Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?
For many people, the only water they drink comes from the tap in their home or apartment building. But does this mean that drinking water from the tap is always safe? How can you be sure that the water isn't contaminated in some way? Can you trust your municipal water system? Is tap water safe to drink? This article explores these questions and more, helping you decide if tap water is truly something you can rely on as an important part of your daily diet and lifestyle.
When is tap water not safe?
Tap water is safe to drink in most places. However, there are circumstances that could compromise tap water's safety. If your tap water comes from a groundwater source, it may be contaminated by lead pipes. Lead exposure is not only dangerous for kids—it can be dangerous for adults as well. In fact, scientific studies have linked high levels of lead in people with heart-related problems and blood pressure issues such as hypertension.
To minimize risk, run cold water for 30 seconds before using it. This allows any sediment at the bottom of your plumbing system to settle out. You should also avoid drinking hot tap water because hot temperatures speed up corrosion on lead piping systems.
Where do I get drinking water from?
If you're concerned about drinking your local tap water, consider getting a filter for your kitchen sink. They cost around $50 and can remove many of harmful contaminants from your drinking water. While you can get a water filter for your faucet at home, it might be best to use one that attaches to your refrigerator. This way, you don't have to worry about where your new filter will sit in your kitchen or whether it will be easy enough for everyone in your family—especially children—to use. A good option is PUR's 5-stage reverse osmosis water filter system.
This is especially important if you have children or elderly people in your household who are more susceptible to health problems caused by impure water. You should also make sure that any ice made with tap water is from purified sources as well.
My pipes are rusty what should I do?
If you have rusty pipes, you should definitely think about calling a plumber. Rusty pipes can be dangerous because they can leach minerals and sediment into your drinking water. If left untreated, these minerals could cause serious damage to your health.
If your pipe looks rust colored or rusty, it's probably worth a call. Even if your pipes aren't completely rusted through, they may still contain small amounts of iron that can affect how well your water tastes.
Should I buy bottled water?
You've seen it in nearly every grocery store and convenience store you've entered: rows of plastic bottles filled with fresh, clean-tasting drinking water. And at one time or another, many people decide that since bottled water is safer than their local tap variety, they might as well buy some for home. But should you be among those consumers who are buying bottled H2O for your kitchen faucet?
It depends on what kind of water you have coming out of your tap. If it tastes bad, smells bad or looks bad (or all three), then yes—go ahead and invest in a few cases of bottled water until you can get someone out to fix whatever problem exists with your plumbing system.
