From unusual taste to discoloration, water contamination can happen in any case. The water people use daily needs to be clean for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Therefore, it is essential to conduct regular water testing to determine if any type of contamination is present.
But why has water contamination become such a huge concern? Let’s find out.
Why Water Contamination Is a Concern
Water contamination has become a concern because of its far-reaching consequences to public health and the environment. Therefore, identifying the basic sources of water contamination is equally important as mitigating the issue.
What Are the Common Sources of Contamination?
Common sources of water contamination include damaged or aged pipelines and industrial runoffs that carry road salts, oil, grease, and debris from different sources. As per the data of the United Nations, around 80% of the world’s wastewater reverts to the environment without proper treatment.
Another key source of water contamination is the agricultural sector, as in the USA, it is the leading reason behind contaminating the rivers and streams. Besides, waterborne pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, can lead to unsafe water contamination.
Contamination Risks
Consuming or getting exposed to water that does not qualify as safe can lead to several serious health issues. Using the infected water can cause health issues, which can range from severe gastrointestinal diseases like diarrhea, Cholera, and typhoid to affecting several organs such as the liver and kidneys.
On top of it, many households cannot track contamination until it is verified by water testing or the water starts to show symptoms of contamination. But what are the signs that can help identify contamination in water? Let’s discover those now and understand what to do in these situations.
6 Signs Your Water May Be Contaminated
Here are 6 common signs that can show the level of water contamination.
Figure 1: Signs of Contamination in Water Supply
1. Unusual Taste
Water can show symptoms of contamination through its taste. If the water tests metallic or salty, there can be a high level of sodium and chloride content. Sodium-enriched water is not good for health, and also for the plumbing setup.
The soapy taste of water depicts that there are high alkaline substances present in the water sources. Moreover, if you get an acidic test in the water, it is also likely to be contaminated. Before referring to the environmental consultant to test the water supply, make sure you properly check the taste of the water coming from it.
2. Foul Odour
Different types of smells in the water sources can also determine certain levels of contamination. If the water smells like rotten eggs, it is likely to be contaminated with sulfur bacteria. On the other hand, if the water smells like chlorine, it can be the effect of extreme chlorination of the water source.
Detergent smell in the water indicates the leakage of wastewater into the water source. Check if your water source is connected to a septic tank, which can carry a range of different types of harmful bacteria.
3. Cloudy or Discoloured Water
Discolouration in the water sources can also signify contamination. Clean water sources should be crystal clear. If you observe the water turning brown or red, it can be a sign of rusty pipe fragments, iron, or manganese sedimentation getting mixed in the water source.
If the water is looking cloudy or yellow, there is a chance of sedimentation or microbial contamination. On the other hand, a greenish tint in it shows algae growth in the water supply pathways.
4. Stains on Fixtures and Visible Particles in Water
Stains are the visible signs of water contamination. If you observe frequent rust stains in bathrooms or kitchen sinks, it shows a high iron level in the water supply. On the other hand, a bluish-green stain on the fixtures is the result of corrosion. You can also see small chunks in water, which are part of a much bigger particle contaminating the water supply.
5. Health Symptoms After Drinking Water
In some instances, the health symptoms can show crucial signs of water contamination. Frequent stomach aches, nausea, and unexplained skin irritations are the common signs of water intoxication. In this scenario, water testing is a dire need.
If you are exposed to contaminated water for a prolonged time, you can also experience neurological, reproductive, and developmental shortcomings.
6. Presence of Sediment or Particles
You should not consume water with visible sedimentation and particles in it. The presence of sedimentation indicates the accumulation of calcium and magnesium in the water in mineral form, but these are actually contaminants.
Homeowners can also notice scale buildup or clog development in the pipes of showerheads.
Solutions for Homeowners
Contamination in the home water supply imposes significant risks for the homeowners. Prolonged exposure to these contaminants can lead to several serious health issues and damage the plumbing system temporarily or permanently.
Here are some key solutions for homeowners, which they can follow to control the risks associated with water contamination.
- Conducting frequent water testing is very important. It is recommended to do it at least once a year. For groundwater contamination, you need to consult with a certified environmental consultant.
- Installing proper filtration systems that help purify water. Water filters with technologies such as carbon filters, reverse osmosis, and UV can be used.
- Replacing the plumbing system as soon as possible if lead and copper contamination is identified.
- Conduct proper maintenance of the fixtures and filtration systems.
Final Words
Water contamination can lead to severe health hazards. With both visual and physical signs like discoloration, change in smell, appearance, and presence of visible particles. If you are quick enough to understand these signs, you can avoid serious health risks. Taking necessary precautions and regular water testing can help you get safe water.
Consult a Professional Water Quality Test if there are any warning signs!
Are you experiencing early signs of contamination in the water supply? Book a professional water quality test to get the water supply tested.