Silent Threats in Your Water Supply: How to Protect Your Family

Unknown to many, the water flowing from our taps in our homes can sometimes harbor unseen and potentially harmful contaminants. These 'silent killers', ranging from heavy metals to chemical pollutants, can pose significant health risks. Understanding the importance of regular water testing and effective filtration systems is key to safeguarding your family's health.

Understanding the Invisible Threat

Invisible toxins in water can include a variety of substances like lead, arsenic, chlorine, pesticides, and even residues of pharmaceutical drugs. Prolonged exposure to these contaminants can lead to serious health issues, including neurological disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and reproductive issues. Unfortunately, these contaminants are often undetectable by taste, sight, or smell.

The Crucial Role of Regular Water Testing

Regular water testing is the first line of defense in identifying contaminants. Homeowners can use at-home testing kits for a basic assessment or can opt for professional testing services for a more comprehensive analysis. Testing is especially important for homes using well water, as these are not regulated by federal safety standards like municipal water supplies are.

Carbon Filters: Your First Layer of Protection

Carbon filters are highly effective at removing contaminants like chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and certain pesticides. They work through adsorption, where contaminants are trapped in the pore structure of the carbon substrate. These filters are ideal for improving taste and removing odors as well.

Water Softeners: Targeting Heavy Metals

Water softeners, using ion-exchange as a process of conditioning your water, are particularly useful in removing heavy metals like lead and arsenic, as well as minerals that cause water hardness. These systems exchange harmful ions in the water with harmless ones, usually sodium or potassium ions. This process not only makes water safer but also can prevent scale buildup in plumbing, leading to infrastructural damage, annoying maintenance, and costly repairs in your home.

Sediment and Iron Filters: Essential for Well Owners

For those on well water, sediment filters are essential. They remove large particles such as dirt, rust, and sand. While sediment filters don't directly remove chemical contaminants, they play a crucial role in the overall filtration process by protecting other filters from clogging with debris.

In addition to sediment, a common contaminant ruining your home's water supply is iron. Iron can exist in either a visible or invisible form to your naked eye, this invisible iron is referred to as ferrous iron. Unlike its visible counterpart, ferrous, or clear water iron, is not immediately visible. In its unoxidized state, it flows clearly from the tap and only reveals its presence when exposed to oxygen. This oxidation can lead to stains and discolorations on various surfaces where the water evaporates, leaving the iron behind. An iron filter would remove this typical well water related problem and leave your home free of its metallic taste and red-brown stains all over your home.

Conclusion

To effectively protect your family from the silent killers in your water supply, a combination of regular testing and a multi-stage filtration approach is recommended. This might include using sediment filters in tandem with carbon filters and water softening, ion-exchange systems. By understanding the potential risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate them, you can ensure that the water in your home is as safe and clean as possible.

We're Here To Help You

If you think your home might be dealing with water contaminants, but you're unaware of what to do, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance. Our experts at Mid Atlantic Water have been helping customers make the right choice for their home's water problems for nearly 30 years. If you have any questions on which water filtration system is right for your home, we're here to help. Contact us however you'd like:

• Text us at 443-277-2204 
• Give us a call at 800-460-5810 
• Email us at support@midatlanticwater.net.