Most people don’t like the taste of their tap water, but they take it for granted that it will at least be clean. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Even the best municipal water treatment facility is not perfect. There are still likely at least a few trace contaminants in your water supply, some of which can be quite harmful. If you aren’t sure whether or not you need a water treatment system, the best thing you can do is consult with a professional about getting your water tested. While you’re waiting for that to happen, though, you can also have a look at the following symptoms of low water quality.
Visible Lime Scale
Hard water is a common issue for homes in certain parts of the country, where the water supply contains high levels of magnesium and calcium particles. Surfaces with prolonged exposure to hard water will start to have mineral deposits build up on them. These deposits are called lime scale. Lime scale is a problem because it restricts the flow of water through the plumbing system. If it isn’t removed quickly enough, it will harden and often require pipe replacement to be removed. If you notice a white chalky substance building up in your shower, or around your faucets, then you probably have a hard water problem. You should look into having a water softener installed.
Unusual Tastes or Colors
Tap water may have a bit of a taste to it, but it should still be relatively clean. If your tap water has a very strong taste, especially of something acrid or metallic, then you should stop drinking it immediately and consult with a professional. The same is true for colors. There are some causes of mild water discoloration that are harmless. However, if your water is turning bright or dark colors you should absolutely not drink or bathe in it until you have confirmation from a professional that it is safe. You should also have a water treatment system installed, just as a precaution.
You Know that Your Area has Water Quality Issues
Most of the more egregious water quality issues to be found in a home are likely due to the source of the water. That is, the city in which you live. There are certainly problems that can affect only the water in your home specifically, but it’s still a good idea to make sure that you know any pertinent information about your water quality in the area. Most cities will put out an annual water quality report, detailing where the water in the city supply comes from and what its contaminant levels are. If you’re concerned about your water quality, you should probably look up your local water quality report for last year and see what it says. If there are any obvious issues with the water quality in your area, it couldn’t hurt to have a water treatment system installed in your home just to be safe.
Total Comfort, Inc. offers whole-home water filtration services in Cucamonga, CA. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.