Contamination from tap water pipelines

Water tap providers are regulated by the government to comply to health standards before they could operate. In response, they make sure that they only use the approved amounts of cleaning chemicals like chloramines, chlorine, and fluorine. This treated water is then distributed by pipeline infrastructure to our homes.
Though the level of water purity may be acceptable as soon as water leaves the treatment plant, a lot of times, contamination may happen on the long pipe journey to reach our homes.
Lead poisoning is a common problem partly caused by pipeline contamination. Lead is used in many pipe connecting lines. The soldering joints to copper pipes are also sources of lead that dissolves in water. Usually if water sits in a pipe for six hours, it would contain a higher amount of lead if your pipeline uses lead pipes or fittings.
Since 1986, Congress has regulated the amount of lead used on pipes, faucets or any pipe fittings that would need the use of lead solder. For the lead solder, not more than 0.2% is allowed, while on lead pipes and faucets, not more than 8%.
Lead was a preferred choice back in late 19th century and early 20th century. Not until the negative health effects had been documented, it was widely used throughout the states.
Rusting is a major cause of leaks. Once a pipeline is leaked, microorganisms may combine with the water. Other natural minerals may also leak in amounts of harmful metals like mercury and arsenic, depending on where the pipes pass through. Rust is formed by the reaction oxygen and iron when exposed to water or air. The flaking on the surface of contact would eventually lead to pipe disintegration.
For the most part, lead pipes had been replaced with copper or iron nowadays. Rust proofing had been improved with modern methods. The sad reality is that there are still reports of lead contamination every now and then due to unchecked lead levels on our water tap. We could always rely that the government is doing its job to regulate and check compliance of water providers. But we should also consider that it would be difficult to make sure regulations are followed to the letter all the time. The better way to deal with it is to make sure that protection would start the moment water flows in our homes through commercial home water filters systems.
These days water contaminants are the kind you can’t see – toxic chemicals causing cancer, birth defects, infertility, and more. I’m relieved to know I’m now protecting my family’s health because we use state-of-the-art water filtration by Selecto Inc., made right here in the USA. Selecto has been innovating for commercial customers for 25 years. Now these superior filtration systems are available for home and office use through ezclearwater!
Donna Hoffman is the owner of http://www.ezClearwater.com , provider of the highest quality, earth-friendly water purification products for home, office, pool and spa. Our goal is to share products that are “Good to You and Mother Earth Too.”
October 3, 2009 at 11:19 pm Comments (0)



