The United States has one of the safest public water systems in the world. Tap water is used by more than 90{3f0ca7dcfbe42722a5cd296893a5836986c92e6138dfbabb28f903bbc2c8c3b9} of Americans, and it originates from municipal water systems that are monitored and tested to ensure they meet criteria for safe drinking water.
The source water’s condition and the treatment it receives affect the final product’s quality, but regardless of these factors, all drinking water in the United States must meet standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
It is possible for water to get polluted even though American tap water is often considered to be among the safest in the world. The following are only some of the many possible sources of contamination:
Sewers are backed up
- Naturally occuring chemicals and minerals (such arsenic, radon, and uranium, to name a few).
- Land management techniques, including the use of fertilisers and pesticides, the raising of animals, and the use of concentrated feeding activities.
- Failure of onsite wastewater treatment facilities like septic systems as a result of manufacturing practises (including the use of heavy metals or cyanide, for example).
- Drinking water that hasn’t been adequately treated or that has been distributed via pipes that haven’t been maintained may further increase the probability of contamination.
More than 15 million homes utilise private wells as their primary source of drinking water because they are not subject to EPA rules. Well owners are liable for the cleanliness and safety of their water supplies. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a webpage devoted to private ground water wells, where you may learn more about the quality of the water in these sources.
Authorities in charge of the water system may decide to issue a water advice to safeguard the public’s health if they identify a problem with the drinking water supply, such as pollution. Proper water inspection is essential here.
Some chemicals in our water supply have been connected to a wide range of negative health impacts, such as gastrointestinal issues, reproductive issues, and neurological disorders. The risk of illness may be higher for infants and young children, as well as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with impaired immune systems.
Testing the Currents
Over 90 contaminants, including E. coli, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, metals like lead, and disinfection byproducts, are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium are examples of these pollutants. More details regarding these bacteria may be found on the Diseases and Contaminants page.
Consumers’ Expectations and Expectations Fulfilled
Every year, community water service providers must give their customers with an annual report. Many people call this survey a “Consumer Confidence Report” or “CCR.” The report includes information on the local water supply, including its source, the sorts of contaminants found in the water, and precautions that residents may take to protect the water they drink.
The pH Scale
The hydrogen ion concentration is used to determine the solution’s pH value. A more acidic water pH results from a larger concentration of these hydrogen ions in solution. Water’s acidity affects not just its taste, but also its safety for human consumption. A person might get ill by drinking water that isn’t pH neutral enough.