Warning! The water in your home may be full of pollutants, toxins, bacteria, and other worrisome particles. But how would you know? There’s a surprising amount of information out there to sort through. Here are a few helpful ways to find out if the water coming out of your faucet is safe.
Check With Your Water Company
By July 1st, every water agency has to provide its customers with a Consumer Confidence Report. This is an annual water quality report with details on any and all contaminants that may be present in your water. Typically it comes with your bill in the mail or online. If you don’t know the name of your water agency, you can use the EPA’s map to find it.
Search The Water Database
The Environmental Working Group created a very handy National Drinking Water Database. The best way to use this EWG report is to compare the healthy limit column with the legal limit column. If the numbers are close, that’s cause for alarm; but if you’re looking at low levels of contaminants, there’s no need to panic.
Use The EPA’s Water Watch Program
There are 18 states that participate in the EPA’s Drinking Water Watch program. The type of data varies by state, but most of the links contain information on water quality violations and reported health hazards.
DIY Water Testing
When all else fails, test the water yourself. Start by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline, which will connect you with a local water testing agency. You can also use the Water Quality Association’s search page to find an approved testing company in your state.
Are you looking for high-quality water for your family? Take an important step in protecting your family’s health by having the pros at Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating and Cooling install a whole house water system in your home. Our expert technicians are trained and experienced in water softeners, water conditioners, whole house filtration, and drinking water systems. If you want healthier water in your home, contact us today! Call (540) 942-2700 to schedule service.
