Can Tap Water Make You Sick?
If you’ve ever had to adhere to a boil water advisory, you know that tap water isn’t always as clean as we’d like for it to be. Microorganisms that can be found naturally in lakes, ponds, rivers, and other sources of water can make it through the water treatment process. Though our current disinfection methods are approximately 98% effective, Some experts estimate that only 50% of waterborne disease outbreaks in community systems are even detected!
What’s In My Water?
The United States has some of the safest drinking water in the world, however, that doesn’t mean there’s no chance of contamination. Some sources of contamination include:
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Local land use practices (such as pesticides and fertilizers)
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Naturally occurring minerals (arsenic and radon)
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Manufacturing processes (heavy metals and cyanide)
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Malfunctioning wastewater treatment systems
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Sewage releases
The EPA sets the standard for many contaminants that could be in your water supply including Cryptosporidium (which can lead to gastrointestinal illness), E.coli, Legionella (which can cause Legionnaire’s Disease), lead, and disinfection by-products.
You can find out the specifics of your local water supply by requesting the annual water quality report (AKA consumer confidence report). These reports will list the levels of known contaminants in your water supply and compare it to the EPA’s water standards.
Can I Make My Water Safer?
The best way to keep your family safe from potential contaminants is to start filtering the water you drink. The simplest solution may be to buy a pitcher with a filter, however, if you have younger children or a large family, it may be easier to skip the pitcher and install a water filtration system.
Advanced Home Services offers water testing, water filtration systems, water purification, water softeners, UV water treatment, and reverse osmosis systems. Our team can help you sort through all the different options for water filtration and treatment to decide which solution best fits your needs. Contact us online or by phone at 208-745-9406 today!
