Do you know what’s in your water? Over the past few years, especially with Flint, Michigan in the news, there has been a renewed interest in the water that’s being pumped into our homes. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make water come out of the faucet when you turn the handle on. Most of which we have no control over.
How Do I Know?
The first thing you should do is have your water tested if you rely on well water. You can get a free water test at just about any local hardware store or online. If you use a city provided water source, you can view your the water test results on their website or contact the city’s officials for the report.
When water leaves the source, it is generally free and clear of most contaminants. It’s the journey to your water glass that causes it to pick up unwanted contaminants. This could mean that your home’s pipes and fixtures need to be replaced. Many homes built before 1986 used a lead piping that is coated with a sealant to prevent the lead from seeping into the water. Over the years, the coating could become cracked, exposing small amounts of lead to the water. Lead is a serious threat to our drinking water and causes heart problems, memory problems and kidney failure, among other ailments. Contrary to popular belief, there is no acceptable level of lead in your water.
What Can I Do?
One way to clean your home’s water is to use a filter that is designed to remove lead and other contaminants. This could be a pitcher for drinking water, or a whole house filter that filters all of the water that enters your home. Check with the Certified Products and Systems on NSF.org for a guide on which systems work best for your application.
