It’s estimated that around 2 million Americans don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water in their community.
Water that isn’t safe to drink can be filled with toxins, pollutants, and other chemicals that can wreak havoc on human health. It can even be deadly.
Are you wondering if your home’s water quality is sufficient? Luckily, there are many ways to identify poor water quality. Here, we’re sharing some telltale signs that your home’s water might not be safe to drink.
Keep on reading to find out what they are!
1. Cloudy Appearance
Although cloudiness in tap water doesn’t always mean your water is contaminated, it’s the most telltale warning sign that your water isn’t safe to drink.
Pour a glass of water and hold it up to the light. If you see any cloudiness or “floaters”, your water may contain unwanted chemicals and pollutants.
2. Slimy Texture
After you get out of the shower or wash your hands, does your skin feel slimy or greasy? If so, your home’s water is of poor quality.
The slimy texture is a result of a hard water buildup in your home’s pipes. This type of poor quality water is caused by substances like magnesium and calcium building up in your home’s faucets.
To combat hard water, you can install a water softener system into your home. Have a look at the benefits!
3. Chlorine Smell
Water that smells like bleach or chlorine isn’t safe to consume. If your home has smelly water, then there may be an excess of chlorine in your water.
While a small level of chlorine is necessary to kill harmful pathogens, an excess could put your health in danger.
4. Putrid Smell
If you notice your water smelling like rotten eggs, then there could be an excessive level of hydrogen sulfide present in it. Hydrogen sulfide, although harmless in most cases, can come into contact with bacteria and convert into sulfate.
Sulfate, when ingested, can cause a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea and dehydration. Don’t take a sip if it’s stinky!
5. Rust Spots
Homes with poor water quality often see their share of rust deposits.
Look for rust spots in your freshly-washed clothes or inside the washer drum. These rust spots are caused by a high level of iron present in your water.
While these rust deposits are annoying and messy, you can remove them with lemon juice or white vinegar.
Don’t Let Poor Water Quality Harm Your Family
Poor quality water can lead to illnesses that can harm you and your family if you’re not careful. Now that you’re aware of what to look out for and how to spot contaminated water, you’ll know what kinds of water are safe for drinking.
Did you learn something new from this information? If you did, be sure to check out the rest of our posts about all things home!
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