Is tap water safe to drink? You’re hardly the first person to ask that. If you’re concerned about the safety of tap water, you may want to drink bottled water instead.
If your current water is dirty, stagnant, or unpleasant tasting, it might be time to look into an alternative water supply.
For more info, read on to learn all about the safety of tap water, where your water is coming from, and whether you should drink tap water.
Tap Water Legal Standards
The Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 tightened the legal standards for drinking water quality in the United States. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Drinking Water Advisory Council.
Under the new drinking water quality standards, the EPA set maximum contaminant levels. The new drinking water quality standards also required public water systems to provide customers with information about the quality of their drinking water on an annual basis.
Know Some Signs Your Tap Water May Be Contaminated
There are a few things to watch out for that may indicate your tap water is contaminated. Read below to learn more about these signs.
Your Tap Water Is Cloudy
If your tap water is cloudy, it could be due to several things. It can be an indication of a potential problem with your water supply. There are frequently little air bubbles present as the culprit. Place your glass on the counter and check to see if air bubbles are to blame.
You can use a water filter to clean the water and make it clearer. You can view selection options of water filters available online.
Your Tap Water Is Hard
Whether there are white stains on your dishes or a scum buildup around your sinks, bathtub, or shower, your water is likely hard. These stains are frequently caused by too much calcium or magnesium in your tap water, and they shouldn’t be harmful.
But it can cause problems with plumbing, dishwashers, and laundry machines. Hard water can also make it difficult to dissolve soap and create a frustratingly bubbly experience during showers.
Your Tap Water Smells Like Bleach
While bleach may kill some bacteria, it does not remove all contaminants and water toxins. Bleach can create new contaminants when it comes in contact with other chemicals in your water. It is not recommended to drink tap water that smells like bleach.
Your Tap Water Is Discolored
Seeing brown or yellow flowing from your faucet water is one of the most unsettling indications that there might be a problem. The water may not be aesthetically pleasing, but the high levels of chlorine, copper or lead, iron or manganese, and other disinfectants are not within the acceptable range for drinking water.
Learning Whether Is Tap Water Safe to Drink
While there are many opinions on whether is tap water safe to drink, the best way to learn is to consult with your local water company. They can provide you with information on the quality of your tap water. If you are still concerned, there are many water filters available that can remove impurities from your tap water.
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