Installing Water Filtration Systems: Common Water Contaminants
You likely assume that the water you drink from the tap is safe. Of course, incidents such as the Flint Michigan Water Crisis in 2014 revealed that not all citizens receive adequately filtered water. If you test your water to find it less than satisfactory, you can install a water filtration system to protect you and your family. Learning the common contaminants will also help you prevent them from getting into your water in the first place. Here are some of the most common water contaminants.
1. Microorganisms
Arguably the most alarming type of contamination, microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites can sometimes get into the water. When this happens in large concentrations, people who drink the water can get sick. Microorganism water contamination is more common of a problem in developing areas without proper water filtration and without proper bathroom facilities.
2. Pesticides
Modern societies rely on farmers to produce food. However, in order to keep food safe from insects and small critters, farmers use pesticides. While natural pesticides are more common now, many farmers still use chemical pesticides. When the pesticides get into the water, everyone drinks them. Naturally, pesticide contamination occurs most often around farmland.
3. Aluminum and Lead
Aluminum and lead should not get into human drinking water. However, early plumbing systems used aluminum and iron in construction. Aluminum pipes caused aluminum to get into the drinking water. Lead pipes corroded so quickly that the rust and lead from the corrosion ended up in the drinking water. Aluminum and lead aren't as much of a concern today with updated pipe materials. However, older homes with old pipes may still experience these problems.
4. Pollution
The rivers and lakes people enjoy every day often also serve as water supplies for the local people. When people throw garbage, such as cigarette butts, into the water, it gets into the whole area's water supply. Most small levels of pollution are handled by the water treatment center before disbursement. Large-scale pollution, such as when a large company accidentally spills oil into the water, can have devastating and long-lasting effects.
You and your family deserve clean drinking water. However, sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands. Instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles, clean the water before it enters your home with water filtration systems. If you have hard water, ask about water purification systems with water softeners, too.
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