Exploring Common Water Contaminants in Charleston
It goes without saying that water is an important part of our lives. Having a safe drinking water supply is important to your well being. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets regulations and standards for monitoring and treating drinking water. However, there are still some common water contaminants found in the Charleston Area that you should be aware of:
Is chlorine in my water bad?
Think of water system chlorination as a giant disinfectant tablet on a massive scale – because that’s basically what it is.
Adding chlorine to a drinking water source has been popular for more than a century, and it continues to be the most cost-effective, dependable method of water disinfection today.
What should I do if I have lead in my water?
While your local Culligan of Charleston service area does NOT have the same issues as Flint, Michigan, the echoes of the disaster reverberate across the state and the country, particularly being in such close proximity, less than two hours away.
What to do if I have hard water?
Hard water is the result of mineral buildup in your city or well water, most commonly from calcium and lime. The signs of hard water are not always obvious, but can have detrimental effects on your home. Soap scum and stains are two of the most visible problems associate with hard water. Let Culligan recommend which water softener is right for your home!
Why does my water have a sulfur smell?
The most important question is regarding whether your drinking water with sulfates is a health risk. The short answer is typically no.
The EPA standards for water fall into two categories: primary and secondary standards. Primary are based on health considerations and secondary are based on taste, color, odor, corrosively, foaming and staining properties. Sulfate is classified under the secondary standards.
Hydrogen sulfide, a product of sulfur bacteria in groundwater using iron and sulfur as energy to chemically change sulfates to gas, is flammable and poisonous. But it is not usually a health risk at typical house water concentrations, unless extremely high.
Is there iron in my water?
Iron (Fe) can drive homeowners crazy with its ability to make its way into a well water supply, affecting everything from the food of taste and drink to stains on clothing and fixtures.
Learn more about your Charleston Area water here: http://www.detroitmi.gov/dwsd
To schedule a FREE water test, call your local Culligan of Charleston today!