The United States introduced the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974 to protect Americans. Over the years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has continued to amend the SDWA as new information has become available. The EPA also establishes the regulations that ensure your drinking water remains contaminant-free. The SDWA defines “contaminant” as any biological, chemical, physical, or radiological substance or matter. In other words, it describes it as anything other than water molecules. Some contaminants are dangerous, while others are off-putting or undesirable for different reasons.
Sediment
Outside of naturally occurring minerals, sediment is drinking water’s most common physical contaminant. Sediment includes dirt, sand, and silt, which are organic materials. It can make water look and taste unpleasant, but it’s generally not dangerous for either humans or animals. At high levels, it can stain clothes and dishes and damage plumbing. You typically won’t experience levels that high in municipal water supplies. It’s far more common in well systems. In either case, a sediment filter, one of the most basic forms of water filtration, will correct the problem.
Heavy Metals
The term heavy metal refers to a broad category of metals. They are naturally occurring and have a higher molecular weight and density than water. Many heavy metals are essential to human health, including copper and zinc. Still, many heavy metals are toxic to humans and pets at higher concentrations. Some of the most concerning include:
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
- Lead
- Mercury
- Thallium
Heavy metal poisoning can cause dehydration, abdominal pain, and nausea in the short term. Over the long term, it can damage organs and even cause death. Heavy metals can get into the water supply through agricultural and industrial activities. They can also leach into the water locally, such as through old plumbing in a home. Even most basic water filters use activated carbon, which is highly effective at absorbing heavy metals from the water.
Chlorine and Chloramine
Chlorine and chloramine are chemical contaminants. They’re common in water supplies because many municipalities use these chemicals to disinfect public drinking water. Chloramine is generally better for home plumbing, primarily driving the transition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, neither substance is a health concern. The low levels used to disinfect drinking water simply can’t make people sick. They often give water unpleasant smells and tastes, but activated carbon effectively removes them. It removes a wide range of other odors and tastes as well.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that dissolve in water. They can make it into water supplies when there’s a chemical spill or wastewater contamination. Light exposure to VOCs in drinking water usually isn’t cause for concern. The EPA even indicates the safe levels of VOCs in the SDWA. That said, prolonged exposure to certain VOCs can increase your risk of cancer. That includes benzene, PCE, and TCE. Fortunately, activated carbon is highly effective at absorbing VOCs as well.
Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are biological contaminants. We collectively refer to them as pathogens, and exposure to them can make you sick. Sickness can range from temporary gastrointestinal distress to serious illness. Notable bacteria that may be present in drinking water include:
- E. coli
- Vibrio
- Salmonella
- Helicobacter pylori
Some of the concerning viruses that may be present include:
- Rotaviruses
- Caliciviruses
- Adenoviruses
- Hepatitis A and E
Cryptosporidium and giardia, commonly called cysts, are the most common parasites in water. There are several ways to deal with pathogens. A reverse osmosis (RO) system can eliminate them all. Sediment filters with a maximum pore size of 1 micron can remove cysts from the water. Often, the most effective solution is ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). UVGI can naturalize over 99% of bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical presence in drinking water is a growing health concern. As detection techniques have become more sophisticated, the EPA has encountered high levels at an alarming rate. This includes hormones, which could negatively impact prepubescent children. There have been antidepressants that can affect mental health and antibiotics that could be contributing to widespread resistance. The good news is that activated carbon, which is relatively inexpensive, will remove over 99% of pharmaceuticals. That should render any remaining traces ineffective.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Herbicides and pesticides are other chemical contaminants and have long been a concern due to agricultural use. One of the significant concerns with these substances is the high levels of nitrates and nitrites they cause. These are most serious for infants and lead to methemoglobinemia or what’s commonly called “blue baby syndrome.” Traditional water filtration systems are not effective at removing these substances. RO systems and ion exchange systems are effective at removing them. If you need water for an infant and lack such a system, it’s generally recommended to use commercially bottled water.
pH
Water can be acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Acidity and alkalinity aren’t contamination but rather a potential symptom of it. A neutral pH is 7, and the EPA recommends a pH between 6.5 and 8.5 for public drinking water. Below 6.5, your water is too acidic. Acidic water attacks tooth enamel and leads to tooth decay. It can cause mineral deficiencies, skin and hair issues, and bone loss. Perhaps the most common problem is that it causes gastrointestinal distress. Alkaline water isn’t bad for you. Some people even drink it intentionally for potential health benefits. Still, alkaline water is less than ideal for cooking, and many find its chalkiness unpleasant.
Water Hardness
Water hardness refers to the mineral content of water, specifically the presence of calcium and magnesium. The EPA measures water hardness in milligrams per liter (mg/L). It considers water to be soft at or below 60 mg/L. Water is moderately hard at 61-120 mg/L. It’s hard between 121-180 mg/L and very hard above that range.
Water softness is not a common problem, but it can be a concern if you’re not getting the minerals your body needs. Water hardness is not a health concern, but hard water tends to have a high pH. Hard water is a concern from a home maintenance perspective. It decreases the efficiency and lifespan of water heaters and other water-using appliances. Hard water also causes limescale formation in pipes, lowering water pressure and eventually compromising them.
Install a Water Treatment System in Jacksonville
If you live in Jacksonville, FL, or the surrounding areas and are concerned about your water quality, J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing can help. Our experts install and service a wide range of water treatment systems, including filtration and softening. You can count on our plumbers for piping and repiping, tank and tankless water heaters, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures. We provide a wide range of other services that can benefit you. Our team performs energy audits and installs insulation. We also have HVAC technicians who install, maintain, and repair all heating and cooling technologies. Our indoor air quality team specializes in ventilation, duct cleaning, duct sealing, air purifiers, and humidity control. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule a plumbing service appointment or on-site consultation.
