While most tap water is safe to drink, there is no way to be sure unless it is tested. Many cities still have lead piping and many old houses have it as well. There are other contaminants that can find there way into your tap water and be harmful to your family. The best way to be sure is to have your water tested.
What Should Water Be Tested For?
Depending on where you live and what industry is near by, there is several possible contaminants that could possibly get into your water supply. A water test will only tell you if certain elements are in your water. For example:
- Agriculture. If agriculture areas are near by, testing for pesticides would be important.
- Private well. Testing for bacteria and nitrates is very important when you receive your water from a well.
- Lead. Regardless of the age of your home, testing for lead is always important.
Trihalomethanes (THMs). If you are on city water that uses chloride, make sure they test for THMs or test for them yourself. These are chemicals that can cause miscarriages in pregnant women.
Although there are home water tests, these only test for certain substances. The best way to test your water is to call a professional plumber who can have your water tested for specific contaminants. Otherwise, the generic tests may not test for the particular elements in your area. Since clean healthy water is essential to our every day lives, it is worth the time and money to find out exactly what is in the water you drink, cook and bathe with daily.
Your plumber can also help you select and install a whole house water filter that can remove most common contaminants and help ensure your water supply is clean and safe.
