If you live in Pinellas County, Florida, you may be wondering what’s in your drinking water. You may have heard about some of the contaminants that have been found in the water supply, such as chemicals, toxins, heavy metals, VOCs and PFAs. In this article, we’ll explain what these substances are, why they are harmful, and how you can protect yourself and your family from them.
Chemicals, toxins and heavy metals are substances that can occur naturally or be introduced by human activities into the water sources. Some of the most common ones found in Pinellas County’s water are trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), arsenic, lead, iron and manganese. THMs and HAAs are by-products of chlorine disinfection that can cause cancer and reproductive problems. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can cause skin lesions, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Lead is a metal that can leach from pipes and plumbing fixtures that can damage the brain, nervous system and kidneys. Iron and manganese are minerals that can cause staining of clothes and fixtures, as well as taste and odor problems.
VOCs and PFAs are synthetic organic compounds that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products, such as solvents, paints, coatings, firefighting foams, non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics. VOCs are volatile organic compounds that can easily evaporate into the air and water. Some of the VOCs detected in Pinellas County’s water are benzene, toluene, xylene and MTBE. These VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, liver damage and cancer. PFAs are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are very persistent and resistant to degradation. Some of the PFAs detected in groundwater used as a source of drinking water in the eastern United States are PFOA and PFOS. These PFAs can affect the immune system, thyroid function, hormone levels and increase the risk of cancer.
The levels of these contaminants in Pinellas County’s water vary depending on the location, season and treatment method. The county monitors the water quality regularly and reports the results to the public. The county also complies with the federal and state regulations that set the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) or health advisory levels (HALs) for these substances. However, these standards may not be sufficient to protect your health from long-term exposure or from multiple contaminants at once. Even Pinellas County in their own water report advises those with health conditions, those that are more sensitive and those on certain medications to seek advice from their doctor.
That’s why it’s important to take action to ensure your drinking water is safe and clean. One of the best ways to do that is to install a home water filtration system that can remove these contaminants effectively. Indigo Water Systems is a local company that specializes in providing high-quality water filtration solutions for homes and businesses in Pinellas County. They offer free consultations to assess your water quality needs and recommend the best system for you. They also provide installation, maintenance and repair services for your convenience.
Don’t let your drinking water put your health at risk. Contact Indigo Water Systems today and get a free consultation on how to improve your water quality. You’ll be glad you did!
