Is Your Tap Water Good Enough To Drink?

In most modern countries the water which comes out of your tap has been collected and then processed through a treatment works before being piped to your home.

Treatment can include a large filtration system to remove debris and a smaller filter system to remove microscopic debris and bugs. The water will also have chemicals added to it to kill any bacteria, effectively making it safe to drink.

If this is the case then you might think that answers the question. However, there is a good reason why many homes have an undersink water filter fitted.

There are several reasons to be concerned regarding the water coming from your tap:

          •    Contamination

In 1998 the Sydney water board announced there were dangerous parasites in the water and that it was not safe for consumption. This was a testimony to their testing abilities as the parasites were noticed and the warning issued before anyone became ill.

However, it highlights the fact that contamination can infiltrate the treatment plant and result in unsafe water arriving at your home. It is possible you could become ill before the issue is supported by the water board.

          •    Pipe Work

There are thousands of miles of pipe work laid across the country which moves the water from the treatment works to your home. Unfortunately, the water is tested at the treatment works. Any break in these pipes which has allowed microbes or bugs into your water is unlikely to be spotted. This means you don’t actually know what you will be drinking.

Pipes also perish over time, leaching chemicals and other substances into your water supply. This might be in tiny amounts which will not affect you until the toxin has built up in your system.

          •    Chemicals

The main chemical which is added to water is chlorine. Unfortunately this has now been linked with some health issues including birth defects and miscarriages. While this is a result of high consumption levels over a long period of time, it is impossible to say just how much chlorine is dangerous to you and how much is in the water you are drinking.

The Answer

The question of is tap water safe to drink cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. There are many variables which can affect the quality of the water coming out of your tap.

To ensure your safety it is best to look at one of these solutions:

          1.    Bottled Water

This can be an expensive way of ensuring your water is safe to drink as you will need to purchase a significant amount of water every week. The average person uses 1 gallon per day for drinking, washing and cooking!

          2.    Fit a Filter

If you add a filter into your main line you will simply need to replace the cartridge periodically. This will ensure your water is always clean and ready to drink from the tap. Not only will this give you peace of mind, it is very convenient!

This is a guest blog entry.