258 million Americans — nearly 80 percent of the population — receive their water from municipal treatment facilities. While these facilities claim to remove water-borne illnesses such as E. coli from your drinking water, they can’t do anything about the pollutants that enter your water after it leaves their facility. Here is a look at some of the culprits contaminating your home’s water.
What Are the Main Causes of Water Contamination?
Agricultural Runoff in Middle Tennessee
In 2014, a significant water crisis in Toledo, Ohio, was caused by an algae bloom on Lake Erie. While that was far from Tennessee, the issue of agricultural runoff is relevant here as well. Nitrate, a common byproduct of agricultural activity, can enter our water sources when rainfall washes excess fertilizer from fields into nearby rivers and lakes.
The EPA sets a legal limit for nitrate in water at 10 parts per million (ppm). However, a study by the National Cancer Institute found that even levels as low as 5 ppm may increase the risk of cancers such as colon, kidney, and ovarian.
Fracking Concerns
Fracking is prevalent across many parts of the U.S., including areas not far from Tennessee. With 137,000 fracking wells nationwide, the risk of water contamination is a concern. Methane, a colorless and tasteless gas, can contaminate water sources near fracking sites. For those living near such operations, regular water testing is advisable.
Industry Runoff
Industrial activities, including those near Tennessee, can introduce harmful substances like PFAS into water supplies. These “forever chemicals” are found in various products and have been linked to health issues, including cancer. The Environmental Working Group estimates that over 200 million Americans could have PFAS in their drinking water.
Service Lines and Lead Contamination
Lead contamination remains a pressing issue due to outdated service lines. Despite the Safe Water Drinking Act, many lines remain in use across the country. Lead exposure can be particularly harmful to children, leading to behavioral and learning problems.
Is My Water Contaminated?
To ensure your water is safe, you can rely on EcoWater Systems of Middle Tennessee. We offer a free water diagnosis to identify contaminants and recommend effective treatment solutions tailored to your home.
Protect your home from contaminated water
Better water begins with a free home water test conducted by a Water Pro. Lean on EcoWater’s knowledge to ensure you get the right solution to permanently solve your water problems.