The water crisis in Flint, Michigan has a lot of people worried about the quality of their drinking water. And, reasonably so. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the presence of contaminants in water – especially when consumed by infants, young children, pregnant women and the elderly – can lead to adverse health effects, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems and neurological disorders. If you’re concerned about the safety of your water, here are a few things to consider:
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Pay attention to your water. Many times we ignore a temporary discoloration or chlorine smell, but, these very things could be a clear indication of how safe your water is. Is it clear? Does the color of your water change when you change the temperature? Is there a rotten egg smell coming from your faucet? Does your water leave residue on your dishes? Have you recently began experiencing a skin irritation, constant headache or gastrointestinal illness? These can all be signs and symptoms of cryptosporidium, copper and chlorite.
You can purchase a home test kit at your local home improvement store. While there are a number of options to choose from, the more reputable brands are PurTest and Discover Testing. These kits range from $10 to $30 and take minutes to complete. Most tests consist of placing a testing strip under your water and reading the results on a color-based chart. Home test kits can detect several contaminants including bacteria, lead, pesticides, iron, alkalinity, chlorine, pH and arsenic. It’s best to test your water after it has sat overnight for the most accurate results.
Another option is to contact your local water supplier to request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report. The Environmental Protection Agency requires all community water systems to test their water annually, by July 1st. This report provides a detailed list of where your drinking water comes from and the contaminants that have been detected in it. If the results prove to be in violation of health-based standards, you will also be provided a list of potential side effects from the contaminants found in your water.
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You can request to have your water tested by your local supplier. But, if you’d like a second opinion, you can contact any state certified laboratory. This can cost anywhere between $50 and $500, depending on the kind of test you’re interested in. Women who are pregnant or caring for an infant are highly encouraged to have their water tested for Nitrate, a contaminant that can cause a life-threatening blood disorder.
If your water supply is from a well, you should have your water tested annually by a state verified laboratory.
Placing a filter, or purification system, on your faucet can provide a more thorough water treatment. It may even be more beneficial than some bottled water, depending on the manufacturer and origin. One thing to consider before purchasing a water filter is finding out whether or not the filter will remove fluoride during the water purification process. Also, be sure to change the filter as often as instructed to prevent a buildup of contaminants.
While the Consumer Confidence Report is resourceful in regards to the water supply in your community, your pipes are specific to your home. Corroded pipes can lead to a natural erosion of lead, brass and copper (depending on what your pipes are made of). There is no safe level of lead. Lead can cause skin lesions, hair loss, vision loss and more. If your water test shows that you have high levels of a natural erosion from corroded pipes, contact a plumber for further inspection.
EPA: www.epa.gov
Safe Drinking Water Hotline:1-800-426-4791
State Verified Laboratories: www.epa.gov/waterlabnetwork
List of regulated contaminants: www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/table-regulated-drinking-water-contaminants
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