America’s Water Crisis: 8 Simple Steps to Protect Your Family
We all turn on our faucets without much thought. We twist the knob and out comes water. But is it safe to drink? We typically just assume that it is, but determining if your water is safe to drink involves checking for contaminants, verifying the source, and considering both taste and appearance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help ensure your drinking water is safe.
1. Check for Local Water Quality Reports
- If your water comes from a public source, like a city utility, you can access an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that details the water quality, any contaminants found, and safety measures taken.
- For well water, you’re responsible for testing; the EPA recommends annual testing for contaminants like coliform bacteria, nitrates, pH levels, and more.
2. Test the Water Yourself
- Home Testing Kits: Affordable and easy to use, home testing kits are widely available and can detect contaminants like chlorine, lead, nitrates, pesticides, and bacteria.
- Laboratory Testing: For more thorough results, especially if your home kit indicates a problem, you can send a sample to a certified lab. They can provide a detailed analysis for various contaminants, including heavy metals and pathogens.
3. Observe Taste, Smell, and Color
- Unusual Taste or Smell: If your water tastes metallic, smells like bleach, or has a rotten-egg odor, it may contain chemicals or contaminants. For example, a strong chlorine smell might mean the utility uses chlorine for disinfection, while sulfur smells might indicate bacterial contamination.
- Cloudiness or Particles: Clear water is usually safe, but cloudy water could mean sediments or pathogens are present. Visible particles or sediments can come from corroding pipes or environmental contaminants.
4. Look Out for Lead
Homes with older plumbing may have lead pipes, which can leach into drinking water. Lead exposure is dangerous, especially for children. If your house was built before 1986, consider getting your water tested specifically for lead.
5. Be Aware of Boil Advisories
If your area experiences a water main break, flooding, or other issues, you might see a boil water advisory. These advisories mean you should boil water for at least one minute to kill bacteria and parasites before drinking.
6. Use a Water Filter if Necessary
Based on test results, a filter may help remove certain contaminants, such as heavy metals, chemicals, and bacteria. Be sure to choose a filter certified by NSF International or the Water Quality Association (WQA) to ensure its effectiveness against contaminants of concern.
7. Consider Local Environmental Factors
Areas near industrial sites, agricultural fields, or landfills can sometimes have contaminated water supplies. Knowing your area’s environmental risks can help guide what to look for in tests and filter systems.
8. Check for Health Symptoms
Certain contaminants, like bacteria, lead, or chemicals, may cause health issues if present in large amounts. Symptoms like gastrointestinal issues, skin rashes, or neurological problems may indicate water contamination. If you experience unusual health symptoms, test your water and consult a healthcare provider.
Summary
Staying informed about water quality reports, using testing methods, observing any unusual changes in your water’s appearance, and installing proper filtration are the best ways to ensure your water is safe. For serious concerns, consult local health or environmental agencies.
I have no electricity or potable water, what can I feed my family?
Weather extremes damage the infrastructure of our cities and towns, as this week in Texas and Vermont, where entire sections of these states are without electricity or running water. So, what can you do to prepare for these increasingly common occurrences? How do you feed your family when there is no electricity or running potable water? When you have no electricity or potable water, feeding your family can be challenging but manageable with proper planning and the right supplies.
READ: I have no electricity or potable water, what can I feed my family?
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