There’s no denying the importance of clean water. However, it’s not always possible to enjoy pure, containment-free water directly from the tap. There’s plenty of research suggesting numerous benefits of opting for a water filtration system for your home — a decision sure to provide some much-appreciated peace of mind every time you drink or use water.
Unreliability of Tab Water
Every person on Earth needs anywhere from 5 to 13 gallons of clean water each day for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other essential needs. A comprehensive analysis performed by the Environmental Working Group found 200 unregulated chemicals in the tap water available for public use in 45 states. The study found that water utilities successfully manage pollutant levels about 92 percent of the time. According to the National Academy of Sciences, trace contaminants in tap water can include:
- Pesticides
- Pharmaceuticals
- Heavy metals
Minimizing Risks from Chemicals in Tap Water
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Many cities add chlorine to water to kill harmful contaminants and pollutants. While this is a generally a good thing, there are potential health risks associated with chlorine. According to the Centers for Disease Control, excessive amounts of chlorine may contribute to some cancers.
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Seeking to minimize risks, many cities are now substituting chlorine with chloramine, which remains active in tap water to kill bacteria. However, it has also been linked to some forms of cancer, reproductive problems, and central nervous system issues.
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Fluoride has long-been an addition to tap water to maintain dental health in children. Yet there are also potential health risks associated with fluoride, with the CDC noting possible links to genetic defects, liver disease, gum disease, and thyroid dysfunction.
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Healthier Home Environment
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The solution to the potential health risks associated with the water that comes into your home is a water filtration system. While most healthy people are able to safely handle exposure to a certain level of the substances often found in tap water, this isn’t the case for everybody. Young children and the elderly are especially at risk from exposure to some of the potential health hazards in household water. Water filtration systems are designed to remove a variety of contaminants and chemicals from water, including:
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- Chlorine and chloramine
- Lead and asbestos
- Chemical pollutants
- Bacteria
- Fluoride
Water Filtration System Installation
Due to the need to safely turn off the water and make important adjustments, installation of a water filtration system shouldn’t be a do-it-yourself project. A Louisville plumber will make necessary pipe cuts to install the required components, properly position the filter, and confirm that everything is operating properly. A plumbing technician will also:
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- Explain how to change the filter when necessary
- Ensure that your water supply has been safely turned back on
- Answer any questions you may have about your new system
Cost-Effective Investment
There are plenty of plumbing products and upgrades worth considering, but only a handful of those choices can have the potential impact of a water filtration system. In addition to making you and your family safer when drinking or using water, a high-quality system can literally pay for itself over time when you factor in how frequently you need access to safe water. The cost adds up even faster if you factor in what it would cost to use bottled water daily or have bottled water delivered to your home throughout the year.
When you’re ready to enjoy cleaner water in Louisville, KY, an experienced plumber can provide an estimate and get everything set up. With proper maintenance, which is usually minimal, a water filtration system can provide several years of clean, healthy water.
