Just because water is drinkable doesn’t mean it’s pure. In fact, you might be surprised at all the chemicals in the water that flows from your faucets. Even if you get your water from a municipal water supply, you could wind up ingesting a lot of unwanted contaminants.
That’s why so many people take water treatment into their own hands.
But are all those chemicals honestly bad? Should you worry about quenching your thirst with a tall drink of water from the tap?
Chemicals in Water: What Could Be in Your Drinking Supply
Below are a few of the topwater chemicals reported across the nation. Remember that they’re not part of the basic water chemical formula of H2O (two hydrogen molecules bond with one oxygen molecule). These are additional chemicals that you might not want in your body:
Fluoride
For many generations, fluoride has been added as a supplement to municipally treated water. This is because fluoride is known to help reduce tooth decay. However, some children and adults have experienced unwanted side effects to drinking water enhanced by fluoride, such as teeth turning a brownish color.
Ammonia
Like fluoride, ammonia is frequently used as an additive in drinking water. Why? Ammonia cleanses and sanitizes the water. Though small amounts of ammonia are said to cause no problems for humans, high levels of ammonia make water uninhabitable for aquatic life. In larger quantities, ammonia can be an irritant, leading to eye and skin itchiness and burning, and long-term consumption of water containing more than 1 mg/ppm of ammonia can wreak havoc on internal organ systems in human bodies. High ammonia levels can also make water taste unpleasant.
Lead
Most municipalities do their best to remove all lead from the water supply. Nevertheless, lead can sneak into your drinking water in other ways. For example, older homes may have lead pipes. Consequently, the lead can leach into the water that you use for drinking and cooking. Lead is quite dangerous in terms of chemical water pollution because it has been linked to cognitive and physiological delays and disorders in children.
Mercury
A naturally occurring element, mercury should not be taken into the body due to the risk of long-term mercury poisoning. Fortunately, most municipal authorities do their best to eliminate most of the mercury in your water. Yet some may be present as part of a host of water chemicals, particularly if you tap into a well.
How Can You Know the Water Chemicals in Your Water?
The aforementioned chemicals in water are just a few of the many that may be “hiding” in your next tall glass of H2O. Others can include anything from chloramine and copper to bacteria and viruses. Above all else, you should know that you can’t always tell whether your water contains chemicals you’d rather not drink. But you may have a few indications that it’s time to call a water purification company.
For example, as the Environmental Protection Agency notes, water filled with chemicals can take on an unusual color, odor, or taste. Any odd physical attribute of your water is a reason to get it checked out. It’s worth noting that many people who end up installing water treatment equipment in their homes do so because they can’t stand the sulfur smell from their faucets and drains.
How to Deal With Unwanted Water Chemicals
What should you do if you suspect that you have water chemicals that you want to remove? First, work with a company to test your tap water. RainSoft offers free water tests to determine whether you are facing serious chemical water pollution. All you have to do is schedule your free water test online, and RainSoft will contact you to set up a fast, easy appointment.
Next, if your test results make you feel uncomfortable, think about investing in a water treatment system. There’s a system for every lifestyle and budget. You’ll feel better about serving water to your family and pets. You’ll also know that your water is as pure as possible.
Above all else, know that you don’t have to live with unwanted or hazardous chemicals in your water. Instead of dealing with water that doesn’t taste right, gives off a weird smell, damages your pipes and water-using appliances, leaves stains on your clothing, or makes you feel physically unwell, take charge of your health and happiness now. One call to RainSoft can solve your water chemical problems — reach out today!
