Water is the elixir of life and is the reason for sustaining life on Earth. While 71% of the Earth is covered with water, it is still a challenge for the vast majority of the population to obtain clean drinking water. Even in areas where water is readily available, the quality isn’t always up to mark.
This is why many people invest in a ro water purifier these days, but not everyone can treat every type of water. Thus, you must get the water checked in your area to learn about the water quality and invest in the right machine.
In this blog, you will learn how to test water for heavy metals, the consequences of consuming such water, and why it is important to test water.
How To Test Water for Hardness?
Water is considered hard when it contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and other harmful minerals whose excessive quantity in water can have ill effects on your overall health. There are multiple ways to test whether the water is hard.
Water Bottle Test
Take a clean bottle, fill it halfway with tap water, and add some dishwashing liquid or soap. Now tighten the cap on the bottle and shake it vigorously. Set it down and observe the water. If soapy suds float on the water, it is soft water. You will see clean water resting at the bottom. It is advised to use a basic soap, not one with detergent.
Check with Your Water Provider
If you receive water through a municipal line, then you must ask the concerned authorities for the test report; however, these reports might be technical, and you may find them hard to understand. In addition, the municipal water lines stretch for miles, and the water can pick up impurities even after the treatment.
Use A Water Testing Kit
A water testing kit is another easy way to test the water’s hardness. It comes with water strips and a color chart depicting the different water hardness levels.
You will find the process details on the water testing kit; however, here is the crux:
Fill a clean container with tap water. Dip the strip in the container and compare its color with the color chart.
Consequences of Consuming Hard Water
If you are wondering whether water testing is worth it, you must know that it is an indispensable way of understanding water hardness so it can be treated and your loved ones can be saved from the consequences discussed below.
Heavy metals include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, zinc, nickel, lead, etc., and can cause severe health concerns for the masses. A 2018 study conducted by Kanwal Rehman, Fiza Fatima, and the team shows that exposure to these heavy metals can cause multiple diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, renal injuries, etc.
Fluoride is a commonly found mineral in many private wells and other water sources. Excess fluoride consumption can cause osteoporosis, skeletal fluorosis, joint-related problems, dental problems, etc. If you see a faint white layer on utensils and buckets after the water is dried, your water has excess fluoride, and you must get the water treated.
Importance of Testing Water
Water testing is not an option but a conscious choice that derives the following benefits:
Identifying Contaminants
Contamination from various sources, such as industrial runoff, agricultural activities, and other activities, can contaminate water. Regular water tests help identify heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses in the water.
Ensuring Safe Water
Regular water testing is a great way to ensure safe, contamination-free drinking water. Once the problem is identified, you can gain confidence by employing the best water-cleaning methods. Some people boil the water; others use a strainer. The best way is to know the water in your area and get a water purifier that addresses the main issue of drinking water in your area.
Early Detection of Infrastructure Issues
Ageing water infrastructure, including pipes and treatment facilities, can pose a risk of contaminants entering the water supply. Regular water testing helps identify potential issues with the infrastructure, such as leaks, corrosion, or pipe deterioration, allowing for timely repairs and upgrades before larger problems arise.
Final Words
Water contaminants can be fatal; if not identified, they can cause severe health issues, as mentioned above. It is currently advised to get a permanent solution for water-related issues.
The first step is to consult an expert, get the water tested in your area, and identify the problem. The second step is to invest in a water purifier. Companies such as ZeroB manufacture water purifiers that are experts in multiple water problems. So, do your research and invest in the best one!
