Many people take their water quality for granted. When you turn on a tap or faucet, you might not give the safety and cleanliness of your water a second thought. However, if you’ve ever been under a boil water notice, or if you notice a change in your water, you might be curious how to improve water quality at your home.
Whether you get your water from a water company or from a well, there are a number of factors that affect water quality in your home.
- Usage. Interestingly enough, use (or overuse) of water can strain the water system and impact your water quality. In most cases (unless you use a private well), your family shares its water supply with others in the community. That collective use can put a strain on the system. Some areas might need to upgrade older wastewater treatment systems, leading to high water prices or water restrictions. Reduced ground water tables can also lead to increased concentrations of human-caused or natural pollutants.
- Pollution. Dumping oil, grease, detergents, or pesticides down drains or in storm drains can pollute local sources of water that water companies draw on. Loose grass clippings and leaves can clog drainage systems, and pet droppings and septic tank overflows can have dangerous results when they reach drinking water. Water companies treat water to remove and eliminate contaminants and bacteria that reach the water supply. Many of these issues can be stopped by people taking action. Throw debris and garbage into the trash (not down any drain), don’t flush prescriptions, and follow manufacturer instructions when applying fertilizer, pesticide, or herbicide.
- Runoff and sedimentation. Unlike much of this list, both of these factors are environmental factors. Sediment can come from a variety of natural sources, like soil erosion or from the decomposition of living things. Water (or ice) and wind can carry thee particles into bodies of water and, later, your water supply. That mineral buildup
- Household plumbing and fixtures. From your pipes to your taps, each part of your plumbing system can impact your water quality. Older household plumbing, including potential lead sources, can lead to water contamination. Even faucet aerators can make an impact: clean them and replace as needed to prevent sediment and metal buildup.
- Water heaters. If you don’t drain your water heater every year, you could see a buildup of sediment and bacteria. This buildup can negatively impact water quality and water pressure.
Maintaining Safe Water Quality
If you get your water from a water company, you should receive a regular report from them documenting the water quality. If you receive water from a well, you should get your water tested annual at a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) laboratory.
Aside from testing, you can take steps to ensure your water quality is the best it can be. Whether it’s through water filtration systems, purifiers, or a water softener, you can take additional steps to take care of your home’s water supply.
Water Treatment in Nashville
You might take your water quality for granted, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. If your water quality or pressure isn’t up to your standards, or you’re looking for peace of mind, you should contact an experienced plumber. The professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Nashville can help you evaluate your water quality and determine the best ways to keep minerals and contaminants out of your water. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today and get your water supply in good hands.