If you notice any changes to the water in your home, you may be experiencing a form of water contamination. Although not always a sign that your water is contaminated, these changes could signal a problem that requires contacting the municipal water authority. In some cases, you may need to hire a plumber to resolve the issue. But there are other signs that your water is contaminated. Here are some of the most common indicators to look for:
Biological contaminants
Biological contaminants in homes can affect your health in several ways. While it’s difficult to spot them without a microscope, they are powerful biological contaminants. Biological pollutants like dust mites thrive in warm, moist homes and can get into nearly any area of your home. If the numbers of these bugs are high, your indoor air quality could suffer. Your symptoms may include coughing, itchy watery eyes, or fever. These can be acute or chronic, and may be related to the pollutants you’re breathing in.
Chemical contaminants
Several studies have found that the water in your home contains hazardous chemicals. Although the EPA has made strenuous efforts to improve the quality of drinking water, there is no federal standard for some of these chemicals. In fact, nearly 60 percent of contaminants in tap water do not even have federal standards. These chemicals are found naturally in the environment and in plants and animals, but industrial processes often release them into water supplies. The EPA’s outdated Safe Drinking Water Act does not even regulate some of the contaminants.
Chlorine
Chlorine is one of the most common chemicals used to disinfect water. It is found in water treatment plants, but not all of them test for this substance. This makes it difficult to assess the overall health risk of water. The best solution is a water filtration system. If your water is chlorinated, the filtration system will trap the contaminated water and remove it. A water expert can help you determine exactly what system is responsible for the problem.
Iron
If you have iron in your tap water, you need to know how to tell. This contaminant can harm your pipes and fixtures, stain your clothes, and ruin your cooking. To avoid iron stains on your clothes, get a home filtration system. Here are a few signs your water is contaminated with iron. You may not even realize it’s in your water. If you do, there are some simple solutions to help you stop it.
Copper
One of the first things you should do if you notice copper in your drinking water is to flush your faucets with cold water. Copper can dissolve in hot water more easily than cold water, so if you can’t get cold water from a faucet, you can boil it in a microwave or on the stove. Copper can also be removed from your water by flushing your pipes with tap water. However, flushing water is only a good option when copper levels in your water are low.
Cloudy water
There are many causes for cloudy water in your home. Often, the cause is caused by air bubbles. Cold water holds air better than hot water. If you use hot water to fill a glass, the water will expand the air bubbles. Cold water is also more soluble than hot water, so it is easier to get large bubbles in your glass. If you drink a glass of water with cloudy content, it is likely the source of the problem.
Odor
Identifying the source of contaminated water is essential for the prevention of VOCs. There are two ways to encounter these chemicals: in the air or through contaminated water. In both cases, you need to find out where the contaminated water came from and what steps need to be taken to prevent VOCs from contaminating your home. Luckily, airborne VOCs typically have a distinct smell. Nevertheless, the concentration is usually very high, and if you breathe them in, the symptoms could start immediately.
Color
Often, discolored water is not harmful to you or your family, but it’s worth seeking professional help. Discolored water is usually harmless, but it may indicate a more serious issue with your local water supply. Discolored water can be a sign of a larger problem affecting your entire community. Contact your local government or water company to learn about the best course of action. If you’re concerned, you can also hire a water treatment professional to test your water supply for any pollutants or contaminants.
Chlorine levels
If you notice that your sink and shower have stains, this could indicate high amounts of iron or acidic contaminants in your water. You may also notice that the water smells like rotten eggs or has an odor like sulfur. If you experience these symptoms, you should contact a water testing company. An expert will tell you the best way to resolve the issue. The professional can help you contact the proper government agencies and the water treatment facility.
Lead levels
The EPA has begun rewriting its lead and copper rules. This is because it isn’t using the same sampling method that it used for fuel emissions, and this revision is not capturing the real levels of lead in homes. According to the EPA, lead levels in homes’ water were lower in the first liter than in the last. In fact, more than half of the study sites were one liter above the federal limit. You can contact Candu Plumbing & Rooter Professional Plumbers in Canoga Park, California And San Fernando Valley for any type of plumbing-related problems.
