Water is one of the most important elements in humans’ lives. Without it, people can’t survive. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that one’s household water is safe to drink and has no issues with taste or smell.
If you’re wondering what those issues might be and how you can avoid them, read on to learn more.
Hard Water
Hard water is water that has a high concentration of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can create deposits on your pipes. These minerals can cause scale build-up on your appliances, making soap less effective and your cleaning products less powerful. Hard water can also cause skin irritation and hair loss.
There are several ways to reduce or treat hard water problems, including using a filter for your showerhead or faucet, installing an ionizer (which softens the water), or even buying a big bucket of distilled vinegar from a hardware store and pouring it into the toilet tank. And you could use a water softener to reduce the possibility of hard water in your home.
Taste And Smell
Taste and smell are common nuisances for those with hard water. These deposits eventually result in your drinking water’s unpleasant taste and smell. If you notice this in your tap water, there are two main things you can do to solve the problem:
Use A Filter
Water filters like reverse osmosis systems or carbon filters will clean out most of the minerals from your tap water before they reach your faucet or shower head, making it taste better overall.
Rinse Off Metal Objects After Use
Mineral build-up on metal surfaces causes some of these minerals to leach back into the liquid during washing cycles, which can affect how it tastes as well when consumed later on down the line if not properly cleaned off beforehand.
Bacteria
Bacteria is another common household water issue. Bacteria can cause illness, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this type of contamination.
Bacteria are microorganisms that thrive in moist environments with a moderate temperature, such as dishwashers or washing machines. They’re not visible to the naked eye and will only appear on a test strip if they’re present in large enough quantities.
If you suspect your water has been contaminated with bacteria, try not to drink any until you’ve taken a sample to your local health department for testing.
Nitrates
Nitrates are a common water pollutant and can be found in well water. While it isn’t an immediate health threat to adults, nitrates are reported to cause methemoglobinemia in infants and pregnant women.
Methemoglobinemia occurs when oxygen in a person’s bloodstream decreases, leading to weakness or faintness. Nitrate-related methemoglobinemia is particularly dangerous for children because it can lead to a blue baby syndrome, seizures, coma, death, or brain damage, if not treated.
To avoid nitrates, use cold water for drinking and cooking whenever possible. Hot water increases the number of dissolved gases in water, such as chlorine gas which leads to corrosion within your pipes. Also, install under-sink filters that remove particulates as well as chemicals such as chlorine from your tap.
Pesticides And Herbicides
Pesticides and herbicides are used to control insects, weeds, and other pests. They’re normally applied to crops or lawns and can be washed into the water supply through the rain. Pesticide use has been linked to higher risks of birth defects and cancer in humans, so it’s important to avoid them when possible.
If you live near farmland or a golf course that uses pesticides regularly, consider installing a whole house filter on your water system. If this isn’t an option for you, run your tap until cold water starts flowing before drinking it, or use bottled water instead.
Turbidity Or Cloudy Water
Turbidity is a common problem, especially in areas with high population density. The sediment and organic matter from the water’s source and chemical reactions in pipes can cause your water to become cloudy or murky. You may notice this cloudiness when you first turn on your faucet or as it sits in your glass overnight.
Turbidity is typically caused by sedimentation. This happens when particles settle out of suspension and form visible layers that are easy to see.
If turbid water is an issue for you, have a plumber come out and assess the state of your pipes.
Conclusion
It’s good to know about the common issues with household water. Knowing about these issues will help you ensure your water system is in good working order and that you are using it safely.
If you’re having any issues with your household’s water, it’s best to call a professional or hire an expert who knows how to fix it. Furthermore, you can do some research online about the issue you’re experiencing so you know what steps to take next time it happens.
