In recent years, you may have seen an increasing number of news reports about drinking water contamination. Chemicals like PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” appear in drinking water, even in remote areas of the country. Lead shows up in water served to schools and homes. Wells near agricultural operations can become contaminated with nitrates and bacteria. Whether your family drinks well water or city water, a professional water test can tell you if your water quality needs improvement.
The majority of Americans are already convinced that their drinking water needs help. In fact, 87% of Americans are concerned about the quality of their tap water. However, there is some good news: taking control of your water quality doesn’t have to be complicated. With reliable information and the right tools, you can make sure your family has clean, safe drinking water every day.
Why Are Water Contaminants So Common?
The United States has one of the largest and most complex water delivery systems in the world. Unfortunately, aging water systems, geography, and industrial activity all play a role in allowing toxins to make their way into our water supplies. The problem is that many of these contaminants are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. You won’t know they’re present without proper testing.
Here are some of the most common contaminants found in American water supplies:
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Known as “forever chemicals” because they may not break down for centuries, PFAS are linked to health issues such as hormone disruption, immune suppression, and cancer.
- Disinfection byproducts: Chlorination is an effective method of killing disease-causing microorganisms, but this process produces several byproducts. One commonly found group of these chemicals is called trihalomethanes. These are associated with an increased chance of cancer and reproductive harm.
- Nitrate: This contaminant comes from fertilizer or livestock operations, storm runoff and wastewater plant releases. It is also associated with cancer and reproductive harm.
- Heavy metals: Arsenic can enter drinking water from natural rock deposits or industrial activities. Hexavalent chromium is a carcinogen. Both are linked to cases of cancer.
- 1,4-Dioxane and Dichloroethane: Both are industrial solvents and byproducts that can seep into groundwater. They are considered probable human carcinogens and are difficult to remove without specialized treatment.
Your First Step to Better Water: Find Out What’s In It
A fast, accurate and professional analysis of your drinking water can provide you with the facts you need to make further decisions. Is your water already good quality, and you need to do nothing else? Or are there contaminants that need to be filtered out? A professional water testing lab can provide this information in just a few days.
Depending on which test you choose, you can learn if these undesirable contaminants are present:
- Disease-causing bacteria
- Fungi
- Metals or toxic minerals
- Radioactive elements like radon
- Cancer-causing industrial chemicals
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Chemicals added by water systems such as chlorine or fluoride
Your Second Step: Choose the Right Filtration System
Once you know what is in your water, you can choose the right filtration system. It’s actually possible to purchase a system that is more expensive than you need, or that doesn’t touch the contaminants you really want removed. Having accurate, professional test results is always the best place to start.
For example:
- If tests show high levels of lead, point-of-use filters certified for lead removal can be installed.
- If PFAS are detected, reverse osmosis systems or specialized activated carbon filters can greatly reduce exposure.
- Carbon filters can also remove disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes and chlorine.
- Ion exchange systems can soften water without adding sodium.
- Distillation removes minerals, many bacteria and viruses but may only partially remove chlorine, trihalomethanes and other chemicals.
Find out what’s in your water before investing in a filtration or purification system so your investment hits the right target.
Start Your Journey to Better Water Today
ETR Laboratories specializes in helping homeowners, businesses and city water systems get clear, accurate answers about water quality. In just a few days, you can have the results of your water test in hand.
When you need to take a comprehensive look at 249 different undesirable substances in your water, choose the Ultimate Water Test. You will get a precise report that can guide you to the perfect filtration or treatment system for your water. Order your Ultimate Water Test from ETR Laboratories today!
