Tap Water Safety Tips

Drinking water is typically sourced from either surface water (lakes, rivers and reservoirs) or groundwater (water pumped from wells drilled into underground aquifers). For many people, tap water comes from public community water systems. While this water is normally safe, it may contain trace levels of many different contaminants. The government tests and regulates 90 of these contaminants per the Safe Drinking Water Act. This federal law doesn’t require eradication of all 90 contaminants, but does establish a standard for maximum levels permitted.

But even government tested water that meets standards can become contaminated prior to hitting your faucet if it sits too long, or if older pipes connected to your home contain lead that gets into the water. Sometimes contaminants that are flushed or thrown in the garbage can end up in waterways and seep into groundwater. This is another way public water supplies can be polluted.

Here are a few tap water safety tips:

• Review the most recent Consumer Confidence Report for your area by visiting epa.gov/ccr  This report will describe the tested quality of your area’s public water.
• Flush water for up to 60 seconds to reduce water lead risks.
• Choose a water filter product that’s NSF certified to remove lead and contaminants.
• Change your filtration products filter at manufacturer recommended intervals.
• Fix an home plumbing problems like leaks, corrosion, etc. as quickly as possible.

I personally use a filter that attaches on our faucet that has filters that you change when water flow ceases. They are fairly inexpensive, and you can tell the difference. We have pretty safe water here in Montana, but I can tell you that I can taste the difference in coffee when made with regular tap water and water from the filters.

The Filter We Use

 

Have Your Water Tested

If you are not sure, and want to be safe, you can have your water tested. Many municipal water suppliers will test a water sample from your home for free or for a small fee. There are also DIY water testing kits available at home improvement stores. Another option is to pay a state-certified lab to conduct the test. If your test results indicate excessive contamination levels, contact your municipal water supplier and make sure they resolve the problem.

 

 

 

 

Resources:

• epa.gov/your-drinking-water
• cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking
• cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/water.htm
• epa.gov/privatewells
• tinyurl.com/homewatertestingepa