5 Ways to Keep Your Drinking Water Clean

As reports of contaminated water continue to hit the headlines, people are rightfully concerned about the safety of the water flowing from their faucets. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water contaminants can cause gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders, with higher risks for infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

Fortunately, there are ways to protect your home and family against water contamination. Here are some top solutions recommended by water safety experts:

1. Find out about the quality of your water source. The Environmental Protection Agency requires all public water systems to regularly test for and report on many potential water contaminants. Visit www.epa.gov/ccr to find the Consumer Confidence Report for the public water system in your area.
   
   
2. Learn about the conditions of your own household plumbing. While water system filtration provides protection to a general area, it does not necessarily address conditions specific to your home. To have your household water tested, find the certified laboratories in your state at www.epa.gov/dwlabcert.
   
   
3. Ensure the safety of your tap water with a filter for your kitchen sink. For best results, select a filter that removes all types of contaminates and be sure to get one that’s easy to install. The Clearbrook In-Line Quick Connect Sink Water Filters for Homes with City Water, remove 99.99 percent of contaminants and sediments, including lead and other heavy metals as well as chlorine, pesticides and carcinogens. They also get rid of bad tastes and odors. These filters are easy to install, fit under the sink and last for three years.
   
   
4. Don’t forget the ice. Many of us have become accustomed to getting ice and drinking water from our refrigerators. One of the easiest and best ways to protect the water coming from that source is to use a filter that removes contaminants before they reach the ice maker and cold water tap on the outside of many types of refrigerators. The Clearbrook Fridge Filters keep water and ice from the refrigerator safe, clean and tasting good by removing 99.99 percent of lead, other heavy metals and chlorine. They fit behind the refrigerator, take minutes to install, require no maintenance and last three years.
   
   
5. Protect your entire home. For those who suspect there is water contamination nearby, those who live in areas with aging water treatment systems or those who use well water, one of the best ways to remove water contaminants is to install a system that filters all water before it comes into the house, allowing the best combination of water pressure and water quality. Clearbrook Whole House Filters for well water and municipal water sources offer a range of solutions that will ensure your family can drink, wash, and bathe safely. Providing protection from sediments, organic materials, heavy metals and other toxins, these ready-to-assemble systems require a professional plumber to install and include a shut-off valve for cartridge cleaning and replacement.

In addition, it’s important to remember that Individuals can take action to protect their water sources. Get involved in local source water protection efforts, such as cleanups of beaches, wetlands, lakes and rivers. Never dump hazardous materials, including motor oil, moth balls, paint, household cleaners, flea collars and medicine on the ground. Reduce the use of pesticides around your home, and if you have a septic system, make sure it is properly maintained.