The Environmental Protection Agency claims that the United States is home to some of the safest and most reliable water supplies in the world. But with lead contamination in Pittsburgh, radium presence in Texas, toxic particles in Baltimore, and the infamous water crisis in Michigan, it goes without saying that this isn’t true for everyone.
Some households have gone as far as switching to bottled water, which is not only more expensive, but also damaging to the environment. As a result, many homeowners are seeking plumbing services like water filtration and drain cleaning Charlottesville. Here are 5 signs that your tap water may be unsafe and what you can do to solve the problem without resorting to costly measures.
Unusual Taste
Our taste buds are equipped with delicate sensors that can detect the presence of dangerous substances, including unsafe water. Check if your H2O has any of the following flavors:
- Fishy
- Oily
- Earthy
- Sulfuric
- Bitter
- Metallic
If so, it might be due to one of several factors. This includes the use of chlorine and other chemicals to treat your water. It could also be due to bacterial growth or algae. Either way, it’s best to consider installing a filtration system to get rid of any nasty particles that shouldn’t be flowing through your taps.
Low Pressure
When the kitchen faucet starts running slower than usual, clogged pipes are usually to blame. Water supply pipes are prone to corrosion which makes it easier for them to fill up with scale and sediment. The only solution is to replace the old system with new copper or plastic plumbing. While not the cheapest project, it can make a world of a difference.
Chlorine Smell
Does your water smell like it came from a swimming pool? It’s normal for chlorine to be added to supply lines in small amounts. This is meant to remove bacteria and other harmful organisms. But even if it’s not a dangerous quantity, it can certainly make your drinks unappetizing.
Again, the first choice should be a water filter. There are a variety of different options available online through websites such as the DFS discount filter store. You don’t necessarily need to invest in a fully-fledged home system. There are also filter jugs and bottles that are more affordable while being just as capable at getting rid of contaminants.
Cloudy Water
It’s not uncommon for municipal systems to forgo the process of filtering out minerals and other substances that occur naturally in their drinking water supplies.
These compounds are harmless and prone to creating a cloudy or foamy appearance. However, if they don’t eventually disappear, you may be dealing with less harmless bacteria. Homeowners should have their water tested to detect contamination if the problem continues.
Additional Signs
There are a few other signs that you should look out for. This includes dirt and sediment, as well as spots, stains and scale. If your bread recipes keep falling flat, chlorine might be to blame as it harms the bacteria (yeast) that makes dough rise. A sulfur smell is also cause for concern.
You can contact your public water system company for assistance with your water supply. It’s also a good idea to perform occasional tests to check for unseen contaminants.