As most Austin residents know, quality drinking water is a very precious resource. With the constant threat of a drought, it’s vital that you ensure all the water that goes through your home is drinkable for your family. While you may not know it, there may be some common pollutants that are deteriorating the quality of your home’s water supply.
Nitrates
Nitrates are commonly found in liquid waste, manures, and fertilizers. This contaminant most commonly seeps in from septic tanks and faulty plumbing systems. Nitrates are more common in rural communities than in suburban ones as runoff from field fertilizer can be carried away into groundwater sources. Exposure to high amounts of nitrate can be very dangerous, especially for young children.
Arsenic
Despite its well-known toxic properties, arsenic is typically found in small amounts in nature. It can reach your drinking water in one of two ways. First, there may be a large mineral deposit of this metallic substance near your groundwater. Second, hazardous waste runoff from arsenic manufacturing industries can lead to higher than normal arsenic water levels. This substance can cause a variety of health problems like skin cancer and skin discoloration
Fluoride
A natural mineral found within soil, fluoride has been added to household drinking water since the 1940s. The logic is that it helps to combat natural tooth decay. However, recent evidence has revealed that too much fluoride additive in water can alter the tooth’s enamel and lead to staining and unwanted white spots. In addition, high fluoride levels have been shown to weaken the skeletal systems by becoming concentrated in the bone. It’s best to consult Parobek Water Solutions in Bastrop, TX to determine if the concentration of fluoride in your drinking water is too high.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another common pollutant that is found in most tap water. While aluminum is present within the soil, air, and water, it’s typically only in small amounts. Recent evidence has shown that communities with high levels of aluminum in their drinking water have suffered from higher-than-average levels of dementia. More studies are underway to determine the long-term side effects of high amounts of aluminum in drinking water. For now, residents should consider water filtration to keep aluminum levels within check.
Copper
Many older residential plumbing systems include copper piping. Over time, copper has been shown to leech into drinking water when corrosion happens to the piping. This happens much faster in homes where water is highly acidic. Residents with elevated levels of copper in the water can have gastrointestinal issues and long-term liver or kidney problems.
It’s not uncommon to think that your drinking water is naturally safe. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Having Parobek Water Solutions test your water and provide you with filtration options can help to ensure that your home’s water stays free from unwanted pollutants.