What is tap water and where does it come from?

Tap water is the water that flows from our faucets, supplying our homes and businesses with water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Its journey begins in natural sources like rivers, lakes, or underground water sources. From there, it’s pumped to treatment plants where it undergoes a series of processes to remove impurities and kill harmful bacteria. Finally, it travels through a network of pipes to reach our homes. This long journey means water can pick up various substances along the way, both intentional (like chlorine for disinfection) and unintentional.

The importance of clean water in our daily lives

Clean water is essential for our health and well-being. We rely on it for staying hydrated, preparing food, maintaining personal hygiene, and countless household tasks. It’s a critical component in everything from our morning tea to our evening shower. Clean water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports our body’s functions, and even impacts the taste of our food. Without access to clean water, our daily routines and overall quality of life would be severely compromised.

Why we need to pay attention to tap water quality

While water treatment facilities work hard to provide safe drinking water, several factors can affect water quality by the time it reaches our taps. Ageing infrastructure, environmental pollutants, and even the pipes in our own homes can introduce contaminants. Some of these substances, like lead or certain bacteria, can pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Moreover, many contaminants don’t alter the water’s appearance, taste, or smell, making them difficult to detect without proper testing. This “invisible” nature of many water quality issues stresses the importance of staying informed and being proactive about our tap water.

Understanding what’s in our tap water, the potential risks, and how to ensure its safety is crucial for protecting our health and that of our families. In this article, we’ll explore the common contaminants found in tap water, their potential health effects, and practical steps you can take to safeguard your water supply. Because when it comes to something as fundamental as the water we drink, knowledge truly is power.

Common contaminants in tap water

Bacteria and viruses:

These tiny troublemakers can sneak into water supplies through sewage leaks or animal waste. E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium are some of the usual suspects. They’re the reason we have water treatment plants, but sometimes they still slip through.

• Heavy metals:

Lead is the big bad wolf here, especially in older homes with lead pipes. But copper, arsenic, and mercury can also show up uninvited. These metals can leach into water from pipes, natural deposits, or industrial runoff.

• Chemicals:

Chlorine is actually added on purpose to kill germs, but too much isn’t great for us. Pesticides from farming can seep into groundwater. Industrial chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are tough to get rid of once they’re in the water.

• Minerals that affect water hardness:

Calcium and magnesium aren’t harmful, but they can make your water “hard.” This means soap doesn’t lather well, and you might see buildup on your faucets and appliances.

Health risks associated with contaminated water

• Short-term effects:

Stomach bugs are the most common. You might experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Skin rashes or eye irritation can also occur, especially with chemical contaminants.

• Long-term effects:

These are trickier to spot but can be more serious. Lead exposure can harm brain development in children. Some chemicals have been linked to cancer. Chronic exposure to certain contaminants might lead to kidney or liver problems.

Who is most at risk?

Children, elderly folks, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to water contaminants. Their bodies have a harder time fighting off the effects.

Sources of water contamination

• Ageing infrastructure:

Old pipes can rust, allowing contaminants to seep in. In many cities, water mains are long overdue for an upgrade. This is a problem AquaMaya is tackling head-on in West Africa, where they’re not just replacing old pipes, but installing new, sustainable water systems in communities that have never had them before.

• Environmental pollution:

Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and even air pollution can all end up in our water sources. It’s a reminder that everything in our environment is connected.

• Treatment plant issues:

Sometimes, the very facilities meant to clean our water can be the source of problems. Equipment failures or human error can lead to under-treated water reaching our taps.

• Natural disasters:

Floods, earthquakes, and severe storms can damage water infrastructure or introduce contaminants into the water supply.

Signs your tap water might be unsafe

● Strange Taste, Smell, or Colour:

If you notice your tap water suddenly tastes odd, like metal, or it smells like rotten eggs, it could be a sign of a problem. Water should also look clear, so if it’s cloudy or discoloured, it’s a good idea to find out why.

● Health Problems in the Family:  

If people in your home are having stomach issues often or developing rashes without an obvious reason, it could be due to your water. When more than one person is affected, it’s worth considering whether the water is safe.

● Stains on Sinks or Clothes:  

When you see orange or brown stains on your fixtures, like your sink or bathtub, it might mean there’s too much iron in your water. If the stains are blue-green, it could point to corroding copper pipes.

