- Lead - Lead was at the root of the contamination in Flint, Michigan, due to the city’s corroded pipes. In many cases, homeowners don’t know if their water travels through lead pipes. Lead is a severely harmful heavy metal that can harm internal organs like the kidneys and brain. Not only that, but it can also interfere with the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. It is especially hazardous to consume lead in early developmental stages. With lead being one of the most common contaminants found in drinking water, it’s essential to test your home’s water for high levels of lead.
- Chlorine - We all know the strong smell of chlorine. And we also know not to drink the pool water! While this additive has the ability to purify and sanitize water, it is not meant for human consumption. Many public water systems add chlorine for the purpose of disinfection. This helps to remove other harmful microorganisms, but excessive amounts of chlorine can produce poisonous hydrochloric acid in the stomach and other health issues.
- Mercury - Like fluoride, mercury is a naturally occurring element in the earth. It finds its way into water through rain, snow and other natural particles. Other times, it’s a result of industrial waste. Either way, it shouldn’t be lurking in your water. In the early 90s, the EPA enforced regulations for inorganic mercury, ensuring public water systems didn’t contain an excessive amount of mercury. While systems are in place to prevent it from entering your tap water, it’s still important to double-check by testing your water.
- PCBs - This highly toxic chemical was initially used to make products such as paints, adhesives and insulation. Although it was banned in 1979, it can still be found in landfills and runoff. Water and snow are able to carry these chemicals thousands of miles from where they were originally produced, making them pop up every now and then in public water systems.
- DDT - This insecticide was banned in 1972 due to concerns about its impact on the environment. It is also extremely hazardous for humans to consume. It can attack the liver and the nervous system. Although this chemical was banned more than four decades ago, it still continues to be produced in the United States and sold to foreign countries for use.
Your Water Filtration Experts
Bradley Mechanical performs water testing in conjunction with our water filtration services to help determine which system is right for your home. Water filtration systems are a great way to protect the health and safety of those who use the water in your home or business. Apart from safety, water filtration systems offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Better tasting water
- Removes bad odors
- Benefits the environment by reducing plastic bottle usage
- Extends the lifespan of your plumbing appliances
- Reduces the chances of pipe corrosion
- Removes harmful contaminants while keeping the healthy minerals
If you have concerns about your water quality, or haven’t tested your water in a while, give the plumbing and filtration experts at Bradley Mechanical a call today. We’ll provide prompt and professional service to help you and your loved ones feel safe when it comes to staying hydrated and healthy.
Test Your Water Today.