Water quality is a concern for many homeowners in Grand County, particularly when the source of drinking water is a private well. Even if you don't have a private well, there are many reasons you may want to test your home's water. Here are some common water quality issues.
- The home has excessive lead from lead pipes or lead soldered joints
- Water has an off taste or smell
- Water spots are difficult to remove from dishes and showers
- You're buying a home with a water treatment system and you want to ensure it is in good working order
- There are recurring gastrointestinal problems that you suspect may be caused by drinking water in the home
- You are pregnant, or there is a child under six months old living in the home
- You have a well that is near a septic tank or agricultural operation
- You live near industrial activity, such as a natural gas well or abandoned mine
Water Testing
Before deciding to install a water treatment system in your home, it's important to first identify any potential problems to ensure you choose the most effective solution for your needs. Water testing can identify the following contamination.Hard Water
Hard water is common in Grand County. While water spots on dishes and clogged shower heads may be a nuisance, hard water can shorten the lifespan and reduce the efficiency of water-using appliances. For example, a water heater will take longer to heat when calcium and magnesium minerals (limescale deposits) accumulate at the bottom of the tank.Microorganisms
Harmful microorganisms include viruses, cryptosporidium and giardia,all of which can lead to gastrointestinal illness such as diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps. We all know how important it is to bring a water filter when camping in the backcountry, it's just as important to know if your home's well is clean, or if you need a whole home water filtration system.Disinfection Byproducts
Chlorite is a byproduct of drinking water disinfection. In can cause anemia and nervous system effects in infants and young children. Bromate and haloacetic acids are another byproduct of water treatment and have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.Inorganic Chemicals
Inorganic chemicals include: arsenic, asbestos, barium, cadmium, Copper, chromium, lead, mercury, nitrates and other chemicals. These contaminants can occur naturally in the soil that comes in contact with water, as well as from industrial and agricultural byproducts. Even in very small quantities many organic chemicals can cause serious health problems.Organic Chemicals
Organic chemicals include benzene, dioxine, toluene and other chemicals that can be found in industrial waste and agricultural pesticides and herbicides.If problems are found with your drinking water, there are a number of water treatment solutions available to treat hard water and contamination. Have questions about water quality in your home? Give Grand Lake Plumbing and Heating a call, we can help test your water and offer solutions for most water quality problems.
