Is your Drinking Water Safe?

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 1^st 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, 3^rd 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.