What You Don’t Need in Your Water: Heavy Metals

Contaminated water has been a hot topic in the news because of the harmful health effects. Although lead is the most common heavy metal mentioned when discussing unsafe drinking water, other contaminants can be just as detrimental. Knowing what’s in your water supply and how to remove metals from water is critical to your well-being.

Sources of Heavy Metals in Drinking Water

Many heavy metals aside from lead have been found in high concentrations in drinking water. These include arsenic, mercury, silver and aluminum. Essential minerals such as zinc and copper have also been found. Although these can be good for health, high doses can pose a risk.

Where do these heavy metals come from? Oftentimes they originate from the water treatment plant itself. They can be found in storage tanks where water is treated or within the water pipes in your home. Even water heaters can contain aluminum rods that cause contamination making it dangerous to drink hot water from the tap.

Getting Rid of Heavy Metals in Your Water Supply

The first step to remove metals from water is to find out the quality of the supply entering your home. Ask for a Consumer Confidence Report from your local public water works department. However, that is only one part of the equation. You also need to evaluate your pipe system to check if it is a source of contamination.

The best option for safe water is to install a heavy metal filter system. This can be done for all the water in your home or just for the water you drink and cook with. The former is connected to the main public water line while the latter is typically installed under the sink. Either option will remove metals from your water supply as well as bacteria, chlorine, fluoride and harmful viruses.

With a home water filtration system, you won’t have to worry about ingesting heavy metals. The water you use for bathing, cooking and drinking will taste delicious and smell fresh. You can open the tap with peace of mind knowing that the water in your home is safe for your family.