Common Causes of Illness from Drinking Water
Experiencing discomfort or illness after drinking water can be disconcerting and unsettling. It’s essential to understand that the quality of the water in your home might directly impact your health. If you find yourself feeling sick after drinking water, it could be due to several factors related to contaminants or poor water quality.
This guide will explore why this happens and how to address the issue to ensure your drinking water is safe and healthy.
1. Contaminants in Water
The presence of contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), pesticides, or nitrates can make you feel sick. Symptoms might include stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and even more severe health issues, depending on the contaminant type and concentration.
2. Chemical Additives
Municipal water is often treated with chemicals like chlorine to kill pathogens. While generally safe, some individuals may be sensitive to these chemicals, leading to mild allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort after drinking tap water.
3. Old Plumbing
Old or corroded plumbing can leach unwanted chemicals and metals into your water, which not only affects the taste and smell but can also lead to health problems. For example, lead from old pipes can be particularly dangerous, especially for young children and pregnant women.
4. Biological Growth
If your home’s plumbing system is rarely used or has sections where water can stagnate, there is a risk of bacterial growth, such as Legionella, which can be harmful when consumed or inhaled during showers.
How to Improve Your Water Quality
1. Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Installing a reverse osmosis water filter system is one of the most effective ways to ensure your drinking water is free of harmful contaminants. This system pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing contaminants down to the molecular level, including pesticides, bacteria, and heavy metals.
2. Regular Maintenance of Plumbing
Regularly inspecting and updating your home’s plumbing system can prevent problems related to old pipes and reduce the risk of contamination from materials like lead. It’s also advisable to run your taps for a few minutes in the morning or after long periods of non-use to flush out any stagnant water.
3. Whole-House Water Filters
For comprehensive protection, consider a whole-house water filtration system. These systems treat every drop of water entering your home, not just the water that comes out of a single faucet. They are particularly effective in removing sediment, rust, and other large particles.
4. Activated Carbon Filters
These filters are excellent for removing chlorine and its by-products, improving the taste and smell of your water and reducing the risk of chemical sensitivity. They can be installed directly under the sink at your tap or included as part of a larger filtration system.
5. Boil Water Advisory
If you suspect biological contamination and need an immediate, short-term solution, boiling water can be effective. Boiling water for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) can kill most types of pathogens.
Contact Countryside Water to Learn More About Our Water Filtration Systems
Feeling sick after drinking water is a sign that your water quality needs immediate attention. With the right water filtration system, such as a reverse osmosis filter, and proper maintenance of your plumbing system, you can significantly improve the quality of your drinking water and protect your health.
If you’re experiencing ongoing issues, it’s essential to have your water tested by professionals who can identify specific contaminants and recommend the most effective solutions tailored to your home’s needs. Countryside Water is here to help you ensure that your water is safe, clean, and healthy.