1. Use a water filter
Water filters remove contaminants such as chemicals, heavy metals, and bacteria that pose health risks and contribute to undesirable odor and taste. There are various styles and types of water filters, and you should choose a filter based on which contaminants you want protection against and where you want filtered water from. A whole house water filter provides filtered water throughout your entire home, making it ideal if you want to maximize protection. Alternatively, you can install under sink, countertop, or shower filters in commonly used areas like the kitchen and master bathroom. Just make sure to check for third-party certifications from groups like IAPMO or the WQA that validate performance claims.
2. Install a water softener or conditioner
A water softener or a water conditioner (also known as water descalers) reduces water hardness by addressing hard minerals such as magnesium, iron, and calcium from your water supply as it's coming into your home. There are a few differences between water softeners and conditioners, but both systems serve the same purpose and are a good way to improve water quality by addressing hard water. The systems help reduce mineral deposits that clog pipes, shorten appliance lifespans, give water a chalky taste, and pose other problems for your health and home.
3. Maintain pipes and plumbing
If you have an older home, you should check if your pipes contain lead because trace amounts can be deposited into your tap water exposing you to lead contamination. You can replace lead fixtures with copper pipes, or have lead pipes professionally examined once a year to check for signs of deterioration.
4. Keep your septic tank clean
Septic tanks that are not maintained appropriately can lead to overflow. When this happens, waste will spill into the ground and contaminate your water supply. Taking care of your septic system doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Check out the EPA’s guidelines for how to maintain your septic tank.
5. Flush your water before use
When the faucet hasn’t been turned on for several hours it means your water hasn’t been moving. If your water sits in your pipes for long periods this can cause a decline in water quality. You can run cold water taps for a couple of minutes before using water to drink to flush your pipes. Alternatively, you can keep water moving by doing things like laundry, flushing the toilet, or running the dishwasher between long periods where you otherwise wouldn’t use water.
6. Avoid hot tap water for drinking and cooking
You should avoid running hot tap water as often as you can since hot water can dissolve sediment and other chemicals in your pipes. If this occurs, the contaminants will mix into your water supply and will degrade the quality of your water. However, in an emergency, it is ok to boil tap water to remove harmful bacteria. Just be aware that boiling water can also increase the concentration of heavy metals in your water.
7. Clean water aerators
Bacteria can also be a source of harm if they become trapped in your water aerators. An aerator is a small screen screwed onto the end of your faucet to reduce water flow. You should clean your aerators thoroughly about every 6 months to avoid bacteria buildup.
8. Properly dispose of hazardous waste
Taking the extra time to dispose of hazardous waste in its proper place can help prevent contamination of your home’s pipes and water. Avoid pouring waste down the drain or storm sewers such as paints, cleaners, oils, pesticides, or anything corrosive. Additionally, be cautious around drains when dealing with items like batteries or CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), which have small amounts of mercury that when broken will poison anything it leaks into, including your water.
9. Drain your water heater
Your water heater should be drained annually to avoid sediment and bacteria buildup. Metals can also leak into your water if it is not cleaned regularly. By draining your heater, you can help to improve your water quality and maintain good water pressure in your home.
Improve your water quality with Aquasana
If you suspect that your water is contaminated, you may want to consider protecting your entire home by using a whole-house water treatment system. Aquasana offers whole house filters that are WQA certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for the reduction of up to 97% of chlorine from tap water. We also offer high-quality water softeners to address water hardness and many other products designed to improve water quality.
It can be worrisome knowing your water may not be completely rid of contaminants even after being treated by the city. But this doesn’t mean you can’t have the quality of water you deserve. By taking these steps, you can help protect against water contamination at home. Contact our water experts today for additional guidance on how you can improve your water quality.
UNDER SINK WATER FILTER
Claryum® Direct Connect
Easy to install, fast-flowing filter connects directly to your existing faucet to reduce 78 contaminants.
