Nowadays, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the safety of the water you drink. With so many environmental chemicals and pollutants, it’s crucial to know what’s in your water and how it might affect your health.
While many assume tap water is safe to drink, this isn’t always the case. In fact, according to a report from the Environmental Working Group, over 180 contaminants have been found in U.S. tap water.
So what does this mean for you and your family? This article will discuss everything you need to know about water safety and contamination.
What is Water Analysis?
Water analysis involves testing water samples to determine what they contain. This allows us to identify any contaminants that may be present and assess the water’s safety.
There are many types of water analyses, but some of the most common include chemical, physical, and biological studies.
Chemical analysis tests for the presence of chemical contaminants, such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals. A physical analysis is used to test for physical contaminants, such as dirt, sediment, and metals—biological analysis tests for the presence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
Why is Water Analysis Important?
Water analysis is essential because it helps us to identify any contaminants that may be present in our water. This is important for two reasons:
- Contaminants can pose a risk to human health.
- Contaminants can cause problems with the quality of your water.
For example, lead is a common water contaminant that can cause serious health problems, especially in children. Lead exposure can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and even death.
What are the most common contaminants in tap water?
Many contaminants can be found in tap water, but some of the most common include lead, mercury, chloroform, and arsenic. While these contaminants can come from various sources, they can often be traced back to industrial and agricultural pollution.
Lead is perhaps the most well-known of these contaminants, and for a good reason. Exposure to lead can cause various health problems, including kidney damage, cognitive difficulties, and an increased risk for cancer.
Mercury is another dangerous contaminant that can be found in tap water. Like lead, mercury exposure can cause various health problems, including brain damage, developmental delays, and respiratory problems.
Chloroform is a byproduct of water chlorination, and while it is not naturally occurring, it can still be found in tap water. Exposure to chloroform has been linked to cancer, liver damage, and respiratory problems.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in water, but it can also be introduced into the water supply through agricultural and industrial pollution. Arsenic exposure has been linked to skin cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
You can take a few simple steps to protect yourself and your family from water contamination.
First, drink water that a qualified water treatment facility has treated. This will help to remove any contaminants that may be present.
Second, have your water regularly tested for contaminants. This will help you to identify any problems early and take steps to address them.
Finally, stay informed about the safety of your water supply. This will help you to make informed decisions about the best way to protect yourself and your family.
Conclusion:
Water analysis is essential because it helps us to identify any contaminants that may be present in our water. You can take a few simple steps to protect yourself and your family from water contamination, including drinking, only treated water, regularly testing your water for contaminants, and staying informed about the safety of your water supply.