Water is essential for life, but what if the water you’re consuming contains hidden contaminants that can pose a threat to your health? From bacteria and viruses to heavy metals and organic pollutants, untreated water can harbor a host of dangerous substances that, if left unchecked, can lead to serious health issues. Many different potential contaminants can hide in untreated water and testing your water is the only real way to know what your home is dealing with. The importance of regular water testing and treatment can not be underestimated in order to ensure safe, high-quality drinking water for your household.

Unseen Threats: The Diverse Range of Contaminants in Untreated Water

Untreated water from various sources, such as wells, rivers, and lakes, may contain a multitude of harmful contaminants that can have adverse effects on human health. While municipal water supplies usually filter some of these contaminants, they oftentimes have their own standards and levels to meet that could still lead to bad-tasting and bad-smelling drinking water with traces of these contaminants. These contaminants can include:

Bacteria and Viruses

Untreated water can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses, such as E. coli, salmonella, and norovirus. Ingesting water contaminated with these microorganisms can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, fever, and other debilitating symptoms. According to the WHO, the mortality of water-associated diseases exceeds 5 million people per year. From these, more than 50% are microbial intestinal infections, with cholera standing out in the first place.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury can seep into regular tap water from natural deposits, industrial activities, or old plumbing systems. This can be a bigger concern for those in rural areas where industrial and agricultural runoff is common. Prolonged exposure to these metals can result in organ damage, developmental issues in children, and other serious health problems. Lead poisoning is still common in the United States, especially in children. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, nearly 500,000 children under age 5 in the U.S. have elevated levels of lead in their blood.

Organic Pollutants

Untreated water may also contain organic pollutants such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals. As microplastics and unwanted pollutants continue to infiltrate water supplies the risk of organic pollutants making their way into your home can pose a great threat. These substances can have long-term health implications, including an increased risk of cancer, reproductive disorders, and hormonal imbalances.

The Importance of Regular Water Testing and Treatment

Given the potential health risks associated with untreated water, it’s crucial to prioritize regular testing and treatment to ensure the safety and quality of your drinking water. In-home quality water testing allows for the detection of a wide range of contaminants present in untreated water, providing valuable insights into the potential health risks associated with consumption. By understanding the specific contaminants present, appropriate treatment methods can be implemented to address the issues effectively. 

Avoiding Water Contaminants with Effective Water Filtration

Effective water filtration processes, such as reverse osmosis, can eliminate up to 99.99% of contaminants in tap water, ensuring that it meets safe drinking water standards. This proactive approach helps safeguard the health of you and your loved ones by reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and long-term health effects.

Reverse osmosis systems use a high-threshold filtration process that pushes water through a semipermeable membrane, allowing water to pass through, but not impurities or contaminants. Culligan Water’s reverse osmosis systems can provide a continuous supply of high-wuality drinking water to faucets in your home. 

Enjoy Cost-Saving Benefits with Culligan Water’s Water Treatment Systems

Regular water testing and treatment enable ongoing monitoring of water quality, allowing for timely intervention when contaminants are detected. This proactive approach helps maintain a consistent supply of safe, high-quality drinking water for your household. By staying informed about potential water contaminants and taking proactive measures to address them with regular water testing, you can ensure that the water you consume is free from harmful substances and meets the highest standards for safety and quality. 

If you’re interested in getting your water tested or the benefits of a reverse osmosis system, please contact Culligan Water of Greater Kansas City. Don’t leave your family’s health to chance. Take control of your water quality through regular testing and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your household has access to safe, high-quality drinking water.