What Kind Of Water Should You Be Drinking?

By Jim Thorpe


Towns and cities go to great lengths to confirm that their citizens' water supply is safe and clean. Millions of dollars go into cleaning water, maintaining water pipes, and monitoring potential threats. Some areas require water filters and others do not. Every once in a while, something goes wrong and people suddenly realize how important water is to them. But usually, that doesn't happen. We drink and cook and bathe freely without a second thought.

Tap water

There are a lot of people that decide that they want to drink from their tap. Depending on the area that you are living in, drinking from the tap can be a great way to get the water that your body needs. If you have any questions about drinking from your tap, it is important that you figure out what is in your water. There are some areas that have chlorine or other byproducts in their water that can be extremely dangerous. Take the time that you need to do your research before you start drinking tap water.

There are all sorts of evil things that can contaminate your water supply (both private and public). In many cases, these contaminates are odorless, tasteless, and colorless - making them difficult to identify without specific testing. This is why frequent testing of your water supply is so important. Some of these little demons that affect water include: bacteria, E. coli, nitrates, herbicides, and pesticides.

These contaminates may result from septic tank leaks, storage tank leaks, uncontrolled hazardous waste, landfills, chemicals, road salts, and even atmospheric contaminants. No matter what the source, they all basically work the same way: A leak springs from some sort of tank. Or, surface toxins (like road salt, herbicides, etc.) get washed into the soil by rain or melting snow. The contents seep into the ground and enter the subsurface water supply. It eventually makes its way into your well or spring and contaminates the pureness of your water.

Leaks may seem harmless but a drip every second and add up to five gallons a day. Make sure that all your faucets are working and that your children know how to tightly turn them off.

But what are the actual consequences of this type of water contamination? The answer: sickness or even death. However, luckily, it doesn't always end so grimly. Symptoms may come on slowly and provide warning signs. For example, stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea are common. Other times, the consequences are immediate. For example, exposure to E. coli will hit seriously and fairly suddenly. Your water supply will be an instant suspect in such a case.

Prevention

Drinking Plenty of Water

Beyond such preparation, it is important to have your water supply checked at least 3 times a year if you have your own water supply. (If you use public supplies, they will monitor it carefully for you.) You can have a professional come in and test your water supply or learn to do it yourself. By maintaining your water system, testing it often, and always being aware of possible water-contamination symptoms, you should be fine enjoying your own, personal supply of fresh, clean water!




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