How to Know If Your Water is Safe for Drinking

People all over the world access their drinking water in many ways, but one of the most common ways is through the kitchen sink, but, have you ever wondered if your tap water is really as clean as you think it is?

Water is essential to maintain your health, so it’s important to know what kind of water you’re dealing with on a daily basis. Read on to learn how to know if your water is safe for drinking. Once you know for sure, your next cold glass of ice water will taste even better than before.

1. Call Your Water Company

To get your home hooked up with running water, you had to call a local water company and get things set up through them. The bill you pay monthly or quarterly might only be a passing thought, but they’re one phone call away from answering your questions.

Because water agencies are monitored by the federal government, they must publish an annual report that explains any and all contaminants that may be present in your district’s water.

They’ll also explain what health risks are related to the contaminants, so you know which ones are the most dangerous. This report has to be published by July 1 every year, so check your water company’s website for it.

2. Check the EPA’s Watch Program

As another method to make sure everyone knows the quality of their water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the Drinking Water Watch program. Because of this program, 18 states volunteer information on all water quality violations and what they’ve done to clean the water.

Having the ability to check on this information is what really puts power in the hands of consumers. The UN-Water 2014 World Water Development Report (WWDR) indicated that more than 80% of used water worldwide is not collected or treated, making this water a threat to human and environmental health.

If you live in a state where you can look up detailed information on water collection and treatment, take advantage of it. Many people around the world would love to have the same opportunity.

3. Learn About Local Well Water

Many people across the US get their water through a well on their property, which isn’t as regulated or tested as public drinking water.

To make sure that your well water is safe to drink, you’ll have to do slightly more work. The EPA has a portion of their website dedicated to a state by state guide, so everyone can read what they need to know about where they live.

There are endless links to direct people who use private drinking water to more information regarding anything you might want to know.

4. Test Your Water

You don’t need to only rely on water facilities you’ve never seen to check your water for pollutants. You can get it tested on your own anytime you’re concerned.

The first thing you can do is call the EPA’s water hotline. They’ll find the local water testing agency where you live so you can get more information about how they test the water.

Another option is to check the Water Quality Association’s website to search for approved water testing facilities in your state. That might give you more options and people to call for assistance.

Don’t fall for the mistake of trying to test it yourself. Checking water quality isn’t as simple as dipping a pH stick in your water, since there are many different contaminants that could be identified. Ask a professional to test it for you to get the most accurate information.

Ask Lots of Questions

Local and federal water testing facilities are there to help answer any questions you might have, so don’t hold back. Call them or visit a location to get more information. Everyone deserves access to clean drinking drinking water, and those with the ability to check what they drink should do so whenever they feel it’s necessary.

About the Author

Emily covers topics in sustainability and green living. You can read more of her work on her site, Conservation Folks.

How do you ensure that your drinking water is safe?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.