Tap water in Las Cruces usually contains some degree of minerals, chemicals, and other pollutants. After several high-profile stories highlighting contaminated water—such as the story of Flint, Michigan—many people stepped back and questioned the quality of their drinking water and whether water filtration was an option for them. The question for most people is how much of these chemicals are present and their effect on health.
Is your tap water contaminated? Let’s look at some of the common signs that suggest something might be happening with the water supply.
If you have questions regarding your water’s quality or how to implement secure water filtration, call Sun Tech Services in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Signs that Your Water May Need Water Filtration
Perhaps you are wondering whether your drinking water is safe. Many people have encountered this question in the past few weeks. There are several signs you can look for that might suggest your water is in need of some water filtration. We’ve compiled some of the most common below.
#1 Bad taste
- While taste can be subjective to some degree, some people find their regular water to be distasteful, but when there is a metallic, oily, or fishy taste, that is something else entirely.
#2 The smell of chlorine
- Some chlorine in the water is normal, as it is used to kill harmful bacteria. When there are excessive amounts, something might be off.
#3 Sulfur smell
- This happens on occasion and will cause your water to smell like rotten eggs. While this is not always an indication that it is badly contaminated, it can be a cause for concern and require an inspection.
#4 Blackening or dark color
- If there is a sooty look to the water or it comes out with dirt or sediments, it might be time to look into your piping or get a quality water filtration system.
#5 Brown hue
- If the water has high amounts of iron, it will likely develop a brown or orange hue. This color results from nearby mining or excavation or rusty water pipes.
#6 Cloudy water
- If your water is not clear but rather appears cloudy and white, it can indicate some level of contamination.
#7 Visible oily film
- The water should not have any visible residue. Minerals meant to be in the water are typically invisible to the naked eye. Yet, if there is an oily film residue gathering in the sink, toilets, or tubs, that is a strong indicator of oil or grease.
Water Treatment Methods Outlined by the CDC
Localities and states use different water treatment methods and techniques to provide their population with safe water. The general steps and treatment options, as outlined by the CDC, are rather consistent across the board. They include:
- Coagulation
- Flocculation
- Sedimentation
- Filtration
- Disinfection
Each of these steps is an integral part of the process to ensure clean drinking water on the other side. Water treatment plants see to it that the water undergoes each necessary step.
The state of New Mexico relies on both groundwater and surface water. New Mexico is unique in the Southwestern states, as it retrieves most of its water supply from groundwater.
Water By Geographic Region — A Closer Look
But how does water filtration work? Depending on the area of the country you are in, the process of water filtration might involve various other stems or the use of chemicals to soften the water or adjust the pH. For example, lead pipes in some parts of the country can affect water quality, so many municipalities will add phosphate to the water, which forms a protective film between the running water and the lead pipe.
The story of Flint, Michigan, had to do with the authorities’ failure to add a chemical called orthophosphate that controls corrosion. This was a problem when the city changed water sources and began extracting its water from the Flint River, which has eight times more chloride in the water. Chloride corrodes the piping, and this creates a major problem.
In Western and Southwestern states, salty water can present a problem and require cities to require desalination.
The Environmental Protection Agency oversees about 155,000 public water systems. Other water systems around the country rely on private wells, and the process is overseen by state authorities. The process that delivers water to people’s faucets is long and requires consistent monitoring and checks.
Achieve Peace of Mind with a Quality Water Filtration System in Las Cruces!
Having clean drinking water is a key part of keeping our families safe and healthy. If you have questions regarding the state of your water or how you can improve its quality, contact us here at Sun Tech Services today!