You might be wondering, what causes water stains? Water stains are usually caused by minerals or contaminants in the water. Here are 5 common reasons for water stains:

1. Iron:

If your water contains a lot of iron, it can leave orange, brown, or rust-coloured stains on sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. This is more common with well water or older pipes.

2. Hard Water (Calcium and Magnesium):

Hard water has a high level of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can build up and leave white or chalky stains on surfaces like faucets, dishes, or glass.

3. Copper:

When copper pipes corrode, they can release copper particles into the water, which can leave blue-green stains on sinks, showers, or clothing.

4. Manganese:

Manganese in water can also cause staining, leaving brown or black spots on laundry, dishes, and plumbing fixtures.

5. Tannins:

Tannins are natural organic materials that come from decaying vegetation, often found in well water. They can give water a yellowish tint and leave stains that are yellow to brown.

Each type of stain suggests a specific issue with the water, and identifying the cause is always the first step to fixing it.

How to test your water quality

● Home testing kits:

You can buy these at hardware stores. They’re a good starting point for basic contaminants like lead, bacteria, and chlorine.

● Professional water testing services:

For a more thorough analysis, consider hiring a certified lab. They can test for a wider range of contaminants and provide detailed results.

● Understanding water quality reports:

Your local water utility should provide annual reports. Learning to read these can give you valuable insights into your water quality.

Methods to improve tap water safety

Here are 3 methods that can help improve tap water safety:

1. Water filters:

From simple pitcher filters to whole-house systems, there’s an option for every budget. Make sure to choose one that targets the specific contaminants in your water.

2. Water softeners:

Water softeners are systems set up to remove the minerals that cause hard water. They can improve the lifespan of your appliances and make your water feel better on your skin.

3. Proper maintenance of home plumbing:

Regular checks for leaks, timely repairs, and flushing your water heater can all contribute to better water quality.

Additional steps to protect your family

• Safe water storage practices:

If you’re storing water for emergencies, use food-grade containers and replace the water every six months.

• Alternatives to tap water for drinking and cooking:

Bottled water or water delivery services can be options if your tap water has persistent issues. However, these should be temporary solutions while you address the root cause.

• Educating family members about water safety:

Make sure everyone in your household knows about safe water practices, from proper handwashing to avoiding drinking from the hose.

Community action for better water quality

• Reporting issues to local authorities:

If you suspect a problem with your water supply, don’t keep it to yourself. Report it to your local water department or health authority.

• Participating in community water initiatives:

Get involved in local efforts to protect water sources or improve water infrastructure. Your voice matters!

• Advocating for improved water infrastructure:

Support policies and initiatives that invest in better water systems. This is where AquaMaya shines, showing how community involvement can lead to lasting change in water quality and accessibility.

Conclusion

We never really give much thought to the water flowing from our taps. We use it without giving a second thought, trusting that it’s safe and clean. But as we’ve seen, there’s more to tap water than meets the eye.

From the bacteria that might sneak past treatment plants to the lead that could be hiding in old pipes, our water faces many challenges before it reaches our glasses. These aren’t just far-off problems – they’re potential issues right in our own homes, affecting our health and the well-being of our families.

But knowledge is the first step towards safer water. By understanding what might be in our water, recognizing the signs of contamination, and knowing how to test and treat our supply, we can take control of our water quality. Simple steps like installing the right filter or maintaining our home plumbing can make a big difference.

Remember, safe water isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. It’s tied to our health, our children’s development, and even our community’s prosperity. That’s why organisations like AquaMaya are working tirelessly to bring clean water to places where it’s scarce. Their efforts in West Africa remind us that the struggle for clean water is a global one, and that solutions often start at the community level.

As we pour our next glass of water, or turn on the tap, let’s not forget the journey it’s taken to reach us. Let’s appreciate the complex systems that work to keep it clean, and do our part to protect and improve our water quality. Because when it comes to the water we drink, cook with, and bathe in every day, a little awareness goes a long way.

Clean, safe water is about avoiding illnesses and also about giving ourselves and our families the best foundation for health and happiness. So let’s raise a glass (of properly filtered water, of course ) to taking charge of our tap water quality. Here’s to safer, cleaner water for all of us.

Sources

1. https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/drinking-water-regulations

2. https://www.crystalclear-systems.com/blog/does-water-quality-affect-food-taste

3. https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/waterres-cycle-groundwater-well-section3.pdf

4. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/purchasing-and-maintaining-water-softener

5. https://www.centralmt.com/plumbing-tips-advice/impact-of-water-heaters-on-water-quality/