Although the United States has some of the cleanest water supply in the world, there is still a chance that your tap water could potentially be contaminated with harmful microorganisms and water-borne pathogens. A licensed plumber can ultimately help you determine whether or not your tap water is safe to ingest or use. However, there are a few key factors that can indicate whether or not your tap water is contaminated.

How Can I Tell If My Tap Water Is Contaminated?

• If your water is overly salty or metallic-flavored, it may be unsafe. Not only does a metallic taste indicate a low pH level, but it can also be an indicator of rusted pipes. A water test will be able to identify if the water’s pH level is the culprit. If the cause is plumbing damage, a pipe repair or replacement should solve the issue. 
• Your nose knows – if your water has a sulfur-like smell, it’s most likely contaminated. This smell is most likely caused by hydrogen sulfide, a gas that can cause dehydration and diarrhea after continued exposure. If your water smells fishy in odor, this can indicate the presence of barium or cadmium in the water, which should be dealt with immediately.
• A cloudy, foamy appearance is a sure indicator that your water is contaminated. Your drinking water should be relatively clear. Cloudiness in water can be attributed to harmful pathogens and chemicals floating in their liquid form. The type of cloudiness can be determined by the presence of pollutants in the water, such as algae, bacteria, silt and soot, among others.
• Hard water may be at a higher risk for contamination. Hard water contains a significant amount of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, leaving trace amounts in the form of residue on drinkware and faucets. The leftover residue causes water to streak and not clean properly. Additionally, hard water also leaves limescale deposits on pipes and appliances. 

Keep Your Water Clean With a Water Conditioning System

If you find that your family is spending extensive amounts of money per month on water bottles and jugs, it may be time to invest in a whole house water filtration and conditioning system. Your family deserves to experience better tasting, clean water and peace of mind when it comes to your water quality. At ProFlo, our plumbers aim to help our clients choose the home water filtration system that works best for their needs and makes their lives easier and more comfortable.

Look Into Pipe Replacement Services

If your pipes are experiencing issues that are leading to possible water contamination, it’s essential that you consult a licensed plumber to help you to repair or replace your pipes. If you have galvanized pipes in your home, this is especially crucial, as rust can build up over time on them. This can cause issues with your home water quality, including brown or rust-colored water, low water pressure, and unsafe lead and zinc levels, resulting in severe health hazards.

Galvanized pipes are prone to rust and corrode due to their age, but replacing them is nothing that a licensed plumber can’t handle. Our expert plumbers at ProFlo are here to help with any pipe issues that may be impacting your in-home water quality. We strive to help provide a tailored solution to your home plumbing needs and ensure you and your loved ones feel comfortable in your home.

Local Plumbing Services in Canyon Lake, CA

ProFlo is proud to offer water quality and plumbing solutions to residents of Canyon Lake and its surrounding communities. We aim to provide exemplary service to our clients and keep their health, comfort, and well-being in mind with every service we provide. If you’re looking to improve the water quality of your home, call us today at 951-694-1300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with one of our local plumbers!