Clean, reliable water is essential to everyday life, yet many homeowners may not realize that the water from their taps isn’t always as pure as they believe. Contaminants, chemicals, and other impurities can find their way into drinking water, posing potential health risks. The most effective way to safeguard against these risks is by installing a whole-house water filtration system. This article explores how such systems can help protect and improve health by providing cleaner, safer water.
Water Quality Can Vary Quickly and Unpredictably
Water quality can change without notice due to weather, infrastructure issues, or agricultural runoff. This is true whether your water comes from a municipal supply or a private well. Even if you test your water regularly, the results are just a snapshot and don’t guarantee continued safety.
Installing a water filtration system is the best way to ensure ongoing protection. Point-of-use water filters installed at individual taps are affordable and reasonably effective but only purify water from one location. A more comprehensive solution is a point-of-entry (whole-house) filtration system. These systems provide clean water at every fixture in your home, protecting you from unexpected changes in water quality, even during daily tasks like taking a shower or brushing your teeth.
Better Drinking Water
The average American household spends about $400 a year on bottled water. For many, buying water isn’t just about convenience. Household members often don’t like the taste and smell of tap water and are concerned about the chemicals in it. Water filters improve both the taste and smell of drinking water. Investing in a whole-house water filtration system will eliminate the cost of constantly buying bottled water. It will also significantly reduce your exposure to chemicals from the plastic used to manufacture the bottles. Filtered water can also improve food taste when used in cooking and making beverages like coffee.
Some models incorporate ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to neutralize pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Additionally, certain filters can adjust the water’s pH level for a more balanced, neutral state, reducing acidity or alkalinity. For homes with hard water, integrated water softeners in many of these systems help reduce mineral buildup, which protects plumbing and improves the longevity of appliances.
Whole-house water filtration systems purify the water entering your home’s plumbing by eliminating various impurities. Most systems rely on activated carbon, a human-made form of carbon that improves water’s taste and smell while absorbing harmful chemicals and gases. Basic filters use carbon granules for light mechanical filtration, which can catch larger particles. More advanced systems, however, include dedicated mechanical filters that capture smaller contaminants, ensuring more thorough filtration. A robust whole-home system will eliminate harmful contaminants from your tap water.
Chlorine and Chloramine
Chlorine and chloramine are the most common chemicals used to disinfect public water supplies in the U.S. Both are generally considered safe for consumption in low concentrations, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, beyond the unpleasant taste and odor, higher concentrations may pose certain health risks. Excessive chlorine and chloramine levels can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. These chemicals may be particularly harmful to people with kidney or liver conditions. There is also evidence that elevated levels can interfere with medications, including those for thyroid conditions and certain chemotherapy drugs.
Fluoride
Fluoride continues to be a topic of debate in the U.S. Municipal water supplies have long added it to help protect against cavities. Healthcare providers have concerns that too much fluoride can lead to numerous health conditions, including cancer. The U.S. has reduced fluoride usage by about 25% in response to this concern, but some doctors fear it’s still not enough. With a water filter, you can eliminate fluoride in your water supply and dictate how much you ingest.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Herbicides and pesticides used by the agricultural industry can make it into ground and surface water that feeds drinking water supplies. Although the Environmental Protection Agency enforces regulations to limit their presence in drinking water, some contamination still occurs, as evidenced by the EPA’s annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Short-term exposure to elevated levels of these chemicals can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and vision problems. Long-term exposure has been linked to more severe health concerns, including birth defects, hormone disruption, and an increased risk of cancer.
Heavy Metals
While drinking water should contain trace amounts of essential metals like copper, iron, manganese, and zinc, vital for human and pet health, heavy metals pose significant health risks. Water filters can effectively remove heavy metals such as lead, which can impair brain and kidney function even in small amounts. Nickel, another harmful contaminant, is linked to gastrointestinal issues and skin reactions. Alternatively, hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure.
Microorganisms
Cysts, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, are common microorganisms found in contaminated drinking water, especially from lakes and streams. These microscopic, egg-shaped sacs house immature parasites that can survive in harsh environments. A significant issue with cysts is their tough outer membrane, which can resist standard disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine. Ingesting these cysts can cause illness similar to food poisoning, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Drinking water can also harbor other harmful pathogens, including bacteria like E. coli, which can cause serious infections. UVGI effectively neutralizes these microorganisms, ensuring safer drinking water.
Volatile Organic Compounds
The discussion about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) often centers on air quality. However, VOCs are chemicals that can get into water as well. This is particularly concerning in regions with significant agricultural or industrial activity. Chemicals, such as benzene, toluene, and others, pose a health risk when ingested over a long period. Prolonged exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage and has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Microplastics
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, are increasingly found in drinking water sources. Often too small to be seen by the naked eye, microplastics may originate from larger plastic debris breaking down or from microbeads used in personal care products. While the long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics are still unclear, the World Health Organization and other research groups are studying the issue. One known concern is that microplastics can foster microbial growth in water, potentially posing a health risk. Researchers are also investigating whether prolonged microplastic exposure may contribute to chronic diseases.
Pharmaceuticals
Every year, there are cases where the EPA identifies pharmaceuticals in drinking water, including hormones, antibiotics, and antidepressants. While levels are typically low, there are serious health concerns. This is particularly true for children and prepubescent teens who are particularly susceptible. Activated carbon absorbs these substances from your drinking water.
Whole-House Water Filtration Experts in Marion
At Baker & Sons Plumbing, we have been serving residential and commercial customers in Marion, IL, and the surrounding areas since 1986. We install and maintain whole-home water filtration systems. We can also help with all your plumbing needs, including drain cleaning and sewer repair. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
