Water is essential to our daily lives, but your local water source needs to be well-maintained for it be safe for human consumption. Water quality isn’t something that most Johnson City, TX, residents should worry about, but it’s always good to understand what can lead to water impurity. Read on for some of the most common ways water gets contaminated.
Leaky and Burst Pipes
Pipes play a major role in delivering clean water to our homes and expunging wastewater to the sewer system. However, a leak or burst pipe is an easy entry point of unwanted contaminants to your water.
Pressure in pipes will cause water to flow into the surroundings during a leak. However, a burst or leak contributes to a significant pressure drop in the pipes. A major pressure drop sucks surrounding materials into the hole, contaminating the water.
Ignoring busted pipes contributes to contamination as unwanted substances attach themselves to the inner pipe surfaces. Consequently, you’ll need thorough drain cleaning services or a complete replacement of the pipes. If you suspect leaks in your mains, contact our experts immediately for a comprehensive inspection.
Lead Plumbing
If you live in a building constructed before 1986, the plumbing fixtures, pipe fittings and welding solder may contain lead. Lead became a popular plumbing material in ancient times due to its affordability, versatility and durability. However, this mineral can lead to severe health concerns, including:
- Hypertension.
- Premature births.
- Impaired growth.
- Low IQ.
- Hyperactivity.
Manufacturers use processes when making lead pipes that make them safe for water to flow through. However, over time, accelerated by high acidity levels, temperature fluctuations and so on, pipes can corrode and allow lead into the water.
Several solutions to the lead contamination problem include installing reverse osmosis equipment, a water distillation system or a whole-home water filtration unit. The best solution is replacing all lead plumbing.
Damaged Sewage or Septic Systems
Sewage water comes from our laundry, showers, cooking and toilets. This water contains toxins such as nitrogen, phosphorus and disease-causing pathogens.
Clogging occurs when there is a misalignment, breaking or introduction of foreign materials into the sewer. The blockage can result in drain water backups, foul smells or slow draining in the sinks and bathtubs. In the worst case, clogging leads to pipe bursts and leaks.
Leaking water from raw sewage seeps underground, contaminating water sources beneath the ground. The water may also flow into nearby water sources such as rivers and streams. The viruses in raw sewage kill fish, wildlife and other creatures upon ingestion or too much exposure.
When sewage water leaks into your mains, your water becomes unsafe for human consumption; intake may cause health problems such as diarrhea and cholera. For these reasons, seek drain cleaning and unclogging services once you notice signs of a blocked sewer.
Agricultural Activities
With Texas being a leader in agricultural production in the U.S., we can’t overlook the impact it brings to water pollution. Intensified agricultural activities such as concentrated animal feeding operations and excessive use of pesticides or fertilizers contribute to water pollution.
Animal waste is rich in nitrates and phosphorous, which dissolve in rainwater or irrigation runoffs into water bodies. The huge nutrient amounts cause eutrophication (excessive growth of aquatic plants, especially algae) in flowing water. Alternatively, the water seeps beneath, polluting groundwater.
Natural Disasters
Floods are the biggest nuisance when it comes to natural disasters affecting your water quality. The floods dissolve toxins and deposit them in the water supply systems, rendering the water harmful for human use. You must disinfect, boil or use filters to treat water after a flood.
Other natural disasters, such as earthquakes, cyclones, tornadoes and wildfires, contribute to water pollution. These disasters cause interruptions in the operations of water distribution processes due to damaged infrastructure. Therefore, it is best to prepare adequately by installing a water filtration system and softener to mitigate mineral and disease exposure.
Pure water contributes to the happiness and health of your family. If you wish to install a whole-home water filtration system in Johnson City, TX, contact Woods Comfort Systems today.
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