| Should I look into drinking water testing? |
| The question of whether or not to have your drinking water tested is a serious one that can affect the health of you and your family. Your water should be safe to drink and acceptable for all other household uses. In addition to illness, a variety of less serious problems such as taste, color, odor and staining of clothes or fixtures are symptoms of drinking water problems. Even water that appears problem-free may not necessarily be safe or acceptable, and drinking water testing is the only way you would be made aware of the problems. However, not everyone needs to invest in drinking water testing, and it is impractical and unnecessary to test your drinking water for all possible drinking water contaminants. Many homeowners get drinking water simply by turning on the faucet and making a monthly payment to a municipal water system. Others provide their own drinking water. Your drinking water supply is either public (you and others are connected to the same drinking water system) or private (you supply your own drinking water). Public water systems draw drinking water from rivers, reservoirs, springs or ground water wells. Most private drinking water comes from wells, though sinks and ponds are sometimes used. If your drinking water comes from a public or municipal water system your water is regularly tested for contaminants including pathogens, radioactive elements and certain toxic chemicals. However, some public water supplies may have water quality problems caused by inadequate municipal water treatment facilities or distribution systems. Some rural water supply districts do not have enough money to facilitate regular drinking water testing or to immediately comply with expanding government requirements. In addition, corrosive water or deteriorating pipes in the house may add contaminants to municipal drinking water after it enters your home. In general, regardless of if you have public or private drinking water, if you are deeply concerned about the quality of your drinking water you should look into drinking water testing. Home Page | FAQs | Glossary | Contact Us |