Clean, safe drinking water is essential to good health, yet it’s also something most people take for granted. Water quality in Connecticut varies greatly depending on the amount of runoff from agriculture, manufacturing, landfills and other sources of pollution, even naturally occurring mineral deposits. Water contamination, however, is a major concern for those who rely on well water.
About 15% of Connecticut residents rely on private wells for their drinking water and these wells are at risk of contamination. States and counties are required by law to monitor water quality on a regular basis and make available to the public reports detailing the levels of contamination of a long list of chemicals and other pollutants. These contaminants must be under a certain level for the water to be considered safe for consumption. Homeowners with private wells should contact their local water authority and obtain a report annually.
Those who use a public source of water are of course reliant on their water company to monitor water quality. Monitoring is performed on a regular basis and similar reports are provided.
However homeowners concerned about the quality of their well water should have it tested themselves by a reputable, independent source. Greco & Haines offers comprehensive water potability testing for bacteria, chemicals, hardness and radon that will give you the best snapshot of your current water quality and what steps you can take to improve it.
Almost all water can benefit from some type of treatment. Here are the most commonly used water treatment methods.
Water Softeners
‘Hard’ water is caused by high concentrations of iron, magnesium and calcium. While not dangerous to health, hard water can cause clogging problems with water heaters and pipes, causes unsightly scale buildup, staining of clothes, sinks and tubs and makes cleaning with soaps and shampoos less effective. A water softener replaces the ions of magnesium and calcium with ions of sodium or potassium and disposes of the hard minerals. Installing a water softener can eliminate the cause of costly plumbing repairs and save money on soap.
Ultraviolet Filters
Bacterial contamination is common in wells and other water sources and is responsible for illness every year in the US. One of the most efficient and effective methods of removing bacteria, viruses and algae is an ultraviolet filter. Ultraviolet light kills over 99% of microorganisms and is an almost maintenance-free treatment method.
Reverse Osmosis Filters
Reverse osmosis water filters are generally small units designed to fit conveniently under the sink. They utilize a special, semi-permeable membrane through which water is forced removing most contaminants down to about .001 microns. They are highly effective and low maintenance.
If you have concerns about your water quality in Connecticut, contact Greco & Haines to arrange for testing and free, professional consultation on what treatment method would be best for you.