There is a growing list of things we cannot take for granted. One of the most important ones is clean water. After all, we cannot survive without water, but we have a limited resource. If we are not careful, water may be contaminated, and you can risk your health and that of your loved ones.
Wherever you may be sourcing your water supply, you must regularly do water testing. Why is water testing important? What are the problems you can identify through water testing? Keep on reading to find out.
What Is Water Testing?
Water testing is the process of identifying contaminants present in a given water supply. Once a contaminant is identified, it can be removed if possible or further tests can be conducted to determine its source.
While you would think that the water that comes out of your faucet should be safe and clean, this is not always the case. Water can contain a number of contaminants, ranging from simple things like silt to more complex contaminants like heavy metals.
Often, heavy metals will come from industrial processes (such as mining) and can be toxic for humans. In order for you to be able to help your body fight these contaminants, it is crucial that you regularly undergo water testing.
What Are the Common Problems with Water?
There are various things that can happen to water depending on its source, which is water testing. Water can be contaminated with a number of things, including:
1. Bacteria and Viruses
These types of contaminants are often the most common in contaminated water, and they can be easily identified through personal in-home water testing. These contaminants can include bacteria such as E. coli and Giardia, as well as viruses such as hepatitis A and enteroviruses.
2. Iron
Iron is a commonly found contaminant in water supplies. It is also commonly found in water that is pure. Iron is not necessarily harmful, but it can make the water undesirable for consumption and home water treatment may be needed to reduce it.
3. Lead
Lead is a toxic substance that can be found in water, most commonly in older homes. When lead pipes are exposed to certain chemicals, they can leach poisonous lead into the water. Lead can contaminate water with increased levels of nitrates. Lead can be especially harmful to children.
4. Manganese
Manganese is another heavy metal that can be found in water. Manganese can be found in large quantities in water coming from industrial processes. It can also be found in some types of fertilizer, which can end up in groundwater.
5. Arsenic
Arsenic naturally occurs in the earth and then can be found in groundwater, especially in agricultural areas. Arsenic can accumulate in the food chain and can cause cancer. Arsenic poisoning is a major public health issue, which means it must be avoided extremely.
6. Radionuclides
Radionuclides are another type of contaminant that is commonly found in water and can be especially dangerous. Radionuclides are radioactive, and they can have serious health effects on humans.
Final Thoughts
Water testing is extremely important in making sure that your water is safe for you to drink. If you are not able to conduct these tests yourself, you can turn to mail-in water testing kits for help. In addition to identifying water contaminants, a water test will provide you with the information to make the appropriate changes to your water supply.
If you want you and your family to be safe with water you take, you should invest in a water filtration system, like what we offer on Jila Water. We offer cost-effective water filter systems for Queensland households. Get started by messaging us today for a free home water testing kit.
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