There are many factors that contribute to water quality, including the source of the water, the treatment it receives, and the distribution system that delivers it to our homes. While public water systems are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), private wells are not. This means that it’s important for homeowners to have their well water tested regularly to ensure that it meets EPA standards for drinking water.
It’s important to note that even if your water comes from a public system, there may still be contaminants present. This is because public systems are required to meet only minimum standards for drinking water quality. If you’re concerned about the quality of your drinking water, there are a few things you can do to ensure that it’s safe.
There are a number of contaminants that may be present in residential water sources, including lead, pesticides, and chlorine. Lead can enter the water supply through corroded pipes or fixtures. Pesticides can contaminate water supplies through runoff or leaching. Chlorine is added to water to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of disease, but it can also cause health problems.
Effects of Ingesting Poor-Quality Water
Drinking poor-quality water or using it in cooking may have several negative effects depending on the contaminants it carries. Here are some contaminants and their effects on the body:
Nitrates
Nitrates are a type of contaminant that can be found in both public and private water supplies. They come from a variety of sources, including agricultural runoff, septic systems, and fertilizer.
Excessive levels of nitrates in drinking water can cause health problems in adults and infants. In adults, high levels of nitrates can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In infants, nitrates can cause a serious condition called blue baby syndrome. This condition occurs when the nitrates reduce the amount of oxygen that is carried by the blood. As a result, the baby may turn blue and experience difficulty breathing.
It’s important to note that not all cases of blue baby syndrome are caused by high levels of nitrates in the water supply. However, it’s important to take steps to reduce the level of nitrates in your drinking water if you’re concerned about your health.
Lead
Lead can enter the water supply through corroded pipes or fixtures. It can also be present in water sources, such as wells, that are not regulated by the EPA. Exposure to lead can cause a variety of health problems, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in adults and blue baby syndrome in infants. Lead poisoning can also lead to death. It’s important to take steps to reduce the level of lead in your drinking water if you’re concerned about your health.
Parasites, Microbes, and Viruses
Water-borne illnesses are caused by the ingestion of water that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or parasites. These illnesses can cause a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, they can also lead to more serious health problems such as cholera, typhoid fever, and even death.
How to Test Your Water Quality
First, you can have your water tested by a certified lab. This will give you a good idea of what contaminants are present and whether or not they’re at levels that could pose a risk to your health. Second, you can install a home filtration system. There are a variety of different types of filtration systems available on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. And finally, you can always opt for bottled water instead of tap water.
Get A Water Filtration System
A water filtration system is a device that is installed in your home in order to improve the quality of your drinking water. There are a variety of different types of filtration systems available on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. Some of the benefits of using a water filtration system include:
- improved taste and odor
- reduced levels of chlorine
- reduced levels of lead
- reduced levels of nitrates
- reduced levels of pesticides
Some water filtration systems are more extensive than others. If you want the best quality of water possible, make sure that you get a system with ultrafiltration capabilities, reverse osmosis system, and a water softener for your home.
Final Thoughts
The quality of your drinking water has a direct impact on your health. If you’re concerned about the safety of your tap water, there are steps you can take to ensure that it’s safe. These steps include having your water tested and installing a home filtration system. By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family from harmful contaminants.
