In the United States, most drinking water contains chemicals and harmful pollutants that can have a long-term hazardous effect on your health. Although, there are Federal Regulations that deem water safe to drink. While scientists agree that these standards are out-of-date.
So, if you suspect that you’re drinking contaminated water, then you should have it tested by a certified laboratory to identify water quality. Once you have identified the problems, you will be better equipped to find the best filtration system that is good for your situation.
But before you opt for water analysis, there are some symptoms/signs you can look for that will indicate your water is unsafe for drinking.
Also, read our blog post about Is Tap Water Safe For Plants
Symptoms of Bad Tap Water
We all know water is essential to life. Most of us take water for granted and don’t think twice about what’s in it. We assume that because water is regulated by the government, it must be safe. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Here are some of the most common signs that your water is contaminated.
Unusual taste:
Your taste buds have ridiculous delicate sensors that surely protect you from dangerous substances, including bad-quality water. If you want fresh water and oily bitter as well as metallic taste, then it may be time to look into buying a filter.
Chlorine smell:
Does your tap water smell just like a swimming pool? Here is why. Chlorine is added to public water supplies to remove harmful bacteria. While it isn’t typically found in dangerous amounts, it can surely make your beverages tasteless. Consider buying a water filter to remove any trace of remaining chemicals.
Sulfur smell:
If your water smells like moldy eggs, then sulfur is to blame. The naturally occurring minerals are common in a few water systems but are not typically harmful. As with chlorine, sulfur smell can be removed with filter water.
Flat-baked goods:
If your favorite bread recipe falls flat, then it may not be your fault. The same chlorine that’s added to the water treatment system to kill harmful bacteria or microorganisms can also wreak havoc on the beneficial yeast that makes bread dough rise. Additionally, a water filter can also solve the problem with minimal effort and expense too.
Low-water pressure:
If the kitchen tap seems to be running more slowly than usual, you may have a few clogged pipes. Generally, this can happen over time when pipes become rotten and fill up with sediment and scale. Unfortunately, the single solution is running new PVC plumbing throughout the house, which is a little bit expensive project.
Cloudy, foamy water:
Plenty of public water systems do not filter out minerals and other naturally occurring substances from drinking water, and these harmful substances can sometimes give water a cloudy or foamy appearance. If both clouds and foam don’t disappear over time. However, they might be caused by bacteria or microorganisms.
Dirt and sediment:
Have you ever seen dirt, clay, or other sediments suspended in your faucet water or settled in the bottom of your sink? Plenty of the time, these particles are not harmful, but they certainly are not attractive. Try installing a point-of-use sediment filter to improve the problem.
Spots, stains, and scales:
Some parts of the United States of America have naturally hard water, water that contains a high percentage of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium too. Although hard water is not dangerous, it can simply prevent suds from lathering and reduce the effectiveness of dish-washer, hand soaps, and laundry powder.
In addition, hard water also causes spotting and leaves scale deposits on glassware, serving pieces, and plumbing too. Thus, shortening the lifespan of your hard-water heater, boiler, and many other appliances. To associate issues with hard water, just install a water-softening system to remove overkill minerals.
Government advisories:
If you are one of the 90% of US households that receive water through a municipal system, Government will not notify you of any unsafe situations with your water. You will also
be informed if there’re measures you should take, such as boiling your water.
If you are among the 10% of United States of America who get their water from private wells, then you need to ensure that your drinking water is safe or secure through routine testing with an honest company.
How To Treat Bad Tap Water
Most people take access to clean water for granted, but did you know that the water coming out of your tap could be contaminated? Although public water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are still ways for harmful bacteria and chemicals to end up in your glass.
If you’re concerned about the quality of your water, there are a few things you can do to treat it yourself.
First, check with your local water provider to see if there have been any recent reports of contaminants in the water. If so, they may have recommendations for how to treat the water.
If there are no reports of contamination, you can still take steps to make sure your water is as clean as possible. Start by running the water from your tap for a minute or two before you use it, especially if you haven’t used it in a while. This will flush any contaminants that may have collected in the pipes.
You can also invest in a water filter. There are a variety of filters on the market, so make sure you choose one that is from a reputable manufacturer.
By taking these simple steps, you can rest assured that the water you’re drinking is as clean and safe as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some symptoms of bad tap water?
Some symptoms of bad tap water include: bad taste, bad smell, bad appearance, and health problems.
What can bad tap water do to your health?
Bad tap water can cause a number of different health problems. It can cause stomach problems, skin problems, and even neurological problems.
Final Words:
If you think that your tap water might be bad, you should contact your local water utility. They can test your water to see if there are any contaminants present.