If you’ve never owned a home with a well system, you may be unfamiliar with the water you're using. While it’s generally safe, water treatment is recommended for well systems or other untreated water you may have in your home due to potential health hazards. To determine if you would benefit from this service, consider the following reasons why untreated water could be harmful.

Why Should You Avoid Drinking Untreated Water?

1. Bacteria

One of the most common reasons people get sick from untreated water is due to bacteria. This sickness can occur whether you're drinking the water directly, washing your food in it, or brushing your teeth and gargling. Water provides an ideal environment for bacteria and pathogens such as E. coli, hepatitis A, salmonella, and cryptosporidium to grow and thrive. Without appropriate water treatment, these bacteria can cause many ailments and symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting, which can both lead to dehydration.

2. Chemical Pollution

Another pollutant found in untreated water comes from chemicals used for farming. Contaminants such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers can be absorbed by the water, causing illness when digested. These products contain a variety of harmful ingredients, including nitrogen, bleach, salts, metals, and toxins. Physical symptoms caused by chemical pollution can lead to something as minor as a headache or as severe as cancer. Additionally, when used to water crops, this untreated water can have the same negative health impacts.

3. Human Waste Contamination

Improper disposal of human or animal waste due to inadequate sanitary facilities and procedures or sub-par sewage systems can also lead to water contamination. If your water becomes polluted with human waste, you may experience stomach distress, including persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of water treatment for your home, talk to the professionals at Affordable Water Treatment in Gig Harbor, WA. For more than 50 years, this company has offered the solutions you need to provide clean and safe drinking water for your family. To learn more about how they can improve your drinking water, visit them online or call (253) 858-7644.