Is tap water safe to drink?
In most parts of the United States, the answer to this question is yes.
But that’s not always true. Tap water can become contaminated, and drinking it can cause all types of health problems. That’s why you should always know the warning signs of contaminated water so you can stay away from it.
We’ve put together a quick list of signs your tap water is contaminated.
So let’s dive in!
1. It’s Not Clear
The water that comes from your tap should be clear and clean. If it looks foggy or cloudy, it might not be safe to drink.
However, cloudy water isn’t always a bad sign. Sometimes a simple filter is all you need. (You can click here to learn more about water filters.)
It’s always a good idea to make sure cloudy water is safe before drinking it.
2. It Smells Bad
If your tap water has a bad smell to it, don’t put it in your mouth.
Most tap water has some chlorine to help kill germs or bacteria. But water that smells like bleach might have too much chlorine.
If your water smells like rotten eggs might contain hydrogen sulfide. This is a colorless that can cause health issues like dehydration.
Tap water can also smell fishy if it’s contaminated. This fishy smell means the water has barium in it, which can lead to liver, kidney, or heart damage.
3. It Tastes Bad
Does your tap water have a metallic taste?
This can mean several things. You might have rust in your pipes that is getting into your water. The water might have a low pH level, or it can have lead in it, which can be dangerous.
Tap water can also taste salty.
A salty taste means your water has too much sodium. Drinking too much sodium can cause all kinds of medical problems, so it’s important to stop drinking your tap water if it doesn’t taste normal.
4. It Makes Your Hands Feel Slimy
Your tap water might be “hard.” This means it’s full of substances like calcium and magnesium. These substances can form a white buildup inside your pipes, around your faucets, or in your cups.
However, hard water isn’t necessarily unsafe to drink. But it’s a good idea to install a water filter that’ll take these substances out of your water.
Not sure if you have hard water?
Try washing your hands in the sink. Do they feel slimy when you’re done? That’s a good sign your water is hard.
You can also spot hard water by the characteristic buildup that comes with it.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?
So is tap water safe to drink?
It depends.
Some tap water won’t hurt you, but if your tap water is contaminated, it can become dangerous. Stop drinking your tap water RIGHT AWAY if you think it’s contaminated, and get in touch with your public water company for help.
Want to learn some other helpful advice for homeowners?
Make sure you take a look at more of our blog posts!
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