While
the law mandates that public water systems test and treat
the water they provide on a regular
basis, this testing only covers the water before it leaves
the treatment plant. This water must then pass through
miles of piping, some of which is in disrepair or contains
lead, before it enters your home plumbing.
Bacteria in Water
One of the most commonly tested indicators of water quality
is coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria is a large
group of bacteria found in the digestive tracts of
warm blooded animals. Some coliform bacteria are harmless,
and others, such as some strains of E. coli, cause
disease.
Nitrates and Nitrites in Water
Nitrates and nitrites are chemical compounds often used
as fertilizers, both in agricultural operations and
residential properties. They are also used in explosives,
as food preservatives, as coloring agents, and as corrosion
inhibitors. Even though nitrates are an essential nutrient
for plants, they can cause health problems for people
and animals if ingested.
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring gas caused by the breakdown
of uranium and radium-containing rock deposits in the
earth's crust. Chronic exposure to radon can cause
or contribute to lung cancer.
Where does radon in my water come from?
As water moves through the ground, radon gas can be carried
in the water to your tap. When well water is agitated
at warm temperatures in the home, radon is released into
the air. When you shower, bathe or simply run the tap,
the radon in the water is liberated into the air, forming
radon gas that can be inhaled in.