Is your drinking water safe? By
Jamie Carter,
Licensed Plumber, Certified Plumbing Engineer
I just received our local
water company’s annual water analysis report.
It’s very interesting in the fact the sampling date was 9 months ago and
the report was mailed the 1st of July. It classifies contaminates in two categories:
Radioactive and Inorganic. This is the
water you use on a daily basis to drink, cook and shower with. The Inorganic contaminants include Barium,
Copper, Lead, Nitrates, and Sodium. Lead
is a concern since it has been proven to cause physical or mental development
if ingested in high concentration levels for infants and children. Lead can be a culprit for children’s poor attention
spans and learning difficulties. In high
concentrations, lead can cause kidney problems or high blood pressure in
adults.
So how does lead get into your water
supply you may wonder?
The primary source is
through corrosive plumbing within a home.
The water lines and faucets that supply the direct supply of water
contain lead and leach it into the supply.
Copper is another metal which leaches into the water supply through your
home’s plumbing system. Prior to 1986
home’s weren't required to have lead-free plumbing installed. Lead-free faucets are now also required for
all new home installation. The barium found in your water supply is a discharge
from metal refineries or erosion from natural deposits which leach into the
supply line. Nitrates are leached into
your water supply from underground septic tanks and from the runoff from
fertilizer use. Nitrates are
particularly harmful to infants causing difficulty breathing and blue-baby
syndrome. Nitrate levels can rise quickly
for short periods of time after a rainfall or agricultural activity close to
your home.
Water Utilities are required to
provide safe levels of water, but not completely pure.
While water utilities are
required by Federal and State requirements to be safe to drink, it makes you
suspicious when you pick up a glass of tap water. Filtration is the best means of removing
these particular molecules from your drinking water. Most refrigerators that supply water have a
carbon filter that will remove these contaminants. It’s important to change these filters on a
regular basis according to your refrigerator manufacturer guide. If you are
unsure of your drinking water, we can provide a water analysis of your tap
water by simply obtaining a sample.
Best solution is a filtration system
or water softening system.
The best solution for a home’s
water supply is either a whole-house filtration system or a filter at the tap
where you consume your drinking water. Another
solution is a water softener which will remove metals from the water source. For more information please email us, or call
us for a free water analysis and estimate for a solution.
Water consumption prevents
dehydration.
Summertime is a busy time,
and water consumption is important to prevent dehydration. The more active you are the more your body
losses water through sweat, which helps keep your body cool. Insufficient hydration can cause fatigued
muscles, reduces coordination and can lead to heat exhaustion and even heat
stroke. Drinking water helps to restore
water and sodium loss that occurs. If
you exercise strenuously, such as running or cycling, you should consume on
average 1 cup of water every 15 minutes of exercise. If you engage in a more moderate activity
such as yard work, ½ cup every 15 minutes is sufficient.
Here’s to safe drinking
water! Again, don’t hesitate calling or
emailing us if you have any questions.
We are happy to assist you in the peace of mind that your drinking water
is pure and safe.
Information about Carter’s My
Plumber:
Carter’s My Plumber is
a local, family-owned, 3rd generation plumbing business located in
Greenwood, Indiana, providing plumbing service to the Indianapolis, Greenwood,
Whiteland, Franklin, Bargersville, Trafalgar, Mooresville, Wannamaker, Beech
Grove and Southport areas. Carter’s My
Plumber has a special menu of services designed to meet the needs of every
homeowner to provide a complete solution to their home’s plumbing system. With over 30 years of plumbing experience,
their trained plumbers meet the plumbing need of every residential and light
commercial need. Carter’s My Plumber is
a Licensed Plumbing Contractor and is a member of the World Plumbing Council, PHCC, BBB
and Greenwood Chamber of Commerce.
