Contaminated water can come from various sources. Some of these include the ground, the air, and human activity. Many of the chemicals, minerals, and other pollutants in our drinking water can have long-term effects on our health. Despite the federal restrictions on what’s allowed in our water supply, scientists still believe that current standards are outdated and do not consider the latest scientific developments. Here are some signs to look out for to see if your water needs to be tested.
Cloudy Water
If your water appears cloudy, it’s not for drinking. Since minerals in water can be visible to the naked eye in parts per billion, it’s important that you drink clear water. Contaminated water can also affect the appearance and color of your water.
Your water may have sediments
Water can be obtained from various sources, such as reservoirs, wells, and water tables. However, some of the sediment that’s usually deposited in these areas may still make its way into your drinking water. If there’s sediment in your water, it could be caused by a water main break. This can allow silt to build up and contaminate the water.
There’s a metallic taste
Some common factors that can make water taste metallic include pesticides, industrial chemicals, and medications. If this happens, it’s important that you get in touch with a professional to determine the cause of the issue.
Blue or orange-hued water
If your water is either orange or brown, it could be because there’s too much manganese or iron. If you notice that it’s different from what you usually drink, it’s important that you contact a water test lab to ensure that it’s safe to drink.
Smells like chlorine
In order to kill harmful bacteria, water treatment facilities use chlorine. However, overconsumption of this chemical can lead to various health issues. A chlorine-based disinfectant is usually combined with ammonia to kill harmful bacteria. However, these chemicals can also cause side effects such as itchy eyes and dry skin. If you’re worried that your water might be affected by chlorine, a water filtration system might be a good solution.
Smells like sulfur
Some people say the smell of sulfur is similar to that of rotten eggs. This is because some companies use this chemical to produce various artificial flavors and scents meant to mimic the smell of real eggs.
Although small amounts of sulfur can be found naturally in the ground, consuming large quantities can be dangerous. The presence of this element can be identified through its unpleasant smell. In most cases, the presence of sulfur can be caused by bacteria. This can be treated with a good disinfection.
If you’re having issues with your water supply, it’s important that you get in touch with a professional to check it. Some of the signs that can be helpful include cloudy or yellow water, which has sediments, and water that has an unpleasant smell.