Humans have an innate instinct when it comes to danger, poisonous foods and unclean water. That’s why you may sense immediately when your water isn’t safe enough to drink. If your water has an unpleasant odour, tastes metallic or looks brown you may have a problem. This is why, just to be safe, some households like to look into filtration devices for their water. You could always read something like the Best Water Filters – Reviews and Guide for 2019 if you were planning on purchasing an extra method of filtering your water to make sure it’s as clean and safe as possible to drink.
If you suspect your water has been contaminated you may have to contact a plumber and your municipality. To prevent water from being contaminated water backflow testing should be done regularly (every 12 months) so you can have clean and safe drinking water.
Let’s take a look at some of the signs of unclean water. This is so you’ll know firsthand if your water is safe to drink and whether it’s time to call the pros.
Is Cloudiness a Good Sign?
Water should always be clear with no cloudiness. If it looks like someone mixed a drop of milk in your water it could be a sign your water contains chemicals or bacteria. But there could be less dangerous reasons why your water appears cloudy such as:
- Hard water: Your drinking water contains high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
- TSS Concentration: Total suspended solids (TSS) can be in the form of clay, sediment and algae.
- Methane gas: Water that contains methane gas typically comes from wells or damaged faucets. It’s produced naturally in wells but it’s undetectable as it’s colourless, odourless and tasteless. Methane gas is deemed safe if it’s below 10mg per litre but should be monitored if the ratio is higher.
The way to fix the problem is to source a backflow testing professional. They can install a backflow filtration system in your home to remove the excess minerals or contaminants in your water. Having unhygienic water entering your home through your water supply can have a harmful effect on your health and so that is why it’s important that you think about having backflow prevention and testing on a regular basis so that your water is safe to drink and bathe in at all times.
Water Shouldn’t Leave a Slimy Film on Your Skin
If you feel a slimy film on your hands after washing them it could be iron bacteria. The iron bacteria is a natural organism that feeds on dissolved iron or manganese. It can leave slimy orange or brown rings around your faucets and fixtures. Iron bacteria can give your water an unpleasant smell and taste.
Iron bacteria damages appliances as it can clog washing machine pipes if it builds up over time. To test your water for iron bacteria fill a clear glass with water from your tap. Then leave the water undisturbed for five minutes. Now if you see cotton-like fibres in the water it could be iron bacteria.
Solve the problem by installing a sanitary installation system to prevent contamination of your water. If the slimy water is not caused by iron bacteria there are a number of treatments for different causes.
Consult a professional to test your water. They will provide you with the best course of action.
What is The Colour of the Water?
Water that has a yellow, brown or orange tinge is never a good sign. This could be the result of chromium-6 contamination which is highly dangerous. However, it could also be a build-up of copper or lead.
If your water supply comes from a public system a yellow tint will only be visible when running the cold tap. Your municipality is simply cleaning out the system’s pipes.
Orange or brown water could contain rust from your faucets or pipes but it may be a sign of excess iron or lead. Water backflow needs to be done regularly so it can wash away bacteria and contaminants.
Water with an Odour
A Bleach Odour
Does your water smell like bleach? This simply means your water contains high levels of chlorine. The chlorine chemical is used in water to clean out fungi such as algae and germs.
Hydrogen Sulphide Oder
High levels of hydrogen sulphide typically give your water a pungent smell of rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulphide is a naturally occurring colourless gas that’s found in groundwater. But when the hydrogen sulphide gas is mixed with certain bacteria it converts the gas into sulphate.
This can be a nuisance as it has the ability to corrode metal such as iron, metal and brass. It can also affect the taste of coffee, tea and food that’s boiled in water. But it’s not a health risk in low concentrated levels. It’s rare to have higher concentrated levels in household water supplies.
Final Thoughts
Household water should be trusted as you and shower in it. The best advice is to know your water source and perhaps research quality reports from your municipality.
If you suspect your water is unsafe to drink report it immediately as it may pose health risks not only to your family but to your entire neighbourhood.
Seek a professional’s opinion on your water supply and get them to install all the necessary filtration systems in your home. The filtration systems and regular backflow testing will ensure you have clean drinking water and peace of mind.
