Why is water quality important? Your home’s water has a direct impact on your family’s health. Is it doing more harm than good? Here’s what you need to know about your water quality.
We don’t often think about water quality in our homes, at least, not in terms of health and safety. Most of us in the United States do not have to worry about it. Unfortunately, however, in some cases, we should be worried about it.
What if you found out that your water contained microorganisms, heavy metals, or minerals that could make your family sick? Your home’s water quality is an integral part of your family’s life. Your loved ones use it to cook and clean. They drink it straight from the tap to stay hydrated.
Here are some common problems that affect water quality, a few health risks from bad water, how to fix the problem before it gets serious.
Common Problems That Affect Water
Some of the most common water quality problems that affect homeowners include:
- Hard water
- High acidity
- Contamination
Hard water does not cause health issues, but it can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing. The minerals that make the water “hard” can build up inside the pipes and appliances in your home, leading to repairs that cost thousands.
High acidity in your home’s water, however, can pose a risk to your family’s health. Water with high acidity often contains heavy metals, which can be seriously detrimental if consumed in high amounts.
Water in your home may also contain decaying organic matter. If your water tastes or smells bad, you could have contaminated water that could make your family sick.
Health Risks of Poor-Quality Water
Exposure to heavy metals from acidic water over a long period of time can have serious health consequences. Among them are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, immune system suppression, and even organ damage. For young children, heavy metal exposure can result in developmental delays.
If your home’s water is contaminated, you could be ingesting dangerous bacteria, including e. coli. Some common diseases that can develop from contaminated water are Hepatitis A, Giardiasis, and Shigellosis. You can also develop respiratory infections, such as Legionnaire’s disease, by inhaling contaminated droplets.
The first step in addressing any water purity problems in your home is to have a complete test done. The test you choose should measure for pH, microorganisms, heavy metals, and hardness.
Once you have your test results, then you can start to work toward better water quality for your family.
Why Is Water Quality Important to You?
Are you worried about the quality of your home’s water? You don’t have to be. Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona today to talk to us about your options for water filtration and water softener. We are waiting to take your call or answer your email. Don’t hesitate another second while your family’s health could be at risk.