How to Test the Safety of Your Drinking Water

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, a study in 2015 established that deteriorating equipment and pipes in public water supplies to 18 million Americans contain EPA-restricted contaminants such as lead. It’s important to test the safety of the drinking water consumed in your home. Let’s discuss a few ways to examine your water’s safety.

1. Check the Water Color

When passed through a water purifier, it should be clear and colorless. Any other color of water is cause for caution and closer scrutiny. For instance, if your water is yellow, it could contain a cancer-causing chemical known as chromium-6, which could be a pointer to a potential build-up of lead, manganese, iron, or copper in the water. Water that appears brown or orange could indicate rust’s presence. Rust is a harmful element that often breeds bacteria that could pose serious health risks to those who consume the compromised liquid. Contact a water solution expert for further evaluation.

2. Look for Signs of Cloudiness

If your water is not transparent, it isn’t clean. If you notice a hint of cloudiness in your water, get a closer look. In most cases, when water is cloudy or turbid, it contains harmful pathogens and bacteria that could harm your health. Installing a water purifier provides an extra layer of protection.

3. See if It Smells Off

The color and source of your water may pass the test, but this does not mean it’s safe for consumption. If you detect an unusual or foul odor from the liquid, contact a water company for proper testing. Your water may contain excess chlorine if it has a strong bleach odor. If the smell reminds you of sewage or rotten eggs, your water is likely to contain hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas sometimes found in groundwater. When ingested, these chemicals and contaminants are likely to present a set of illnesses and health risks. It’s essential to test your water to be certain there’s no odor emanating from it. To be safe, use a water purifier.

4. Wash Your Hands With Soap to Test for Water Hardness

Washing your hands with soap shouldn’t leave your hands feeling overly dry. If they do, then the water is “hard.” While consuming hard water isn’t usually a health risk, it can translate to overly dry skin. Dry skin can lead to other issues such as acne and itchy skin. Although the fact that water is hard doesn’t always mean it’s contaminated, it points to the potential presence of some metal elements. These elements include calcium and magnesium in the water.

Many households in the United States consider access to safe, clean drinking water a given. However, don’t assume every water source in your home is safe for consumption. It should be, but adding a second layer of certainty (a water purifier) will help, especially for your kitchen tap water. It’s always a good idea to consult a water solution company to confirm that the drinking water is safe. Contact HYDROLOGY today to get started.