Drought can have a severe impact on everything, from businesses to landscapes. But did you know that it may also affect your water quality? The effects are both direct and inadvertent, and in either case, they can have an impact on your home’s consumption. Below is what you should know about these problems and how a water filter may help.

How Drought Affects Water Quality

A drought is an extreme event that causes a number of complicated issues in the affected area. Its impact is largely related to nearby bodies of water and their locations. A key point is the lack of normal water flow. During drought, that process is disrupted just enough to reduce levels of dissolved oxygen. This can harm fish that rely on it to survive. As those dissolved oxygen levels drop, nutrients, heavy metals, and sulfates in sediment can contaminate the groundwater, whose discharge often flows into rivers and streams.

Moreover, if the drought continues for an extended period, depleted water reserves may force municipalities to pump older water supplies. It’s not always certain that this supply is safe to consume, as much of the water is pumped from unregulated sources. This may present a risk to your health if contaminants like algae or chlorine are present. Installing a water filter in your home can help you determine whether it’s safe to consume.

How to Resolve Quality Concerns

Since groundwater is used for everything from irrigating the land to consumption, it’s crucial to recognize the impact of drought on your own life. Often, the presence of foreign elements in the water can alter its appearance and taste. Contaminated water can lead to significant health concerns, especially among those with compromised immune systems.

Installing a water filter is key to separating the harmful particulates from your home’s useful supply. A treatment that involves disinfecting the water to kill off any remaining contaminants may also be useful in protecting your family from illness and your fixtures from potential damage.
 

Whether you’re coping with drought or just want to be sure that your home’s supply is crisp and clean, turn to the professionals at Affordable Water Treatment in Gig Harbor, WA. Proudly serving clients throughout Western Washington, the family-owned company offers water filters, purifiers, and softeners to ensure that your water is safe to use and consume. Visit them online to learn more about their residential water treatments and commercial water purification systems, or call (253) 858-7644 to speak with a representative.