When lead was discovered in Flint, Michigan’s water supply, the importance of healthy, clean water was a constant topic of conversation throughout the country. However, many people are unaware of how to find out if their home’s drinking water is safe. Follow these helpful tips from plumbers in Laguna Niguel to help ensure that your drinking water is safe:
Lead Exposure From Contaminated Water
The Environmental Protection Agency–EPA–reports that 10 to 20% of lead exposure in America is the result of water contamination. Lead accumulates over time, and therefore even low levels can eventually cause toxicity in the human body. It is also important to understand that lead which has dissolved in water cannot be seen, smelled or tasted.
Water Testing
The only foolproof avenue through which to discover the true quality of your water supply is to purchase a lead testing kit or ask your municipal water supplier to conduct such a test. If you are receiving tap water from your town, request a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report, which contains the results of required tests that are conducted on a regular basis. The presence of lead in water must be below 15 parts per billion.
However, even if your water source is a well on your own property, the water should be tested if a child under 18 years of age lives in the home or if a member of the household becomes pregnant. Additionally, water quality varies from one home to the next due to factors such as the age of the plumbing and whether or not lead pipes are present.
Reducing Lead Exposure in Drinking Water
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce lead exposure from drinking water, the most effective of which is to invest in a filter. However, you should only consider filters and pitchers certified by the National Sanitation Foundation International.
Plumbers also recommend regularly cleaning your faucet’s screen, as contaminants and minerals can build up on this component. If the faucet has not been used for over six hours, it should be run for 15 to 30 seconds before being used to obtain drinking water.
If your testing endeavors result in the discovery of lead or other contaminants in your home’s water supply, pipes and fixtures may be causing or contributing to the problem. However, replacing or repairing pipes are not good DIY projects. Therefore, jobs of this kind should be placed in the hands of professional plumbers who have the skills and expertise to properly complete the work.