Did you know that, although your municipal drinking water may be considered safe, government standards still permit some amounts of chemicals and pollutants? This means that every glass of water you drink from the tap could be an undesirable cocktail of microbial contaminants, pesticides, chemicals, metals, and other pollutants, according to the latest Water Quality Report published by Polk County Utilities. Additionally, the report indicates that municipal water is considered hard and has a high alkalinity level. Since water quality can vary significantly from one home to another, Tri Florida Water Treatment offers free drinking water testing for residents.
What Is the Safe Drinking Water Act?
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), a federal law, grants the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set minimum national standards for public water systems. The keyword here is minimum. So, they still permit trace amounts of contaminants. More importantly, the SDWA’s regulations stop at the property line; they do not account for pollutants, such as rust, that leach into the water from your home’s plumbing, or for aesthetic issues like taste and odors, or contamination from a septic tank leak, which can infect your drinking water.
Common Tap Water Issues in Polk County, FL
Some of the common drinking water quality issues in Polk County include:
- Hard Water: Local utilities confirm that Polk County water is naturally hard. While not a health concern, this high mineral content is the number one cause of scale buildup, appliance breakdowns, dry skin, and dull laundry.
- Chlorine: To ensure water remains safe through the miles of pipeline, utilities use chlorine or chloramine. While effective for disinfection, this chemical residual is the source of the unpleasant “swimming pool” or “fishy” taste and odor in tap water.
- Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs): When chlorine interacts with naturally occurring organic matter, it forms chemicals such as Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5s). While municipal levels are regulated, these chemicals remain a constant presence in drinking water.
- Lead and Copper: The water leaving the treatment plant is typically lead-free. However, the presence of lead or copper in your drinking water almost always comes from the corrosive action of the water on older service lines, faucets, and plumbing pipes in your home.
Is Hard Water Bad for You?
While hard water won’t harm your health, it isn’t good for your appliances, skin, and hair. It causes:
- Unsightly white, black, or rust-colored mineral buildup and soap scum on fixtures and showers.
- A metallic or flat taste that makes water unpleasant to drink.
- Reduced lifespan and efficiency of appliances like coffee makers, water heaters, and washing machines.
- Requires more water to dissolve soap and detergents.
- It causes dry skin and hair.
Why Test Your Tap Water
Testing your tap water is the only way to have a clear understanding of the water quality in your home, which will:
- Identify Home-Specific Contaminants: Confirm whether lead or copper from your home’s plumbing is contaminating your drinking water.
- Hardness Level: Quantifies the level of hardness, chlorine, and other chemicals causing bad taste and odor.
- Protect Vulnerable Family Members: Ensure the lowest possible levels of contaminants for households with infants, elderly members, or anyone with allergies or chronic illnesses.
Our Signature Drinking Water Testing Process
Our drinking water process is as easy as 1-2-3:
- Professional Sample Collection: Our certified water treatment professional will collect a water sample directly from your home tap.
- In-Home Testing: We will test the water for foul odors, tastes, hardness, and potential immediate health concerns.
- State-Certified Laboratory Analysis: For the most thorough results, we send the water sample to an independent, state-certified laboratory for comprehensive testing. The lab will check for numerous contaminants, including lead, radon, and microbes.
We’ll provide a comprehensive report of your water analysis, including recommendations for treating and improving your water quality to the highest possible level.
What’s in Your Drinking Water? Schedule Your Free In-Home Analysis Today!
At Tri-Florida Water Treatment and Purification, we’ve made it easy and convenient for homeowners to find out what’s in their water with our free in-home drinking water testing. We service the entire Polk County area, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Fort Meade, and Bartow. Call now to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward clearer, softer, and better-tasting water!
