Clean water is an essential resource that we rely on for our daily activities, from drinking to cooking to bathing. Have you ever wondered about the quality of the water that flows from your tap? While public water utilities aim to provide safe drinking water, there are still some contaminants that can find their way into your home. Knowing about potential water contaminants and how they can impact you is crucial to ensure the health and safety of you and your family. Read on to learn about common contaminants that could be present in your water, and how UDI can help address these concerns.
UDI’s water filtration systems, such as our Hydro-5 STS® Water Processor and six-stage ULTRA-6 Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System effectively remove all the contaminants mentioned here, helping safeguard your health and well-being.
Iron and Sulfur: If you notice a distinct metallic taste or a rotten egg odor in your water, it could be due to the presence of iron and/or sulfur. These elements are naturally occurring and can seep into groundwater sources. They are a particularly common problem in well water. While iron and sulfur are not harmful to consume in small amounts, they can negatively impact the taste, smell, and appearance of your water. Drinking water with a significantly high sulfur content can also cause diarrhea and may lead to dehydration. Iron accumulation will lead to inefficient plumbing systems and can leave an orange or red residue on your tubs, sinks, and even your laundry. That’s why UDI recommends the FILOX pre-treatment system for our customers that have well water with high iron levels.
Other Heavy Metals: In addition to iron, many other heavy metals can also enter the water supply through natural deposits or industrial activities. According to the National Institute of Health, there are 35 metals that are of concern for residential (or occupational) exposure, of which 23 are considered heavy metals: antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gallium, gold, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, silver, tellurium, thallium, tin, uranium, vanadium, and zinc. In small amounts, many of these metals are safe to consume. But in higher concentrations, they can have serious health implications.
Heavy metal toxicity can result in reduced energy levels and damage to crucial organs such as the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver, and blood composition. Long-term exposure can lead to gradually progressing physical, muscular and neurological degenerative processes that imitate diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and muscular dystrophy. Repeated long-term exposure to heavy metals (and their compounds) including lead, mercury, arsenic, nickel, and cadmium can cause cancer or death.
Forever Chemicals (PFAS): Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” are a group of manmade chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products. These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in water sources. PFAS have been linked to numerous kinds of adverse health effects, including developmental issues and certain types of cancer. Our advanced water purification systems remove PFAS to ensure that your drinking water is safe from these harmful contaminants.
Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms can also pose a significant risk if present in your drinking water. While public water utilities employ various disinfection methods to eliminate these pathogens, like ultraviolet light and chlorine, there is always a possibility of contamination due to aging infrastructure or any variety of accidents. UDI’s home water processing systems, including reverse osmosis filtration, provide an additional layer of protection so that your home’s water is always safe for consumption.
Chlorine: Chlorine is a disinfectant that is commonly used by public water utilities to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. While it serves an important purpose in water purification, the residual chlorine can give your home’s water an unpleasant taste and odor. Our water processors include carbon filters that are designed to eliminate the residual chlorine and improve the taste and odor of your home’s water.
Ensuring the quality of your water is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By understanding the potential contaminants that may be present in your water, you can take proactive steps to address these concerns. UDI offers a full range of innovative water processing systems and filtration technologies that effectively remove impurities, providing you with clean, fresh-tasting water right from your tap. We have been nationally recognized by Water Technology Magazine as the top-performing water treatment service in the United States!
Don’t compromise on the quality of your water. Take control of your water supply with UDI’s reliable and efficient solutions. If you’d like to learn exactly what’s in your tap water and at what levels, then schedule a free in-home water test from UDI. Simply call 1-800-741-4426 or request an appointment on our website. One of our technicians will then visit you at a convenient time and test the water directly from your tap. Our water tests are completely free with no obligation!
