The public drinking water systems in the United States are safe, especially in comparison to tap water available in less developed areas of the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.
Tap water can be contaminated, either at the source or when it comes into contact with contaminants en route to your faucet.
To truly know what you’re drinking, it’s important to invest in the right water system and get a residential water test.
Why should I get my water quality checked?
Drinking water comes from natural sources like rivers, lakes, and underground reservoirs.
There, water may be exposed to everything from minerals leached from nearby rocks to fertilizers sprayed on adjacent fields.
There are numerous parasites, viruses, and bacteria that can cause serious illnesses and even widespread outbreaks if they’re allowed to flourish in drinking water.
- Giardia
- Legionella
- Norovirus
- Shigella
- Campylobacter
- salmonella, and e. coli can make people sick, leading to a range of symptoms such as gastrointestinal complications, neurological disorders, reproductive problems, developmental issues in children, and compromised immune systems.
How do I get my water quality checked?
If you get your water from a local community water source, like a water company that bills you to send water straight to your house, then your water is regularly tested according to standards set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. You can get access to the results of those tests by asking your water supplier for their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
Still, recent studies found that between 9 million and 45 million Americans may be using drinking water that falls short of regulations set forth by the Safe Drinking Water Act.
To really understand what you’re pouring into your water glass or using to fill up your stock pot or bathtub, you can get your water quality checked. It’s especially important to do so if you have your own water supply, such as a well, or if you notice that the water from your tap looks, smells, or tastes off.
There are home tests available, but you’ll likely get more accurate results using a service that collects a sample and analyzes it in their lab.
How can I improve my water quality?
If you commission or conduct a residential water test and don’t like the results, you should report the findings to your local water supplier and call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-4791.
For your own peace of mind and protection, consider leasing a water system that filters and supplies clean water on demand. Stonybrook’s bottleless water systems provide freshly filtered water that is better for your body, the environment and your wallet, compared to wasteful bottled water or jugs.
Depending on the water system you choose, you can filter water for personal use or to service an entire office — cold, hot, and sparkling water included!
Visit our water quality page to find out more about your water quality and how Stonybrook can help improve it.
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