Do You Know What’s in Your Tap Water?
Is Your Water Spooky? Do You Know What’s in Your Tap Water?
Halloween might be right around the corner, but no “tricks” here. We want to talk seriously about the aesthetics of your water. Perhaps your senses have alerted you that something is amiss in your H2O?
It’s nothing life threatening. But you are wondering why you’re seeing “floaties” and “suspendies” in your water? Or you’re smelling something similar to rotten eggs? Or you’re noticing red staining in the sink?
First off, rest assured that all municipal water systems in the United States that serve more than 25 customers must comply with federal Safe Water Drinking Act regulations. Your water municipality is required to regularly test the water to ensure potentially harmful contaminants are not passed on to customers. At the same time, your water may still not taste, smell or look the way you want. Let’s discuss some issues you may have.
So why does the water look cloudy? (TURBIDITY ISSUES)
If your water looks milky, hazy or cloudy, this is often caused by sediment, dirt, sand, clay, silt, silica, sulfur, iron, manganese, industrial waste, and organic substances in the water. Temperature, rain, storms, time of year, and source of water can also affect the amount of cloudiness or turbidity in the water.
A whole-house sediment filter can reduce the visible and non-visible suspended particles that make your water cloudy. This particle filter will also prevent dirt, sand and other large particles from damaging your water softener or conditioner, not to mention your plumbing fixtures and appliances. Reverse osmosis technology will also effectively address cloudy water issues.
What’s that smell? (ODOR ISSUES)
There are a number of different reasons why your water might give off an unpleasant odor, such as fishy, sulfuric, chlorine or earthy smells. Even after water has been treated at your local municipal water plant, water goes through miles of distribution pipes before reaching a home and may pick up contaminants along the way such as decaying organic matter or corrosion from pipes. Chlorination or other dissolved gases from the treatment plant might also be to blame for strong odors in your water.
Why is my water rust color? (COLOR OR STAINING ISSUES)
Red, orange, brown and yellow are lovely colors, but no one wants to see those colors in their drinking and bathing water, or on white linens and clothes. This type of coloring is usually caused by iron, a common mineral that makes up five percent of the earth’s crust. Colors or staining in water can also come from galvanized iron, steel, or cast iron pipes in a home. Manganese often accompanies iron and results in dark brown or black staining. While not a health concern, colored water and staining can be unpleasant for drinking and can potentially cause damage to clothes and fixtures.
A water conditioner can reduce soluble (dissolved) iron and soluble manganese. In addition, you may consider a separate whole-house particle filter to further reduce or eliminate insoluble iron and manganese and serve as a barrier protecting your water softener/conditioner from clogging and thus extending the life of your unit.
The quality of your drinking water can change daily. The best way to provide your household with outstanding water each and everyday, is by installing a water treatment system. Your local authorized WaterTech dealer can test your water and help you understand the available options and solutions.