From acid rain to septic system malfunctions, there are several situations that can contaminate your household’s water supply and make it unsafe for human consumption. Installing a water treatment system will help keep your family protected from organic and inorganic matter lurking in unpurified H2O. Below is a guide to the potential dangers you’ll dodge by investing in an appropriate water treatment solution. 

How Does Contaminated Water Affect the Human Body?

Bacteria Can Cause Digestive System Distress

Escherichia coli, or E. coli, outbreaks can occur in both public and private water systems. The bacteria is naturally found in the environment, as well as in the intestines of humans and animals. The O157:H7 strain can cause serious health problems. Waste excrement from infected cattle or humans can contaminate water when there’s agricultural runoff or when sewage systems overflow. Drinking the unpurified water could cause mild to severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and/or bloody stool. If you own a private well, having the installation professionally disinfected is a wise decision. From there, a technician can recommend additional solutions.

Heavy Metals Can Cause Development Delays

Lead and mercury are two substances that can contaminate your residential water source. If you have corroded lead pipes in your home, particles can end up in the water as it flows through the channels. Babies and young children exposed to lead can suffer from cognitive or physical developmental delays, while kidney malfunction and elevated blood pressure are common symptoms in adults. Mercury, often found in groundwater when natural deposits erode, can also cause kidney problems. Reverse osmosis water treatment systems can prevent large ions like lead and mercury from passing through a membrane screen while allowing water molecules to get through.

Inorganic Nitrates Can Cause Life-Threatening Health Problems in Infants 

If there is a leak in the septic tank or drain field lines have ruptured, raw sewage could seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. The waste contains inorganic nitrates, which can have devastating effects on infants. When exposed to inorganic nitrates, children under the age of six months old can experience respiratory distress and death if not treated. If septic equipment is to blame for water contamination, get the fixtures repaired or replaced immediately. A reverse osmosis water treatment system or additional purification solution should also help keep nitrates out of the liquid. 

If you believe your water may contain one of the above contaminants or an additional cause for concern, reach out to the technicians at Affordable Water Treatment for help. For over 50 years, the staff at this family-owned and -operated company has been providing residents throughout the western region of Washington with water purification equipment. To learn more about water treatment solutions the Gig Harbor-based company provides, call (253) 858-7644. You can also visit them online for water filter system details and on Facebook to see photos of the team.