Since I can remember, I have been very particular about water’s taste. As many people, I believe tap water should always have a flavor. It can be either mildew-y, metallic, chlorinated or slightly metallic. I prefer water without flavor so I filter it at home. But, I was curious if I should filter tap water. Or is it perfectly safe to consume unfiltered tap water? The short answer is that it depends on where you live, and what pipes are available in your home. According to the CDC, the United States has “one of the most reliable and safe drinking water systems in all of the world.” However, water from the US might need to be filtered twice. Is tap water safe?
Tap water in the United States is safe to drink in most cases. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), enforces water regulations to ensure that all public water systems comply with a set standard. Public water systems are those that supply water to households. They are usually run by local water departments. Public water can be drawn from either a groundwater source (such as a public well) or a surface-water source (such as a river or lake or reservoir). Private wells are exempted from EPA regulations. Private-well owners must ensure that their water is potable. Safe to drink If you are interested in the quality of your public water supply, you can check your water quality report or Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report must be sent out to community water suppliers by mail or online by July 1st. Here are the contents:
Why hasn’t my CCR been sent?
You may be able find your CCR on the EPA’s Find Your Local CCR webpage. If you don’t have your CCR, please contact your local water provider. If you live in a rental home, you won’t be issued a report. For more information, please contact the landlord or building manager. Do you need to filter tap water?
Despite the fact that there are regulations, some sources claim that tap water may not be safe to drink. Science.org published an investigative report that found that 9 million to 45 million Americans drank water from sources that were not in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act between 1982 and 2015. The most vulnerable were those who lived in low-income, rural areas, particularly in Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma and Texas. Quality of your pipes is also important. The United States did not ban lead pipes until 1986. Homes and apartments built before that date may still have lead pipes. The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics agree that drinking water should not contain any lead. Low levels of lead in the body can cause brain damage and nerve system problems, as well as other serious health consequences. Although the federal and state governments have tried to replace all lead pipes in recent years, residents may not notice any changes for many years. NPR has created a simple test that will help you determine if you have lead pipes in the home. All you need is a fridge magnet and a key/coin. The safety of your drinking water will depend on many factors. To determine if you require a filter, first test your CCR and then, if necessary, test the water in your tap. Do I need to test the water in my tap?
You can decide whether to have your tap water tested. Here are some reasons why you should do it:
Limit your testing to specific problems, as it can be costly. You can test for iron, manganese and chloride in your water if you notice a strange taste or odor. Are you concerned about the cost? You can get your water tested by the county health department for nitrates and bacteria. You can also have your water tested by a certified state laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling 800-426-4791 or visiting this page. Which water filter is the best?
Water filters are not the same for all. According to the CDC, no water filter or treatment system is capable of eliminating all contaminants. Different filters can address different problems. Some filters remove chlorine only, while others can eliminate germs. There are four types of filters to choose from: water pitchers, faucet attachments and under-sink filters. Each type is priced from the cheapest to the most expensive. These are the top products in each category.
The bottom line: A pitcher, faucet attachment or under-sink system are the best options if you want to improve the taste of your water. A reverse osmosis system can be used if you suspect your water may contain serious contaminants, such as arsenic and lead. This will allow your county to address the deeper problems in your public water supply. Woman’s World strives to highlight only the finest products and services. While we try to update as often as possible, deals can expire and prices may change. We may be compensated if you purchase something through one of our links.
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