Why Should We Test Our Water?

If water smells bad or looks a little hazy, then wepurchase a home, it would be a good idea to test
instantly know that there is something wrong.the water supply that can be found in the local area
Unfortunately, it is also very possible that what wefirst.
are drinking is crystal clear, tasteless and odorless,3. A water test kit will be able to show the levels of
only to find out that it can still be unsafe for us toharmful substances in the water. Harmful minerals and
drink or use for cooking our food.chemicals in what we drink can contribute to lead
Water is one thing that is essential to all living things.poisoning, heart disease and even cancer. Certain
It is needed in order to survive. There are watersubstances found in this resource can also change
testing test kits available for sale, which are a verythe taste of what we drink and what we eat.
good way to see if there are any substances and4. If we have our water tested and find that it is
contaminants in our water that we just cannotbelow safety standards, then we can end the
detect.problem as soon as possible. By knowing that there is
Here are some of the reasons that we shouldsomething wrong and that something must be done,
regularly conduct a water test:a home purification system can be purchased in order
1. Almost 40% of the rivers in the United States failto make the water more potable.
to meet the standards of clean water. According toThere are generally two ways of water testing. One
Clean Water Action, approximately 7 millionway is to do it on your own by purchasing a home
Americans become sick every year due to tap waterwater test kit. You will need to get some from the
that is contaminated. Regular water testingtap, place it into a glass and simply follow the
conducted on the public supply will help ensure thatinstructions found on the kit.
environmental and health standards of the country'sAnother option is to obtain a sample from your home
Environmental Protection Agency are met.and take it to a local testing facility. Depending on
2. Municipal drinking water systems provide 90% ofwhere you live and what kind of testing facilities
Americans with what they can drink. The law statesaround you, this way of testing water could be hard.
that these supplies should regularly be tested forEither way, we should make it a point to test our
radioactive materials, toxic chemicals, pathogens andwater on an annual basis. It doesn't matter whether
other contaminants. However, private water supplieswe choose to test it ourselves, or if we ask a
are not tested. This responsibility generally lies withprofessional to do it. We must do our part to ensure
the property owners. If you find yourself about tothat our family is drinking safe and clean water.