Is Your Tap Water Safe? 11 Common Water Contaminants to Watch Out For

Is Your Tap Water Safe? 11 Common Water Contaminants to Watch Out For

If you’ve ever wondered if the water from your tap is safe to consume, you need to understand the common contaminants and how to resolve them. It’s important to remember that even if the water appears clear, it may still harbor invisible bacteria and contaminants. Anything from strange odors to unusual taste or sediment buildup can all be red flags that you need professional water treatment in Tyler, TX, water heater maintenance, drain cleaning, and more. 

The expert plumbers in Tyler, TX at The Mink Plumbing are always here for professional water testing. We offer a range of solutions, including water filtration systems and UV water purifiers, to ensure your tap water is safe and clean. Learn more about the common contaminants found in tap water and what to do next by reading below!

Common Contaminants Found in Tap Water

Homeowners should know about the common contaminants that can be found lurking in your tap water.

1. Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that poses danger and serious risks when it seeps into your water supply through corroded pipes. It’s usually an issue in older homes outfitted with outdated plumbing systems. When pipes leach lead due to high acidity or low mineral content in the water, your entire household is at risk. Even small amounts of lead can pose serious issues, including developmental delays in children to hypertension and organ damage. 

2. Well Water Concerns

A private well may seem like a safe solution to use as your main water source, but unlike municipal water, it’s your responsibility to ensure it’s safe. Well water can become contaminated with various pollutants, including nitrates, bacteria, and heavy metals. None of these are filtered by public water treatment plants and pose a risk to your health.

3. Radon

Radon can find its way into your water supply through soil and the rock beneath your home. This naturally occurring gas is commonly found in air pollution but can release harmful gasses when you turn on your tap water and can increase the risk of lung cancer. 

4. Chlorine

Municipal water supplies often add chlorine to kill harmful bacteria, but it can come with its own risks. Chlorine exposure is known to dry out your skin and hair and aggravate respiratory issues, especially if you already suffer from asthma or Reactive Airway Disease. If you’re worried about chlorine, call The Mink Plumbing about water testing in Tyler, TX. We’ll also guide you through the process of choosing customized filtration solutions that improve your water quality.

5. Pesticide and Fertilizer Runoff

Nearby agricultural areas may use pesticides and fertilizers, which have the potential to seep into groundwater and contaminate your tap water. Water testing is essential to find out what’s going on with your water, as any of these foreign chemicals can pose health risks over time.

6. Arsenic Presence

Groundwater occasionally contains arsenic, a naturally occurring element. Over time, exposure to it can lead to severe health problems, including skin damage, and cancer. Arsenic can also wreak havoc on your cardiovascular system and lead to chronic respiratory illnesses.

7. Industrial Pollutants

Even if you don’t live close to an industrial plant, commercial activities in surrounding areas could release heavy metals and chemicals that include chromium, cadmium, and benzene into local water supplies. These harmful contaminants quickly lead to health issues ranging from cancer to organ damage and create issues with appliances that use water.

8. Copper

It’s not uncommon to find copper in older homes’ plumbing systems. Although copper is a necessary element for the body, higher concentrations cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. 

9. Mercury

Mercury contamination is often caused from harmful industrial runoff, mining activities, or natural erosion. Long-term exposure to mercury could cause kidney damage and other severe health complications.

10. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are types of dangerous chemicals that evaporate in the air or dissolve in water. Unfortunately, they come from everyday products like cleaning supplies, paints, and construction materials. When they leak into your tap water, VOCs could cause kidney damage and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. 

11. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE)

MTBE is a chemical used in gasoline to reduce emissions but can seep into the water supply from leaks or spills. Ongoing exposure to MTBE could lead to problematic symptoms ranging from headaches to dizziness and throat irritation.

How to Address Water Contamination

Water contamination is a serious health problem that requires quick remediation. Poor water quality can also damage your appliances that rely on water, such as your washing machine or dishwasher, and impact your skin, hair, and nails.

The experts at The Mink Plumbing offer water treatment services, including reverse osmosis, water filtration systems, water softeners, UV sterilization, and more. Our goal is to test your water, recommend solutions to restore its safety and quality, and get your water supply tasting great again. No matter what’s going on with your water, we’ll work to resolve the problem and get you the help you need to keep your home safe.

Trust The Mink Plumbing for Safe Tap Water Solutions in Tyler, TX

Keep your household safe with reliable, high-quality water. The water treatment experts at The Mink Plumbing offer water testing and a range of solutions from water softeners to reverse osmosis to improve the quality of your water again. Call us today to schedule your appointment!

Learn More About Water Treatment in Tyler, TX & Beyond

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

• Signs You Need Water Treatment in Tyler, TX
• 7 Reasons to Invest in Water Treatment
• How to Choose the Right Water Treatment System for Your Home