Access to safe drinking water at home is something many people take for granted. Turn on a faucet and clean water pours out. Yet contaminated water can carry microorganisms and chemicals that could impact your health in numerous ways. Viruses can cause illnesses, while heavy metal contaminants could have long-term health effects ranging from liver problems to an increased risk of cancer.
Using an at-home water test kit or sending water for laboratory testing can highlight contaminants in your water, allowing you to make an informed decision about buying bottled water or investing in a cost-effective home water filtration system.
Common Contaminants in Water
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that most water in the United States comes from surface water and groundwater aquifers. These are susceptible to contamination from sources including agriculture, industry, animal waste, and naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic.
When testing for water contaminants, it’s all about understanding which ones are okay in your water and which should not be there. Some minerals are acceptable in your water supply and may even offer health benefits. However, many contaminants are bad news. Here are some of the most common water contaminants a water quality test kit may reveal.
Biological Contaminants
One of the most alarming categories of contaminants is the biological kind. It includes viruses and bacteria that can make you sick very quickly. Examples include:
- Giardia
- E. coli
- Coliforms
- Norovirus
The most common type of illness caused by these is a digestive tract infection, which can last for months.
Chemical Contaminants
As water runs through rocks and soil, it can pick up a range of minerals, not all of which are beneficial. It may also pick up chemical run-off from industrial and agricultural facilities. Examples of chemical contaminants include:
- Lead, arsenic, and other toxic heavy metals
- Nitrates and nitrites
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
These chemicals can impact your health and are often very dangerous for children.
Physical Contaminants
Other pollutants include physical contaminants that get dragged into the water supply. These may not be as toxic, but a consistent build-up could still be associated with health problems.
Physical contaminants may include:
- Sediments
- Organic material
- Microplastics
Filtration systems could reduce the long-term build-up of microplastics by reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles.
Radiological Contaminants
The EPA states that small amounts of radionuclides or radioactive material can pass into drinking water. These contaminants usually come from soil or rocks, and water suppliers should check the route water takes to minimize contamination.
Methods for Testing Water Quality
Knowing how to test water quality at home means understanding the different techniques available. These home water testing methods all provide different levels of detail about the quality of your water.
Using Water Testing Kits
A water contamination test kit is a fast, simple way to check the quality of your water. These kits are supplied by a number of companies and may include ways to test for lead, nitrates, nitrites, bacteria, and more.
To use a home water testing kit:
- Unpack the kits and check that all the parts are present
- Follow the kit instructions — read them fully before you start
- Most tests will have strips that you dip into a sample of your drinking water
- Check the color on the test strip against the kit instructions
If the test results show a high volume of contaminants, you can decide whether to install a water filtration system or find another alternative to drinking tap water.
Laboratory Testing
Many facilities, such as care homes, hospitals, or childcare facilities, will most likely rely on laboratory testing for their water quality checks. They can use the results to prove that they provide safe drinking water for their service users. Homeowners can also request lab testing, but it may be more expensive than a home test kit.
Lab testing may be an option if you have suffered a gastrointestinal illness with no explanation or your water has an unusual taste or odor. The lab will provide you with a sterile container to collect water. You then seal the container and send it to them. The lab will then provide clear, understandable results that help you plan your next steps.
DIY Testing Methods
There are some DIY water testing methods you can use to check water contaminants, but they’re not as accurate as purpose-made test kits.
A smell test can indicate the presence of contaminants and help you decide whether further testing is necessary. Check for:
- A rotten egg smell
- A bleach-like smell
- The odor of decay or rotting vegetation
Some homeowners may use a taste test, although if you suspect contaminants of any type, consuming unfiltered water could make you sick. Water usually only has a mild taste caused by any beneficial minerals. Water filtered via reverse osmosis-type filters should taste of nothing at all. Strong and unpleasant tastes should prompt you to test your water.
Maintaining Water Quality
Thankfully, a high-quality water filtration system lets you maintain the water quality in your home. Filters use different methods to ensure contaminants are separated out and disposed of.
Filtration Systems
Some filtration systems use carbon blocks and other types of dense, porous filters that let water through while capturing harmful molecules. You must replace the carbon blocks every so often to ensure water purity.
Reverse osmosis filters use specialist membranes that only let pure water pass through. All contaminants are filtered away, including any potentially beneficial minerals.
Choosing the right filter for your home depends on the quality of the water in your area. If biological contaminants are a risk, then reverse osmosis is the safest choice. However, if you want to maintain some of the mineral content of your water supply, a physical filtration system may be better.
Regular Water Testing
Even with filtration in place, it’s a good idea to test your water at least every three months. You can monitor the effectiveness of your filtration system and ensure no new contaminants have entered the water supply.
Water Testing for Increased Confidence in Your Water Quality
Water quality is important to ensure you and your family enjoy healthy hydration every day. Consider performing regular home water testing to provide the peace of mind that your water is as contaminant-free as possible. If you invest in water filtration systems, make sure you perform regular maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.
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