With the onset of the tap water contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan, more cities have come under scrutiny concerning their water quality levels. Cities such as Bethlehem, Allentown and others have discovered higher than acceptable levels of lead and other contaminants. Not only has this been the case with municipal water systems, but localized, private well systems have also shown contamination levels above the recommended allotment for consumption. With clean water vital for living, it is important to make sure your water is as safe as possible for both you and your family.
Contamination Sources
A common source of lead contamination is the use of lead pipes in some part of the water distribution system. That was a large part of the problem in Flint, when the city switched to a water system that conducted water through older lead pipes, thus leaching the contaminant into the main water supply. A puzzling aspect of the situation, however, is that some cities with low-quality or contaminated water sources are not using lead pipes to carry water to consumers.
The water table can become contaminated through the introduction of lead through other avenues. Eastern cities that played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution often were not faced with regulations and restrictions on the dumping of industrial waste, which has led to ground water contamination. Additionally, the lead used in gasoline and other additives has also found its way into the water table, thus providing many of the contaminants found in the water today. Of course, the sources are not limited to old industrial uses; some are naturally occurring.
Protecting You and Yours
Regardless of whether your water is provided by a well or municipal supply, there are steps you can take to prevent your water from becoming contaminated and possibly poisoning you and your family. These steps are:
- Have your water tested for contaminants periodically
- Check with local water companies and request their test results
- Treat your well water
- Install a water filtration system
Taking The Needed Steps
Testing your well or municipal water supply periodically allows you to know what is in your water and thus gives you the information to know how to resolve any issues.
For well users, you can “shock” or treat your well to help reduce bacterial contaminants, but this will not help with other contaminants such as lead.
One of the most important steps you can take, however, is to install a water filtration system. Installation of a water filtration system at your home protects you and your family from lead and other contaminants that can cause serious harm including death.
Water supplies are becoming more and more contaminated as the old and outdated supply lines used to conduct it remain underground and inaccessible to repair or replacement. We, as humans, are also dumping toxic levels of pollutants into the ground – and the ground water – at an alarming rate. A water filtration system is your first line of defense against what could become years of expensive medical treatments and procedures leading to far more serious health issues that could’ve been avoided. Do your part today to protect your family’s tomorrow.
