What Is In Your Drinking Water?
28th Jun 2022
It's probably not something you think about often, but have you ever stopped to wonder what is in your drinking water? Most of us take for granted that the water coming out of our taps is clean and safe, but the truth is that it may not be as pure as we think. There are a number of contaminants that can find their way into our water supply, and without a whole-home water softener and filter system, we may be ingesting them without even knowing it. In this blog, we'll highlight four of the most common contaminants found in drinking water.
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a mineral that is commonly found in water. It's not harmful to humans and is actually a necessary part of our diets, but it can cause problems for your plumbing. When calcium carbonate builds up in your pipes, it can create a hard, white substance called scale. Scale can build up on the inside of your pipes and reduce water flow, eventually causing them to clog. It can also cause your water heater to become less efficient, as it has to work harder to heat the water. A whole-home water softener will remove calcium carbonate from your water before it has a chance to build up and cause problems.
Chlorine
Chlorine is added to our water supply as a disinfectant. It's effective at killing bacteria and other harmful microbes, but it can also be harmful to our health if we're exposed to too much of it. When chlorine is added to water, it forms a chemical called chloramine. Chloramine can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even death if ingested in large quantities. While it is unlikely that you will be exposed to enough chloramine to cause serious health problems, it is still a good idea to install a whole-home water filter to remove it from your water.
Lead
Lead is a metal that can be found in water. It's often found in old pipes and fixtures, as well as in the solder that joins pipes together. When water comes into contact with lead, it can absorb it into your body. Lead is a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, including brain damage, kidney damage, and even death. It is especially harmful to children and pregnant women. If you think there may be lead in your water, you should have it tested and install a whole-home water filter to remove it.
Nitrates
Nitrates are a type of pollution that can be found in water. They come from a variety of sources, including agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste. When nitrates enter our water supply, they can be harmful to our health. Nitrates can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the amount of oxygen that our blood can carry. This can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and even death. If you live in an area with high levels of nitrates in the water supply, you should have your water tested and install a whole-home water filter to remove them and ensure your safety.
As you can see, there are a number of potential contaminants that may be in your drinking water. While most of them are not harmful to our health in small quantities, it is still a good idea to install a whole-home water softener and filter system to remove them. This will ensure that your family has the cleanest and safest water possible to drink.
If you're concerned about the quality of your drinking water, NuvoH2O offers whole-home water systems that effectively remove contaminants while retaining the beneficial minerals present in water. Our systems use citrus instead of salt, resulting in softer, healthier, and better-tasting water for your family. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you have the best water possible.