Have you wondered if the water running from your home’s faucets is healthy? You may be smelling unpleasant odors or feel like you need to test the water for bacteria. It’s time to figure out if you need to take action to make your water supply safer.
Keep reading to learn about the water treatment process!
What Contaminants Affect Water Quality
Lead, bacteria, and nitrates are among the contaminants that can impact water quality. Rusty pipes or cities with aging water systems may cause increased levels of lead in water.
Since you can’t taste or smell lead, ask your water system administrator for help. They should be able to test your water if you suspect problems.
It is possible for bacteria and viruses to invade your water, too. Fortunately, better government regulations require water treatment companies to treat the problem.
If you live in a rural area with farms, you may have nitrates in your water. Farm animals, crops, and fertilizers can produce nitrates. These nitrates then contaminate your drinking water through soil runoff.
What Happens During the Water Treatment Process
The water treatment process begins with coagulation. This means that chemicals placed in the water help offset dirt or other contaminants. The coagulation process results in making the dirt and other contaminant particles bigger.
These bigger particles sink to the bottom of the water tank. The remaining cleaner water continues on the filtration journey. Sand and charcoal help to remove bacteria and chemicals from the water.
Finally, the processing system turns to chlorine. Chlorine removes any lingering germs or particles from the water.
How Government Regulations Check Safety
The Safe Drinking Water Act, passed in 1974, helps ensure that you are drinking clean water. It lets the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set safety standards.
One of the most important standards helps control the presence of lead in water systems. And there are over 80 other standards in place for different contaminants.
Water treatment systems use chemicals like chlorine to disinfect drinking water. But even chlorine can produce harmful byproducts.
Too many bad chemicals in your water can lead to higher blood pressure, damaged kidneys, or worse. The EPA monitors chlorine use, as well.
While government regulations can make water safer, they don’t apply to private wells. Whether you get your water from a well or the city supply, you can still do more to make it safer. You also can help it taste better.
Look into purchasing a home water treatment system. It will remove limescale and hard water issues and give you a result that is better than bottled water. Check out this website to learn more about a low-cost way to improve your water.
Make Clean Water a Priority
Be proactive about understanding the water treatment process in your city or town. Don’t be afraid to ask to have your water tested if you notice or suspect problems. And consider taking matters into your own hands with a home water treatment system.
To find more ways to improve your home or lifestyle, check back for fresh articles!
