Does drinking water contains metal in united states

Does drinking water contains metal in united states

Robin Collins |

In the past few years in the United States, the drinking water crisis has brought heavy metals in the drinking water to the forefront of many people’s minds.

Now, people all across the US have started expressing their concern about the presence of heavy metals in drinking water and looking for different ways to make the water safe & clean.

This why, we have come up with a guide about heavy drinking water, where they come from, health issues associated with heavy metals, and different ways to remove them – so stay connected till the end.

Also, read our latest guide about Symptoms of Bad Tap Water

What are heavy metals?

Heavy metals are defined as metals of relatively top-density and of high-relative atomic weight and are of specific concern from the point of view of human health.

Additionally, examples of heavy metals include Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Chromium, Thallium, Lead, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, and Selenium as well.

So, these metallic elements are considered systemic toxicants and are called to be capable of including multiple Organ damage, even at the lower level of exposure and they are classified as human carcinogens.

Your body still does have a need for trace quantities of certain metals like Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Iron, and Calcium too. But, plenty of metals that are required for health at trace level can cause toxicity in higher concentrations. 

What are the health issues connected with heavy metals in drinking water?

One of the major problems with heavy metals is their tendency to bioaccumulation in the human body that’s that they accumulate at a faster rate than the human body is able to remove them.

However, this is a process that may take place in food sauces, where the metals are more concentrated the higher-up food chain they reach, and Mercury in salmon is a fine example.

Heavy metal poising, however seldom consequences from large-one-off doses, but more often from regular small-quantity which produce an immediate effect. In addition, heavy metal contamination is of particular concern for young, pregnant women, and nursing women too.

Such symptoms of heavy metals poising may include, so take a look.

· General feeling of sick

· Nausea

· Pains in the abdominal region

· Vomiting

· Chill

· Diarrhea

· Weakness

· Difficulty in breathing

· High B.P

· Memory-loss

· Changes in vision

Of course, there can be plenty of causes of the above symptoms and this may lead to heavy metal contamination being unseen as a contributor.

Where heavy metals do come from?

While certain amounts of heavy metals may naturally occur in soil nowadays, agricultural and pharmaceutical processes offer an increased opportunity for contamination of surface water. Additionally, landfill websites and sewage disposals may contribute to higher levels of heavy metal contamination.

Pollution is very famous in point source areas like mining, foundries, smelters, and many other metal-based industrial operations where rainfall can wash the heavy metal which contains waste products into the water table and where release into the atmosphere can enter the water sources respectively.

Another ordinary source of heavy metal contamination is lead water piping, still there In some older properties and a lot of vaccines still contain mercury and also contain aluminum in their ingredients.

Different Ways To Remove Heavy Metals From Water

There are many ways to remove heavy metals from water, but some are more effective than others. Heavy metals can come from a variety of sources, including industry, agriculture, and even natural sources. Regardless of the source, it is important to remove these metals from water to protect human health and the environment.

Reverse osmosis:

Reverse osmosis is a process that forces water through a very fine membrane, which removes impurities like heavy metals. This is a very effective way to remove heavy metals from water, but it can be expensive and require a lot of water to operate.

Ion exchange:

Ion exchange is a process that uses charged ions to remove impurities from water. This is a very effective way to remove heavy metals from water, but it can be expensive.

Activated carbon:

This type of carbon has been treated to make it very porous. This makes it great at adsorbing impurities like heavy metals. Activated carbon is a very effective way to remove heavy metals from water, but it can be expensive.

Distillation:

Distillation is a process that involves boiling water and then condensing the steam back into the water. This leaves impurities behind, including heavy metals. Distillation is a very effective way to remove heavy metals from water, but it can be time-consuming.

Filtration:

Filtration is a process that uses a filter to remove impurities from water. This is a very effective way to remove heavy metals from water, but it can be expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common metals found in drinking water?

The most common metals found in drinking water are iron, manganese, and zinc. These metals are naturally occurring and are not added to water during the treatment process. They can enter the water supply through runoff from mines or industrial facilities, or from leaching from pipes and other infrastructure.

What are the health effects of drinking water with elevated levels of metals?

The health effects of drinking water with elevated levels of metals will depend on the type and concentration of metal present. Generally, consuming high levels of metals can lead to gastrointestinal distress, kidney damage, or other health problems. Some metals, such as lead, can also have neurological effects.

Is there anything I can do to remove metals from my drinking water?

If you are concerned about the presence of metals in your drinking water, there are a few things you can do. First, you can have your water tested by a certified laboratory to determine the concentration of metals present.

Second, you can install a water filtration system designed to remove metals from water. Finally, you can contact your local water utility to inquire about treatment options for metals in the water supply.

Final Words:

Drinking water that contains metals is generally safe, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Elevated levels of certain metals can be harmful if consumed over long periods of time.

If you are concerned about the presence of metals in your drinking water, you can have it tested or install a water filtration system.