If you think your home’s tap water is safe, think again. You may have water contaminants without knowing it, even if your water appears clear and tastes fine. 

Some harmful contaminants are odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it hard to catch unless you test your water quality. 

In this blog, we cover some of the most common water contaminants, their impact on your health and home, and why water testing and treatment are important. 

An overview of contaminants 

Contaminants refer to any substances found in water that can be harmful. These can be classified into four main categories: physical, chemical, biological, and radiological. While contaminants are commonly found in well water, city water can still contain harmful elements by the time it enters your home. 

Understanding some of the most common contaminants can help you determine which are harmless and which elements are harmful. Some common elements, such as calcium or magnesium, found in hard water mainly affect the look, taste, or feel of the water but do not pose a significant risk to your health. 

On the other hand, finding certain metals, such as lead, in your water can be hazardous to your health. 

Some commonly found contaminants in Illinois include:

• Coliform bacteria
• Nitrates
• Arsenic
• Lead
• Radium and Radon
• Sulfar and Sulfate 
• Calcium 
• Iron
• Magensium

While this is not an exhaustive list, it provides some examples of what you may find if you decide to test your water system, regardless of if it’s private or public water. 

How contaminants impact your health and home 

Certain substances pose a significant health risk to you and your family while also impacting your home. 

In some cases, bacteria and viruses found in drinking water, like Coliform bacteria or even E. coli. can make you and your family sick. However, these cases are relatively rare and typically result from issues like a failing septic system, flooding, damaged sewer lines, or improperly constructed wells. 

Some substances may not pose an immediate health threat but can still impact your daily life and damage your home over time. Hard water caused by excess calcium or iron, for example, can leave stubborn mineral buildup on faucets and appliances, reduce water heater efficiency, and leave your skin feeling dry. 

Other elements, like lead or arsenic in your water supply, are more serious and can pose long-term health risks when consumed regularly, especially for young children and pregnant women. 

Long-term exposure can be harmful to your health, so if you suspect your water is contaminated with bacteria, it’s best to have your water professionally tested. 

Water testing and treatments protect your health and your home 

Routine water testing is the first step in identifying hidden contaminants that may be affecting the quality of your water. Scheduling a professional test from a plumbing company like Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical can help you pinpoint exactly what is in your water. Once you know, we can recommend water treatments that remove the harmful elements. 

By addressing issues like hard water, bacteria, or heavy metals, water treatment systems not only protect your appliances and plumbing but also give you peace of mind that your family is drinking, cooking with, and bathing in safe water.

Call Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical to schedule water testing or your next water treatment 

At Black Diamond Plumbing & Mechanical, we believe you deserve to have safe, clean water in your home. 

With over 25 years of experience, our skilled team of plumbers is well-equipped to inform you about your options and propose long-lasting water treatment solutions to provide peace of mind. 

Our live customer service team is available 24/7, allowing us to address your plumbing concerns promptly with minimal disruption to your life. 

So call us today at 815-444-0979 to request an appointment. 

Author: Herb Tittle, Plumbing Manager