Having water at home is a luxury that is often overlooked. It’s easy to trust the American water system, but how would you feel if you knew that the federal legal limit for contaminants for water has not been updated in decades? Knowing this, you should know what is in your water. There are a few different ways to find that out, so follow along for a guide on how to test water quality at home.
How To Test Water Quality Yourself With a Kit
With the water crisis in Flint and Newark not far behind in our memories, it’s important to know exactly what is in your water. Those two cities are examples of high volumes of lead contaminating our water and negatively affecting children’s growth.
If you’re wanting to test your water quality yourself, there are kits you can use. There are upsides and downsides to at home testing, but either way it can be a solid choice for you to find out what is in your water.
The New York Times listed the SimpliWater Tap Score Advanced City Water Test as the best choice for home water quality tests. This home kit tests for over 100 different contaminants that could be found in your water sources and provides a detail-rich results page. With this kit, you fill up water samples to send off to a lab. Their website says that results can come back as quickly as five days. Their reports are specific to the contaminant, and they have live customer service representatives in case there are any more questions. While they do not supply advice with which water filtration equipment to use, it gives you a good starting point for $250.00.
Quick and Effective Option: Hire a Professional to Do a Water Test
While doing it yourself is effective, the process to get your results can take weeks. In those weeks, you are still drinking water that is contaminated. Instead of opting for a kit that you do yourself, you can always hire someone to come do it for you.
There are companies out there who offer water testing. At ONIT, we believe everyone should have access to this information, so we do it for free. Instead of waiting weeks, we can give you your results the same day we test your water. Having an in-depth understanding of your contaminants helps us figure out the best course of action for your home filtration system.
The process is easy. A technician comes out to your home, adheres all safety guidelines, and tests your water from the kitchen sink. With quick results comes quick solutions. Let us take the stress and worry off your hands and supply your home with the top filtration systems.
Scheduling your water test is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Simply visit us online and fill out your information, or give us a call at 1-833-433-0331. Still wanting to learn more about our professional tap water test? Read more about our water testing here.
What Chemicals You Should Look For
When your water is tested, you should know which chemicals to keep an eye out for. These chemicals are found in American water systems under the federal legal limit. Remember, these limits have not been adjusted in decades, so just because it is considered legal does not mean that it’s safe. Companies like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have transformed the way that we see water safety. Instead of following government regulations that are often set by politicians, limits are set by scientific data.
Lead
The health concerns with lead include impairing children’s intellectual development, altering their behavior and ability to concentrate. Exposure during childhood leads to permanent damage to children as they move into adulthood. Any amount of lead exposure to children during formative years is harmful.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a mineral that can cause bladder, lung and skin cancer. It can also harm skin and lungs. This contaminant is found in all 50 states in America, and can contaminate foods, specifically rice.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)
Including: Chloroform, Bacteria, Nitrates and Pesticides
- Chloroform can cause fatigue, headache, dizziness, and liver and kidney damage.
- Bacteria is water leads to gastrointestinal problems and a weakened immune system.
- Nitrates enter water through fertilizer, and can cause colorectal, ovarian, thyroid, kidney and bladder cancer.
- Pesticides in water can cause cancer, birth defects, genetic mutations, and damage to the liver and central nervous system.
Next Steps To Clean Water
ONIT is here for all your water safety questions and concerns. With ONIT, you will not have to wonder how to test water quality, we’ll do it for you! To speak with one of our knowledgeable professionals, visit us online or give us a call at 1-833-433-0331 today.