West Chester Water Contaminants
Life can’t exist without water. However, the safety and quality of the water used is as important as the availability of it. For the residents of West Chester, there have been various concerns about the different kinds of contaminants found in water. This has pushed most residents to seek reliable sources for information. Knowing this information is vital to ensure your family gets the safest drinking water.
Common Water Contaminants
There are several contaminants found within West Chester’s water supply which may have health risks.
Microorganisms
Microorganisms are one of the most common contaminants in drinking water. Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa enter the water supply from various sources, including overflow from sewage, animal waste, and poorly maintained septic systems. Although the treatment process of water usually kills most harmful microorganisms, it is important to be aware of their presence and take necessary precautions.
Heavy Metals
Common contamination from other sources apart from radionuclide involves the heavy metals. For example lead, copper, mercury etc. are transported from heavy metal contamination to various supplies through old pipes used within households, industrial contamination due to runoff and by using agriculture. Lead scaries since it can infiltrate a household’s supply when plumbing systems leech some portions into the supplies for consumption. Heavy exposure causes severe health effects- as children to developmental challenges whereas for adults, in more advanced stages, cases related to kidney failure regular tests on your waters identify chemical pollutants.
Other Common Contaminants
These chemicals may come from pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals that eventually find their way into West Chester’s water supply. These chemicals come through the agricultural runoff and poor practices in the disposal of substances. Chemical contamination over the long term leads to many health problems. For instance, people have a potential risk of experiencing certain cancerous diseases because of continuous exposure to chlorine and chloramine.
Chlorine and chloramine are the most widely used disinfectants in municipal water systems. While these chemicals are effective at killing harmful microorganisms, they can give drinking water unpleasant tastes and odors. Some people may be sensitive to these chemicals, leading to respiratory problems or irritation of the skin. If you smell a strong chlorine odor, you may want to invest in a water filter to make your water taste and smell better.
Significance of Testing Water
Testing water identifies contaminants in your drinking water. Homeowners should ensure that their water is tested at least once a year, especially if they get their water from a well. Testing can reveal the existence of harmful contaminants and identify the appropriate filtration or treatment methods needed to ensure safe drinking water.
Increasing the Longevity of Your System
Water Quality
While seemingly not too related, a water testing service can play an immense role in maintaining the water quality in your house. Water damage and mold often grow because of a leaking roof, which could expose you to more harmful organisms in your indoor air and supply of water. Through such roof inspections, you identify what needs to be fixed earlier, ensuring that it won’t cause a more threatening issue.
Conclusion
Knowing the most common contaminants in your West Chester water supply is crucial to your health and that of your family. Keep abreast of information and take proactive steps, such as regular water testing and services like roof inspection, so that you can ensure your drinking water is safe.
Professional Backflow Solutions LLC
If there is an issue with the safety of your water supply, Professional Backflow Solutions LLC will be your savior, preventing contamination and keeping your water clean. The company protects drinking water from the harmful presence of contaminants and can give West Chester residents peace of mind by installing backflow prevention systems.