You probably do the following several times every day. Turn on the faucet, let it run for a moment, fill a glass, and then enjoying a cooling drink. The assumption is that the water coming out of your faucet is safe to drink because it has been through the local water treatment plant.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t guarantee it is safe to drink.
The Problem With tap Water
The water treatment plant conforms to government standards. That means it filters the water o remove debris and adds chlorine to kill bacteria. In many cases it also adds fluoride to helps strengthen the teeth and bones of anyone drinking it.
However, the water leaves the plant and goes through miles of pipes before getting to your tap. These pipes go under the soil and small breaks in the pipes can go undetected. This allows bacteria to get into the pipes, re-contaminating the water.
In addition, ground contaminants, such as insecticides and factory waste, can enter the water pipes. They can leach through the pipes. In short, you don’t know what could be in your water.
Alongside this recent research suggests that chlorine can cause health issues, particularly with the respiratory system. Research also suggests that fluoride consumption in water increases your risk of certain types of cancer.
While research is not yet definitive and ongoing, it is a sobering thought.
Solutions To Ensure Tap Water Is Safe to Drink
It’s not viable to test the water every time you want to drink it or use it for washing food. Fortunately, you don’t need to. There is a much better and easier way to make sure your tap water is safe.
Water Filters
The safest and easiest way to handle this issue is with reputable water filters. You’ll find there are filters that can be fitted to individual taps and some that can filter the whole water supply for your house. This is the preferred option especially if you have allergies that could be affected by chlorine.
There are different types of filters but the most commonly used options are aerated carbon and reverse osmosis. The two filters together are effective at removing virtually all contaminants in your water supply.
The good news is that these systems are easy to fit and need very little maintenance.
Boiling The Water
If you haven’t got a water filter and have concerns over the safety of your tap water you can boil it. Boiling the water for at least one minute will kill the bacteria in the water. However, while this will make the water safe in principle, it won’t remove the heavy metals and minerals.
These can cause further issues, as can the chlorine and fluoride you’ll still find in the tap water.
Boiling is also inconvenient, you’ll have to boil it for one minute and then wait for the water to cool before you can use it unless you’re making a hot drink. That’s why most people choose the convenience and practicality of water filters to ensure they have safe tap water.