Periodic testing of your drinking water is a smart way to monitor the quality of what you are putting in your body. Below are six good reasons to test and add the right water treatments.

1. The Presence of Lead

Finding troubling amounts of lead in the public water supply created a big stir in areas like Flint, Michigan. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon problem around the globe. Lead can cause many mentally disabling conditions in young children and is critical to remove from your drinking water. Have your water tested for lead content and add a purifying water treatment if the levels are beyond acceptable, safe numbers.

2. Pesticides and Other Agricultural Contaminants

Living near farms and farming communities can hold an unexpected hazard when it comes to your drinking water. Pesticides and other agricultural chemical runoff can make it into the water supply in unhealthy levels. Pesticide exposure can lead to all types of health problems including several types of cancer. Test your water periodically if you live in or near a farming community.

3. Petroleum and Other Chemical Contaminants

The increased drilling and fracking for petroleum products has upped the chances for water sources to be contaminated by petroleum and other industrial chemicals. Have your drinking water tested immediately if you detect the odor of petroleum, heavy chemicals, or there seems to be an oily film on your water.

4. Bacteria and Germs

The presence of bacteria and germs can lead to public calls for “boiling” all water before use. You will be completely unaware of the presence of harmful germs and bacteria if you use a water well as your source of drinking water. Test the water periodically for the presence of harmful bacteria. Get the appropriate water treatment if your water tests positive.

5. Heavy Metals

Heavy metals like cesium, barium, strontium, lithium, and aluminum can be found at varying levels in the water supply due to their abundance in nature. A build-up of heavy metals in the body can be toxic and offers a wide range of side effects. Test your water for heavy metal content and add a filtration system that reduces the amount. For further information, Global Hydration has a lot of helpful resources on their website.

6. Hardness or Softness of Water

Water testing can also show the hardness or softness level of your drinking source. Hard water contains a lot of minerals that make it difficult to keep limescale out of your shower and pipes. Water that is too soft will have an odd, salty taste. You can add the appropriate treatment to balance the water to a pleasant level of hardness.

Testing is a way to provide the right water treatment to your drinking supply to improve the quality and protect your health.