Clean and safe drinking water is an important factor for a healthy lifestyle. Whether you utilize tap water or well water, it is always crucial to take some effective precautions to ensure the water is safe. Contaminated water can contain toxins, bacteria, chemicals, and parasites that cause severe health complications.
Using appropriate water filtration, boiling, storage, and testing of water will decrease your chances of waterborne illness. Here are some simple methods that can help you protect your water supply for your family every day.
Invest in the Best Water Filter for PFAS
If you want to reduce contaminants such as PFAS in your drinking water, one of the best things you can use is a certified water filter. Water filters are designed to remove various contaminants, including chemicals, heavy metals, and bacteria.
When choosing a water filter, ensure it matches your water supply; for example, some filters are more effective for tap water while others are for well water. Invest in the best water filter for PFAS certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to ensure you meet safety standards.
Boil Water When Necessary
Boiling water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent parasites, viruses, and bacteria. While boiling water is not commonly used to treat drinking water, this method is effective during emergencies.
Bring the water to a rolling boil and boil it for one full minute. Boil water for three minutes at high altitude. Allow the water to cool, and then it is suitable for cooking or drinking.
Store Water Properly
Suitable water storage helps to ensure the water you drink is safe and uncontaminated. Use containers made from clean, food-grade plastic or stainless steel. Ensure that the lids are closed tightly to avoid dust, insects, and other pollutants entering the water storage containers. It is effective to store it in cool, dark places to avoid sunlight and chemicals.
Regularly Clean Water Storage Containers
Water storage containers can become a breeding ground for bacteria if they aren’t cleaned on a daily basis. To keep your water storage containers bacteria-free, wash them every couple of weeks with hot, soapy water. After washing them out, rinse the containers well and then sanitize them.
It will help prevent germs and ensure slime or mold does not build up inside the container and keep your water storage container in great shape.
Test Water Quality Periodically
Regular monitoring or testing should be done on your water to detect harmful substances you can’t see, like lead, nitrates, PFAS, etc. Scheduling an inspection is important, especially if you’re using well water or if you detect a change in the taste, smell, or color of your water.
You can conduct a water quality test yourself using testing kits. If your water test kits and sampling show contaminants such as lead or any other unhealthy water constituents, take the appropriate actions to fix the problem. This strategy gives you peace of mind and helps you take control of your water’s safety for the long term.
