11 Factors That Affect Water Quality At Home

According to a reputable plumber Brisbane North, water quality is an important factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Poor water quality can lead to numerous health issues and illnesses, which is why everyone must understand the factors that affect water quality at home. 

The following list details the major factors that influence water quality in homes.

Source of Water

The source of your water supply can have a large impact on its overall quality. If you get your drinking water from a well or other surface-water sources, then there’s a greater chance of contamination due to agricultural runoff, septic systems, and other pollutants in the area. Public tap water tends to be better regulated than private wells and springs but still may contain chemical residues or contaminants due to aging infrastructure.

Pipes and Fixtures

Plumbing in older homes may contain lead or copper, which can contaminate the water supply if it’s not regularly tested and monitored. Corroded pipes also provide a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms, leading to contamination. Installing new fixtures with advanced filtration systems and checking your plumbing regularly are both important steps to take when maintaining good water quality at home. 

Water Softeners and Filters

Water softening systems reduce the number of minerals like calcium and magnesium present in your tap water by exchanging them for sodium ions. This process can remove unwanted tastes from drinking water but doesn’t filter out contaminants that could be hazardous to your health. Installing a water filter system can help to eliminate these contaminants and improve the overall quality of your tap water.

Pollutants

Unregulated pollutants like pesticides, herbicides, and industrial waste can find their way into your drinking water supply if they’re present in the source. These contaminants are hazardous and must be filtered out with a proper filtration system to protect you and your family from potential harm.

Microorganisms

Bacteria, viruses, cysts, parasites, and other microorganisms can all cause serious health issues when ingested or inhaled. Fortunately, most public water systems take steps to eliminate these organisms through chlorination or ultraviolet light treatment before it reaches homes. However, if you don’t have access to treated water, you should use a filter that’s specifically designed to kill these microorganisms to be safe.

Chemical Residues

Chemicals like chlorine and fluoride are added to public drinking water supplies as part of the treatment process but can cause adverse reactions if consumed in large quantities. Filters designed for chemical removal or distillation systems can reduce the impact of these chemicals on your health.

Rainwater

Rainwater runoff can bring contaminants with it, including fertilizers, road salt, and other pollutants that could affect the quality of your drinking water. Installing proper drainage systems and rain barrels can help to capture this runoff before it enters your drinking water supply. 

pH Levels

The pH level of a substance is an important indicator of its overall healthfulness; tap water is generally considered safe when the pH level falls between 6-9 but levels outside this range could be hazardous to your health. Testing kits are available for checking pH levels in your drinking water at home.

Hardness

The hardness of water refers to how much calcium or magnesium is present in it; water that’s too hard can be unpleasant to drink and may even damage plumbing fixtures. Water softening systems can reduce the hardness of your drinking water, making it more pleasant to consume. 

Taste

Many contaminants in water have an unpleasant taste, which can make it difficult or even unpleasant to drink. Investing in a good filtration system that removes unwanted tastes and odours is a great way to improve the quality of your drinking water.

Temperature

The temperature of your tap water should also be monitored as extreme temperatures can cause health issues and damage certain types of plumbing fixtures. Most public water systems are designed to provide you with cold or lukewarm water; if you want hot water for bathing or cooking, install a water heater in your home.

In conclusion, drinking safe water isn't just about having access to clean sources; you also have to make sure that any contaminants present in these sources are removed before consumption. Ensuring that all these factors are considered can help protect you and your family from potential health hazards caused by contaminated drinking water. With proper testing, monitoring, and filtration systems, you can make sure that your tap water is safe and healthy to drink.