How to Check Your Cistern Water Quality
Regular water quality checks can help catch potential problems early and maintain a safe, reliable water supply.
Ensuring the quality of your cistern water is vital for the health and safety of everyone in your household.
Contaminated water can lead to a range of health issues, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to serious diseases.
Keeping your cistern clean is crucial for maintaining water quality and ensuring the safety of your water supply.
But how often should a cistern be cleaned?
Usage Level
The more frequently a cistern is used, the quicker it can accumulate contaminants.
Quality of the Water Source
If your water source is prone to contamination (e.g., collected rainwater from a roof that’s not well-maintained or well water with sediment), cleaning will need to be more frequent.
Lead Pipes in Older Homes and Water Quality Concerns
Older homes hold historical charm and character, but they often come with hidden risks, especially concerning their plumbing. One significant issue is the presence of lead pipes, which can compromise water quality and pose serious health hazards.
Lead pipes were commonly used in homes built before the 1980s for their durability and flexibility. However, we now know that lead can leach into drinking water when pipes corrode, particularly if the water is acidic or low in mineral content.
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Water Quality Facts
Chlorine Safety
While chlorine is essential for disinfecting water, too much can lead to byproducts like trihalomethanes, which are potentially harmful and linked to health issues such as cancer.
pH Levels Matter
Water quality is affected by its pH level, which should ideally be between 6.5 and 8.5. Water too acidic or too basic can corrode pipes and negatively impact human health and aquatic life.
Nitrate Pollution
High levels of nitrates in water from fertilizers and agricultural runoff can cause serious health issues like methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” which affects infants’ ability to carry oxygen in their blood.
Cisterns and Water Storage
Stagnant water in cisterns and tanks can harbor harmful bacteria and pathogens if not maintained regularly, which emphasizes the importance of frequent cleaning and water quality checks.
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