What’s In My Water?
Basic chemistry tells us that water is made up of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, but there’s a lot more to consider when you’re talking about water for household use. For example, do you get your household water from a well? Or does your family depend on municipally treated water that comes from the ground or a reservoir, or perhaps a combination of both? The answers to these questions as well as other factors can greatly affect how suitable your water is for drinking, bathing, cleaning, and all the other routine tasks you use water for in your home.
Why the Water Source Matters
Where your water comes from has a lot to do with the impurities that may be in it. For instance, water that comes from an underground aquifer is more likely to be classified as “hard water” – meaning it contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals, than a surface water source, such as a lake. Hard water is safe to drink but can create a variety of problems in your home, including limescale buildup that can damage your plumbing.
A lake or reservoir, on the other hand, may be more likely to contain bacteria and sediment in comparison to groundwater.
No matter where your water comes from, it is bound to contain impurities. Even if your home receives water from a municipal source that has been treated to meet safe drinking water standards, your water likely contains contaminants that make it less than ideal for household use. Some of the impurities that homeowners frequently find troublesome include:
- Residual chlorine that lingers after disinfection
- Sulfur that causes taste and/or odor
- Iron and manganese can stain sinks and clothing
- Floating particles
How Can I Find Out What’s In My Water?
Waterway is familiar with the water sources and water quality problems in the area where you live. Contact us to discuss any problems you’re having with your water and to schedule a complimentary in-home water analysis by one of our water quality technicians.
