How to Easily Discover What's Actually in Your Water Supply 01

The fact is that your water supply may contain many potentially harmful contaminants and they can be easily tested for - so why not literally test the water? It may help you and your family to discover what is really in there...! I know many people who have wondered what is actually in their home water supply. We tend to assume the water is clean or pure unless there is an obvious odor or discoloration present.

However as many people know, nearly all water contains contaminants (dissolved minerals or organic compounds). Whether a contaminant is a problem depends on how much is contained within the water and whether it poses a health risk to you and your family. Some contaminants, such as iron and manganese, are an annoyance but not a health threat. Excessive amounts of iron in water can cause orange stains to form on bath tubs and sinks and also laundry or dishes that are frequently exposed to the water.

Manganese can result in an ugly brownish-black stain and can cause water to turn cloudy - again it's not a health hazard though. Other nuisance compounds such as hydrogen sulphide and sulphate-reducing bacteria can give a distinctive rotten egg odor. Hydrogen sulphide is especially noticeable when running water from the tap, however after exposure to the air it evaporates quickly. However, the problem with high hydrogen sulphide levels is that it can cause corrosion to pipes due its acidic nature. Hard water, with high levels of calcium and magnesium compounds, can be a particular pain. Soap not lathering well is one indication of hard water. Other clues include greasy, grimy rings in tubs and sinks or dingy laundry with a harsh feel.

The excessive calcium and magnesium cause scale that can build up in water heaters and clog pipes causing major problems that require several hundred dollars of repair work. High levels of chlorine can also be a problem and can give water a distinctive "chemical" taste. While chlorine is an effective disinfectant and kills most bacteria, high residual amounts have been associated with cancer causing compounds and other potential health hazards.Warm Regards, Patrick Henry Hard Water Consultant Visit our popular INFO