Is Your Tap Water Safe to Drink?
The EPA estimates that more than 270 million people in the U.S. get their tap water from public water supply every year, while roughly 23 million households rely on private wells. Regardless of your source of tap water, the question remains: is it safe to drink? Tap water in the United States is generally safe to drink, thanks to the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. However, the safety of water depends on several factors, including your location, the source of your water, and the condition of your plumbing.
Contaminants That Can Be Found in Tap Water
Just because your local water company has given you a clean water report doesn’t mean that your tap water is entirely free from potential risks or contaminants. There are many ways contaminants can find their way into your tap water. Here are some of the contaminants that can be found in tap water:
- Physical contaminants: While primarily an aesthetic concern, physical contaminants like sediment and microplastics can clog filters and appliances.
- Chemical contaminants: These include lead, chlorine, nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, metals, pesticides, and many more. They can be a major health concern if they’re not removed through water filtration.
- Biological contaminants: These microscopic organisms can cause a variety of waterborne illnesses, such as E. coli and Legionnaires' disease.
Tap Water Safety Tips
- Use a whole-house water filtration system: Also known as a point-of-entry water filter, a whole-house water filtration system is installed at the main water line entering your home. It filters the water that comes into your house before it reaches your taps. An efficient water filtration system can remove various contaminants from tap water and make it taste better. A reputable plumbing service in your area can help you choose the right water filtration system for your needs.
- Install a whole-house water softener: If you have hard water in your home, we recommend you consider installing a whole-house water softener. Just like a water filtration system, a whole-house water softener is installed at the main water line entering your home to soften hard water. It’s advisable to consult a trusted plumbing repair service to test your water hardness and determine if a whole-house water softener is the right solution for your specific needs and preferences.
- Test your water regularly: Whether you rely on a private well or public supply, it’s advisable to have your water tested regularly. Even with a clean report from your public water supplier, you should go a step further and test your water at least once a year. Water quality can fluctuate due to environmental factors, seasonal changes, or well maintenance. Regular testing allows you to detect harmful contaminants so that you can take the right steps to ensure your tap water is safe. Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we advise that you have your water tested annually by a professional plumber.
- Regular maintenance of plumbing: The condition of your plumbing system can impact the quality of your tap water. As pipes age and corrode, rust and metal flakes can break off and enter the water supply. If you live in an older home, consider having your plumbing inspected. A professional plumbing repair service can replace outdated or deteriorating pipes to ensure water safety.
How Mr. Rooter Plumbing Can Help
If you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help. We are a professional plumbing service with over 50 years of plumbing experience. Our licensed and insured plumbers can help you with water filtration system installation, water softener installation, water testing, and plumbing repairs.
