Due to the recent headlines highlighting the water contamination in Flint, Michigan and other areas around our country, water filtration systems are on the mind of many homeowners. Folks are concerned now more than ever about the quality of their water supply as well as the possible contaminates they are being exposed to through their drinking water. This post will outline the steps you should take to find the right water treatments and/or water filtration systems for your home.
Have your Water Tested
If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, the best way to discover what is in it is through an independent testing laboratory. This is especially important for folks connected to private wells as many contaminates can seep into the groundwater systems from nearby farms or industrial installations. Typically, independent laboratories test for:
- E. coli
- Arsenic
- Hardness
- Metals
- Volatile organic chemicals
- Inorganic chemicals
- Bacteria
- Lead and copper
Homes connected to municipal water supplies can have their water independently tested as well or ask their local water utility or authority for a CCR “Consumer Confident Report” listing:
- The source of the water
- Contaminate levels
- Maximum contaminate levels or those levels that could be potentially harmful
- Existing violations of drinking water-related rules
- Information regarding Cryptosporidium
Types of Water Filtration Systems
Today, many water filtration systems exist that can improve the quality of your drinking water. Your choices include whole-house systems “POE” designed to treat all water supplies entering your home, to point-of-use “POU” options that connect to a specific faucet such as the kitchen sink. In addition, portable solutions are also available such as water pitchers and countertop filters.
- Whole-house or point-of-entry water filtration systems treat the water before it enters your home. Typically, these systems are connected to the main water line or pressurized storage—private well—tank. These systems may include UV microbiological systems, water softeners and whole-house filters to address chlorine, odor, taste and to remove harmful particulates.
- Point-of-use systems focus on your drinking water and include water pitchers, simple faucet filters or reverse osmosis systems. Reverse osmosis systems are NFS certified to reduce both lead and copper contamination as well as reduce fluoride and nitrate content.
Testing and addressing your water quality concerns requires enlisting the services of professionals with the knowledge and experience to identify the problems and recommend the appropriate solutions to ensure your home’s drinking water is safe.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
