Pipelines make it possible to have access to water on your property, as they convey water from one place to the next. But pipes can become corroded and damaged over time, affecting the quality of your water supply, and even posing health risks. Luckily, having a water conditioning system in place can make your water safer to use. Below are a few aspects you should know about how your pipes impact your water supply. 

How Is Pipe Corrosion a Problem?

Water pipe corrosion is not uncommon, especially in areas that rely on metal pipes for distribution. Although newer pipes are made of galvanized iron or steel, older models can contain lead and copper that can leach toxins into the water supply once they start to corrode.

Ingesting such contaminants may result in health problems, including gastrointestinal troubles, permanent kidney and liver damage, high blood pressure, and numerous developmental issues in children. According to the EPA, the acceptable levels for copper and lead are 1.3 milligrams per mg/L and 0.015 mg/L, respectively.

Changes in the water’s taste, odor, and appearance can also be an indicator of pipe corrosion. Pay attention to a bitter taste in the water that initially improves after running the faucet, or a persistent foul odor that may be due to microbial activity. Reddish stains on fixtures point to corroded iron pipes, while bluish ones indicate deteriorated copper piping. 

One way to determine if you have corrosive water is to test your water supply. The Langelier Saturation Index or LSI is a commonly used testing method that measures the water’s pH level, alkalinity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and hardness. If the LSI points to potentially corrosive water, it means there’s ongoing corrosion in the supply pipes.

How Can Water Treatment Help?

In addition to corrosion, pipes will have bacterial growth inside, but chlorination eliminates most of the bacteria. It is not unusual to find trace amounts of microorganisms, and even if it’s not enough to cause harm, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Water conditioning solutions ensure the quality of water that comes out of your faucets. Through different methods, purification and filtration systems remove most contaminants, including microbes, algae, and metals, in the water sources. If pipe corrosion is a persistent issue, consider a carbon water filter to eliminate toxic chemicals.

Protect yourself against the risks of contamination in your pipes by installing a water conditioning system from Affordable Water Treatment in Gig Harbor, WA. For over 50 years, they’ve provided a range of water treatment solutions, such as water purifiers, softeners, and filters, to clients throughout western Washington. Call (253) 858-7644 or learn more about water conditioning products online.