Common Tap Water Contaminants

Modern life has many luxuries, but none are as overlooked as filtered water.

Do You Know What’s in Your Water?

The United States has some of the safest drinking water in the world, however, that doesn’t mean there’s no chance of contamination. Common sources of contamination can include:

• Pesticides and fertilizers used in local land-use practices
• Natural minerals such as arsenic, radon, and magnesium
• Heavy metals and cyanide from local manufacturing
• Sewage releases and wastewater treatment systems

Federally, there isn’t an easy way to guarantee zero contaminants in public water, so the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decides on standards for common contaminants that could be in your water supply.

Bacteria in Drinking Water

Microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in drinking water can cause gastrointestinal illness. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, list these microbes as common causes of gastrointestinal illness in the US:

• Cryptosporidium
• E. coli
• Giardia
• Norovirus
• Legionella

Symptoms that frequently accompany a gastrointestinal infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and mild or severe abdominal pain. Left untreated, these symptoms can be fatal. Risk is higher for those with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and children.

Can I test my water at home?

You can conduct a visual test of your tap water — if the water comes out cloudy or brown, there could be chemicals or rust in your plumbing or water source. The best way to get the specifics of your water quality is to contact the state drinking water certification officer and request a copy of the annual water quality report.

Clean Up Your Water with Steve’s Plumbing & A/C Service (808) 563-4054!

Our team can help with your water quality issues. From Halo water filtration to reverse osmosis systems, our plumbing experts will determine the best and most effective solution to remove bacteria and contaminants from your tap water. Contact us online or by phone at (808) 563-4054 today!