Water purification systems – Importance and benefits
The problem of access to clean and safe drinking water has become a global cause for concern. Although tap water has been lauded as a safe source of drinking water in many cities across the country, it could cause many infections and diseases. Read on to find out more about what could be hiding in tap water and how to get rid of it to take better care of one’s health.
What’s hiding in tap water?
Tap water can be home to several biological and chemical contaminants, such as the following:
1. Bacteria and viruses
Drinking water can contain many bacteria, viruses, and other parasites, which could cause infections and illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea.
2. Lead
Lead is one of the most common contaminants found in drinking water. This toxic chemical can leach into the water from old pipes and fixtures as the water flows through. While small amounts of lead are generally tolerable, exposure to too much of it can cause developmental problems in children and increase the risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases in adults.
3. Chlorine
At municipal facilities, chlorine is often added to the water to kill germs. However, this chlorine can interact with other chemicals in the water to form toxic byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA).