The quality of your family's drinking water should be of serious concern to you, since you consume it, bathe in it, and use it to cook and clean. Unfortunately, it may not be as clean as you expect. To help you decide whether you should invest in a water filtration system, below are some of the common contaminants found in unfiltered water. 

3 Contaminants Sometimes Found in Drinking Water

1. Lead

Lead can be found in tap water if it’s traveling through decaying or old fixtures. This occurs when water sits in leaded pipes for an extended period of time and then trickles into the water supply. Lead poisoning can lead to developmental delays in children and abdominal pain, which is why it’s essential to have a water filtration system installed if it is detected in your water supply. 

2. Microorganisms

Microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, originating from human and animal wastes are not uncommon in drinking water across the U.S. Contamination can occur when septic or wastewater systems, animal pens, or fertilizer storage facilities are located too close to the mouth of an aquifer. Depending on the strain, exposure can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and even kidney damage.

3. Arsenic 

Arsenic can enter the water source from natural mineral deposits or from pollution due to industry or agriculture. Long-term exposure can lead to bladder, kidney, skin, or lung cancer, as well as damage to the liver and cardiovascular system.

Simple faucet filters do not normally remove arsenic. To ensure there is none in your water supply, you’ll need to invest in a reverse osmosis system, which uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane. 

If you're concerned about the quality of your drinking water, contact Aquaklear Filtration in Boise, ID. They have served Ada County and the surrounding areas since 2008. They specialize in water softeners, water purifiers, and other systems that improve household water quality and reduce impurities well below recommended U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Read what their customers have to say about them on their website or call (208) 315-1565 to discuss your water filtration needs.