Why You Should Get Your Water Tested
We all saw the devastation in Flint, Michigan that resulted from contaminated drinking water. Now, people across the country are becoming more aware of the water they drink. Central Virginia is no different. While we may take clean drinking water for granted, there are possible hazards and contaminants that could be lurking in our taps. Industrial dumping, pesticide runoff, and storage tank leaks are all ways our drinking water can become easily contaminated.
If you’ve never tested your water before, Bradley Mechanical can help you understand the process. It’s important to know what exactly to look for. Here are a few top pollutants that can threaten your drinking supply:
Fluoride
Fluoride has long been thought to be a great way to prevent tooth decay. Even today, this compound can still be found in public water supplies. While fluoride studies show evidence of helping dental health, according to data published by the National Institute of Health, elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water are suspected to be a neurotoxic risk that may cause cognitive deficits in developing children. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also classifies fluoride within the same contaminant category as mercury and lead for their National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
Lead
Lead was at the root of the contamination in Flint due to the city’s corroded pipes. You may not know if your water travels through lead pipes, so it’s important to get your water tested. Lead is a severely harmful heavy metal that can attack every organ in the body. It is especially dangerous to consume lead in early developmental stages. So households with children or pregnant women should be sure to get their water checked.
Chlorine
There’s a reason you don’t drink pool water. While this additive has an ability to purify and sanitize water, it is not meant for human consumption. Excessive amounts of chlorine can produce poisonous hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
PCBs
This highly toxic chemical was originally used to make products such as paints, adhesives, and insulation. Although it was banned in 1979, it can still be found in landfills and runoff. Water and snow are able to carry these chemicals thousands of miles from where they were originally produced.
DDT
This insecticide was banned in 1972 due to concerns about its impact on the environment. It is also extremely hazardous for humans to consume. It can attack the liver and the nervous system. Although this chemical was banned more than four decades ago, it still continues to be produced in the United States and sold to foreign countries for use.
Bradley Mechanical is Central VA’s Water Filtration Expert
Bradley Mechanical performs water testing in conjunction with our water filtration services to help determine which system is right for your home. Water filtration systems are a great way to protect the health and safety of those who use the water in your home or business. There are also products like water softeners that can help with water hardening, which can affect your skin and hair.
If you have concerns about your water quality, give the plumbing and filtration experts at Bradley Mechanical a call today at 804-748-6728.
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