Water is a fundamental need for humans. A person needs to drink two liters of water a day to prevent dehydration. When a community lacks access to safe and clean drinking water, it can spell trouble for families. Take the Flint water crisis as an example. When officials switched Flint, Michigan’s water supply to the Flint River to save money, residents found that the new source was highly corrosive. Soon after the switch, they complained about receiving smelly, foul-tasting, and dark-colored water. On top of that, some residents experienced hair loss and skin rashes.
Individuals, therefore, must take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from water contamination. If you suspect that contaminated water is entering your household, take note of these safety measures:
Get in Touch with Your Water Supplier
Once you know that your household is getting contaminated water, reach out to your water supplier as soon as possible. Public suppliers should be able to provide you with the information you need regarding the quality of the water.
Some municipalities, unfortunately, are less likely to cooperate with members of the public than others. It’s even possible to run into trouble simply by requesting a water quality report. Be persistent if this is the case. If you find yourself running into trouble, don’t hesitate to take the issue up to the other higher parts of your local government.
Consider a Backup Water Supply
If contamination becomes more common in your area, it may be wise to have your own above ground water storage tank constructed near your household and create a secondary water supply. Having backup water can be a lifesaver for you and your family, especially if your community unexpectedly experiences a water problem.
Look at Your Water
Before you use the water coming out of your faucet, take a sample and place it in a glass free from soap scum. If you believe the color of the water isn’t clear or notice anything swirling around, you may have contaminants.
Install Under-the-Counter Filters
This kind of filter attaches to your bathroom or kitchen sink. You can use it to filter water that goes into your faucet directly. An under-the-counter filter is a great option if the water you’re getting isn’t badly contaminated or you’re okay using it as-is in certain areas of your home like the laundry room or the shower.
Get a Whole House Filtration System or a Well Filter
Another option you can consider is to install a whole house filtration system to keep water in your household clean and free of contaminants regardless of where you use it. If you have a private well near your property, it’s highly recommended that you get a filtration system, so you’re getting clean water every time.
When shopping for this system, go with one that can sufficiently handle the amount of water you and your loved ones uses in a given day. It’s also a good idea to have a professional install that system for you if you’re not comfortable doing it on your own.
Remember these outlined measures to help you combat the possibility of water contamination in your household. By following these suggestions, you’ll be able to handle a water crisis properly and provide safe water to your household.
