Contaminated Pipes Are Affecting Water Quality

Sometimes, tap water can be contaminated by breaks in the waterline. However, the main problem

Sometimes, tap water can be contaminated by breaks in the waterline. However, the main problem is lead entering the water through pipes. Even pipes that are lead-free can still contain up to 8%.

Avoiding lead in tap water is the best way to prevent your child from consuming it. Only use cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Let the water run for at least a minute before you use it.

Drinking contaminated water can have adverse health effects

The type of contaminants can have an impact on your health. Take this example:

  • Cryptosporidium can sometimes get into water supplies. It can lead to a fatal gastrointestinal disease.
  • Nitrates may contaminate water and present an immediate danger to infants. The intestines convert nitrates to nitrites which block blood’s ability to transport oxygen. The blood system is restored by an enzyme found in older children.
  • Lead may cause developmental and physical problems in children and infants. High blood pressure and kidney problems can be experienced by adults who have been drinking lead-tainted waters for a long time.

Is boiling contaminated water safe to drink? It all depends on what the contaminant is. Boiling water can kill germs but it won’t affect things like lead, pesticides, or nitrates. Boiling reduces water volume, which increases the concentration of contaminants.

Water Quality and Water Filters

Some people install water filters in their homes to improve the safety of their drinking water. There are four types:

  • Activated Carbon Filters can remove organic contaminants that may affect taste or odor. Some systems can also remove solvents and chlorination byproducts as well as pesticides or certain metals like copper or lead.
  • Ion exchange unit with activated aluminum can remove hard minerals like calcium or magnesium. This can be used with reverse osmosis or carbon absorption.
  • Reverse Osmosis units can remove nitrates as well as sodium, pesticides as well as fluoride, and chloride.
  • Distillation units boil the water, condense and distill the steam to create distilled water.

One system cannot remove all contaminants. To determine what contaminants your water contains, it is important to have your water tested first by a certified laboratory before you decide to install a system.

You must maintain your water filtering system, no matter what brand you use. Otherwise, contaminants can build up and cause water quality problems.

A home water filter will not protect you from unsafe water. Follow the instructions of local water authorities until the safe drinking water is available.

This post was written by a water treatment expert at Pure Blue H2O. At Pure Blue H2O we are the providers of the best countertop water filtration system! We know that the best product comes from the best materials. They offer whole home water solutions such as reverse osmosis systems, shower head filtration, filter replacements, and a variety of similar products. Their focus is to provide Americans with safe and clean water throughout the home.