5 Crystal Clear Signs That You’re Drinking Contaminated Water

Last Updated on August 10, 2024 by Ali Hamza

Drinking contaminated water can lead to cancer, gastrointestinal illnesses, and more. Therefore, it’s important to know when your home’s drinking water has become contaminated. You can then stop drinking the water and possibly fix the issue before you become too ill. To resolve this problem, you can look for companies that check water quality to see if they are safe to drink. Just search for water quality near me and hire the most trusted company near you.

If you don’t know any signs of water contamination, read on.

1. Scents

Your drinking water shouldn’t smell like anything. If it does, it has likely become contaminated. In particular, sulfur, chlorine, and cadmium are three scents that you might detect.

You’ll probably notice sulfur contamination without having to take a purposeful whiff. This mineral has a strong rotten egg smell.

If your water smells like pool water or bleach, it contains a lot of chlorine. On the other hand, a fishy smell indicates the presence of cadmium.

All these substances are harmless to consume in small amounts. Taking in larger amounts, however, can cause severe health issues.

2. Colors

If your water is any color other than clear, it’s best to get it tested. You can call experts to do this job via a sampling station or otherwise. However, you can identify certain contaminants if you know their distinctive colors.

For example, you may notice that your water is orange and/or brown. This indicates an iron or manganese water contamination. Copper creates a green and/or blue color.

3. Tastes

You can also detect polluted water with your taste buds. The way tap water tastes will vary depending on the location. However, there should never be a strong bitter or metallic flavor present.

If you taste either of these, a contaminant may be present. Metals like the ones mentioned above are possibilities. Other ones include pesticides, medications, and industrial chemicals.

4. Substances

Most of the safe minerals in your tap water are invisible. Therefore, you’ll only see things in your water when it’s contaminated.

You might notice an oily film sitting on top of your water. This indicates the dangerous presence of oil or grease water contamination.

Another thing you might see in your water is dirt or sand. As most pipes run underground, it’s common for small amounts to end up in the water. A large, visible amount, though, is a cause for concern.

5. Physical Issues

Unfortunately, many water contaminants are undetectable. Because of this, it’s best to monitor your health. If you become ill for no discernable reason, the water may be to blame.

Therefore, consider water testing alongside all other illness examinations.

Learn More Than How to Avoid Drinking Contaminated Water

Once you’ve detected an issue, contact professionals to fix the problem. Before they do, avoid drinking tap water by buying bottles instead. It may seem inconvenient, but your health is important.

Did you learn how to avoid drinking contaminated water? If so, consider reading our other articles to gain even more useful information. We offer hundreds of pieces about sports, technologies, recipes, and more.

A Quick Overview

1. Unpleasant Taste or Odor: If your tap water tastes or smells unusual, it could be a sign of contamination. Chemicals like chlorine, sulfur, and iron can alter the taste and odor of water, indicating the presence of contaminants.
2. Visible Particles: If you notice particles or sediment in your water, it could be a sign of contamination. These particles could be anything from sand and dirt to rust and bacteria.
3. Discoloration: Discolored water is another clear sign of contamination. Brown, yellow, or red water could be caused by rust, while green or blue water could indicate the presence of copper or other minerals.
4. Health Problems: If you’re experiencing unexplained health problems like diarrhea, stomach cramps, or skin rashes, it could be due to contaminated water. Waterborne illnesses like E.coli and Giardia can cause these symptoms.
5. Plumbing Problems: If your plumbing fixtures or appliances are corroding or malfunctioning, it could be due to the presence of contaminants in your water. Corrosive elements like lead and copper can damage pipes and appliances, leading to costly repairs.

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