As CT home owners we usually don’t give much thought to where our drinking water comes from. We turn on the faucet, the water comes out, and we drink, cook with it, shower in it. Some of us filter it through a pitcher to make it “taste better.” But how often do we consider the more important question of whether or not it is safe for us and our families to drink?
Almost all water contains contaminants. These can include dissolved minerals, organic compounds, and microorganisms. Some contaminants may be mostly a nuisance, having an unpleasant taste or odor. But there are other contaminants, which at certain levels can be harmful to our health.
The only way to be sure that your water supply is safe is to have it tested regularly. If your home is connected to a public water system, your utility is required by law to monitor the water supply for safety as it leaves the treatment facility. But it is possible for the water to become contaminated from contact with your plumbing system. For private water sources like wells in CT, the owner is the one who is responsible for water testing and treatment. Testing your CT drinking water regularly will help ensure your family’s health and safety.
Some of the most common contaminants that should be included when testing drinking water include total coliform bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, pH, and total dissolved solids. Excessive levels of any of these can indicate conditions that could compromise the safety of your water and pose a health risk to you and your family.
