Types of Contaminants Possibly Contained in Drinking Water
There are many drinking water contaminants that can be found in both surface water and groundwater. The sources of these sometimes harmful substances and chemicals can be attributed to pollution and poor regulation in the agriculture, oil/natural gas, pharmaceutical and other industries. If you have tested the quality of your drinking water and are not satisfied with the results, consider using filtration methods such as a whole house water treatment system. Here you will find a list of possible chemical contaminants that may pose a danger:
Inorganic Contaminants
Arsenic Water that contains the poison called arsenic in levels higher than EPA standards could cause skin damage, circulatory problems, and pose an increased risk of cancer.
Fluoride Community water sources add fluorides for supposed dental health. The EPA has set the standard level at 4mg/L. When more than this is ingested for long periods of time it could result in tender, painful areas of the bones and bone disease.
Lead Lead can leach into water supplies from older plumbing systems. While lead fittings and pipes have been banned since 1998, many homes and office building retain these. The most susceptible to lead health risks are pregnant women and infants.
Water Disinfectants
Chlorine Chlorine is added to water supplies to rid them of bacteria. An excess of chlorine irritate eyes and nose. It can also cause stomach discomfort when ingested. It has also been associated with various types of cancer. Removing chlorine in water is always a good idea.
Chlorine Dioxide Infants and children who take in an excess of chlorine dioxide can experience nervous system effects. It can cause similar effects in fetuses of pregnant women. It can also lead to anemia in some people.
MTBE
MTBE is commonly used in the U.S. as a fuel additive. It helps limit carbon dioxide and ozone levels in automobile emissions. Because it is so widespread there have been reports that it has increasingly been detected in groundwater and surface water. Even bottled water can contain at least trace amounts of these contaminants.
These are just a few of the drinking water contaminants that can be found in water sources today. We recommend you visit PuriTeam.com if you have determined you need a whole house water filter system to make sure the quality of your drinking water is safe and healthy.