Small Steps to Improving the Water Quality in Your Home

“Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink.”

    – The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Scarce water supply and poor water quality are major issues around the world. There is bound to be news about places with limited and contaminated water no matter where you are.

While one person alone cannot solve a problem of global magnitude, small and simple steps like improving water quality in your home can already help. As they say, small steps can lead to big changes.

Poor water quality can result in health problems like gastrointestinal illnesses and may even affect the nervous system.

In some cases, the complications can develop over time and result in serious diseases that may lead to death. So, yes, ensuring good water quality in your home is essential.

You can start your small steps by improving the water quality in your home. Here are some simple steps for you to follow.

1. Regularly test the water in your home.

The best way to find out if your water is contaminated is to have it tested regularly. You can buy a test kit to check for the presence and levels of lead, chlorine, bacteria, and pesticides. You can also check for the water’s pH level.

Another option is to request a state-certified laboratory to do the water quality test. Getting inputs from a water quality expert will be a big help as well.

2. Filter the water in your home.

Installing a filter is one of the best ways to improve the quality of your water. Filtering water will help flush out lead, metals, bacteria, and other contaminants.

There are several water purification systems that you can choose from, but be sure to go for one that has features like reverse osmosis, UV, or carbon.

Aside from helping you save on repairs, water filters can also protect your pipes and plumbing from water damage.

3. Ensure that your plumbing and pipes are regularly maintained.

Old plumbing and pipes in your home may have lead, especially if they are not properly maintained.

They can pose serious risks to your water system. If they are kept in good working condition, this will help prevent corrosion.

Talk to an experienced plumber who can help you do the regular maintenance checks.

4. Your septic tanks have to be well-maintained, too.

Septic tanks are filled with waste, so they can overflow if you do not keep them well-maintained. If the waste leaks and spreads all over the grounds, your water can be contaminated.

To avoid disastrous situations like this, you have to schedule regular maintenance for your septic tanks.

5. Flush out your tap water.

If your tap water is acidic, it probably contains lead and other heavy metals. This won’t be easy to detect as lead can easily dissolve into water.

So, every morning, you shouldn’t drink anything until you have flushed out at least a glassful of tap water. This will help get rid of contaminants.

If your water system hasn’t been in use for days or weeks, flush out the contaminants by running the tap for several minutes.

6. Hot water is not suitable for cooking and drinking.

Using hot water is not advisable if you want to improve the water quality in your home because it can dissolve the contaminants in the water pipes. You’ll want to use cold water instead, which can isolate bacteria and other harmful chemicals.

7. Boil your water before drinking.

If your water is acidic or if you think it contains contaminants, you should have it boiled before drinking. Boiling water is proven to help remove harmful chemicals, so you’re guaranteed to drink cleaner and safer water.

Simple steps like the ones listed above may not help solve the world’s water problems, but these small solutions efficiently improve the quality of water in homes.  

About the author

Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Rachel enjoys yoga and writing articles about how to make home living more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.