Why You Should Test Your Water

The United States offers one of the safest water supplies in the world. Over 90% of Americans acquire their tap water through community water systems, which are subject to safe drinking water standards. Drinking water quality varies depending on the condition of the source water from which it is collected and the treatment it undergoes, but it must meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules. Many states have their own drinking water regulations that are at least as protective as the EPA’s national guidelines.

City Water

The quality of city water is threatened by multiple factors; some of these threats include: Road salt, which washes into the water supply in cold climates and is highly corrosive to pipes; fertilizers, which frequently enter city water supplies as a result of agricultural activity upstream; dumps and landfills, which leech contaminants into groundwater, and bacteria, which is common in slow-moving water or water that is being contaminated by poorly-treated sewage. Derelict industrial sites also frequently seep chemical contaminants into urban water supplies, and finally, there are natural hazards to consider, like radon and minerals.

Well Water

If your drinking water does not come from a public water system, or you get your drinking water from a household well, you alone are responsible for assuring that it is safe. For this reason, routine testing for a few of the most common contaminants is highly recommended. Even if you currently have a safe, pure water supply, regular testing can be valuable because it establishes a record of water quality. This record is helpful in solving any future problems and in obtaining compensation if someone damages your water supply

Do you suspect lead may be in some of your household plumbing materials and water service lines?

Most water systems test for lead as a regular part of water monitoring. These tests give a system-wide picture, but do not reflect conditions at a specific household faucet. If you want to know if your home’s drinking water contains unsafe levels of lead, have your water tested. Testing is the only way to confirm if lead is present or absent. Some faucet and pitcher filters can remove lead from drinking water. If you use a filter to remove lead, be sure you get one that is certified to remove lead by NSF International.