Most Americans find public drinking water completely safe to drink. Some worry about contaminants, whether through bacteria or various toxins. Because of this, many choose to drink bottled water, but what about your own tap water?
Is tap water safe?
Harmful chemical contaminants can exist in your home’s water system, but are you aware of just how dangerous this can be? What you need is a guide that shows you how to check your tap water quality.
Keep reading, and we’ll show you the best way to test the water in your home.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?
There is no easy answer when it comes to the safety of tap water. While most municipal water sources in the United States are safe to drink, there are always exceptions.
Older homes, especially those with lead pipes, may have water that is contaminated with lead.
Private wells may also be contaminated with bacteria or other toxins. The best way to ensure the safety of your tap water is to have it tested by a certified lab.
What Contaminants Might Be In Your Tap Water?
What’s in tap water? The simple answer is that we don’t really know. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has compiled a list of over 250 contaminants that have been found in U.S. tap water. These include disinfection by-products, lead, arsenic, and mercury.
Some of these contaminants are known to cause cancer, while others can cause developmental problems. The EWG estimates that over 38 million Americans are drinking water that contains these contaminants.
The bottom line is that you should be aware of the contaminants in your tap water and take steps to protect yourself if necessary.
How Can You Test Your Tap Water for Safety?
Is drinking tap water safe? The only way to know for sure is to test it yourself. Many municipalities test their water regularly, but it is always a good idea to test your own water to ensure its safety.
There are many ways to test your water, but the most common is to use a water test kit. These kits are readily available online and at most hardware stores. Simply follow the instructions included in the kit to test your water. If you have any concerns about your results, consult a certified water testing laboratory.
What Can You Do to Make Sure Your Tap Water Is Safe?
One thing that you can do is to have your water tested regularly by a qualified professional. Another is to install a water filter in your home. When it comes to a water filter system, you might want to consider Berkey Water filters. Their selection of water filters is tried and tested.
Additionally, you can educate yourself about the sources of your water and the treatment it undergoes before it reaches your home. Also, you can support organizations that work to protect our water resources.
Ensure Safe Drinking Water
If you’re wondering, “Is tap water safe?” there are steps you can take to ensure that it is. You can have your water tested, install a water filtration system, or use bottled water. You can also contact your local water supplier to find out more about the safety of your tap water.
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