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<p>Picture this: It’s a hot summer day, and you’re looking for a refreshing drink of water for your family. But have you ever wondered what’s really in your tap water? While tap water in North America is generally safe to drink, it can still contain contaminants that affect its taste and quality. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of tap water, its sources, treatment processes, and the options available to improve your home’s water quality.</p> <h3>Where Does Tap Water Come From?</h3> <p>Tap water is typically sourced from surface water (lakes, rivers, and streams) or groundwater (aquifers). While these sources provide the basis for our drinking water, they are susceptible to various contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, and pollutants.</p> <h3>Is All Tap Water Treated?</h3> <p>To ensure the safety of public water systems, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed the Safe Drinking Water Act, which mandates water treatment for all public systems. However, not all homes receive treated water, especially those relying on private wells. Private well owners are responsible for their water quality and don’t have access to the water quality reports provided by public systems.</p> <h3>Is Treated Water the Same as Pure Water?</h3> <p>Even after municipal water treatment, tap water isn’t considered “pure.” For example, the presence of chlorine, a common disinfectant used in water treatment, can cause unpleasant odors or tastes. Moreover, emerging contaminants may not be included in current safety standards, posing potential risks.</p> <h3>Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?</h3> <p>Tap water is generally safe for consumption, with over 92% of Americans receiving drinking water considered safe at all times. However, issues like odor, taste, and color can affect the enjoyment of tap water, leading to decreased consumption and hydration efforts. Furthermore, water quality problems, such as water hardness, can impact your home’s plumbing system and appliances.</p> <h3>Understanding Drinking-Water Contaminants:</h3> <p>Detecting Contaminants: While some contaminants are easy to identify, others are invisible to the senses. Lead, for instance, doesn’t have a taste, odor, or color, making it essential to have a professional water test to identify potential risks.</p> <h3>Frequency of Water Testing:</h3> <p>Regular water tests are recommended, at least once a year, for both city and private well water. Additional testing may be necessary if there are known issues in your area or after specific events like natural disasters.</p> <h3>Water Quality Variations:</h3> <p>Water quality can vary from location to location, meaning your neighbor’s water test results may not apply to your own. Factors such as acidity and plumbing materials can influence water quality and potential contaminant levels.</p> <h3>Common Tap Water Problems:</h3> <ol> <li>Calcium and Magnesium (Hard Water): Hard water can lead to dry skin, brittle hair, soap scum, and reduced appliance lifespan. While not a significant health threat, it can impact daily living.</li> <li>Hydrogen Sulfide: Hydrogen sulfide, often responsible for the rotten egg smell in water, can affect taste and color. It is common in well water.</li> <li>Iron: Excessive iron in water can cause metallic tastes, stained fixtures, and clogged pumps.</li> <li>Lead: Lead contamination is a serious health risk and requires water testing. Lead is tasteless, odorless, and invisible, making professional testing essential.</li> <li>Copper: High copper levels can result in gastrointestinal discomfort, metallic tastes, and green stains on fixtures.</li> <li>Chlorine: Chlorine, used in water treatment, can cause unpleasant odors and tastes. It may also interact with plumbing and contribute to leaching of other contaminants.</li> <li>Chromium, PFAS, Microorganisms, and More: Additional contaminants like chromium, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), microorganisms, and inorganic chemicals can affect water quality and pose health risks.</li> </ol> <h3>Conclusion:</h3> <p>Understanding the quality of your tap water is vital for the health and well-being of your family. While tap water is generally safe, it can still contain contaminants that affect taste, odor, and color. Regular water testing is essential to identify potential risks and take appropriate measures to improve water quality. By becoming your home’s tap water expert, you can ensure your family has access to clean and refreshing water.</p> <p>If you’re concerned about your water quality, schedule a free, in-home water test and consultation today to gain valuable insights into your water and explore solutions to improve its quality.</p> <p>Remember, water is essential for life, and having clean and pure water is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for you and your loved ones.</p> <p>*Disclaimer: Contaminants may not necessarily be present in your water.</p> <p>[ninja_form id=]</p>
June 21, 2023
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The Importance of Water Quality: Understanding Tap Water Contaminants and Solutions

Picture this: It’s a hot summer day, and you’re looking for a refreshing drink of water for your family. But have you ever wondered what’s really in your tap water? […]
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Soft, Filtered Water Solutions

A Culligan® Whole Home System filters and softens your water, protecting everyone and every tap in your home. Our one-unit system is the most efficient, cost-effective way to treat multiple water […]