Emerging Contaminants in Water: What Are They?

Over the last few years, global awareness has been drawn to the fact that there are more contaminants in our water supply than previously thought. Known as “emerging contaminants,” these are chemicals which may have a harmful impact on human health, the extent of which is not currently known. Emerging contaminants in water in Scottsdale, AZ can be present just about anywhere.

What are emerging contaminants, and how do they enter our water supply?

Emerging contaminants include pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting compounds. Recently, technological advances have made it possible to detect their presence, but they have likely been around in the water supply as long as they’ve existed. Clearly, no one wants to ingest these if they have any choice in the matter—while scientists have not established exactly what kind of harm they may cause to the public, there’s no doubt that they are harmful.

Pharmaceuticals usually enter the water supply through wastewater treatment plants or septic systems—the use of medication has gone up in the last few decades, and our bodies do not absorb them fully, allowing trace amounts to enter the water supply through human waste. Similarly, detergents, soaps and other personal care products appear via our wastewater. Pesticides and herbicides appear via agricultural runoff.

Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is researching these compounds and determining effective methods of filtering them from the public water supply, as scientists determine exactly what effect they may have on public health.

How can a water filtration system help?

Home water filtration systems are useful in filtering out at least some of the most toxic emerging contaminants. In order to install an effective filtration system, you should look for one that addresses the exact issues in your municipal water supply—water reports can be accessed through your local government, and your water filtration supplier will be able to advise you on which system might be right for you.

You might also look into Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) about the quality of your drinking water. These do not currently address most emerging contaminants, but they will tell you whether lead, arsenic and other dangerous materials are in your water, as well as the source and level of contamination. As the government continues to research and regulate, emerging contaminants will likely be screened for and reported upon in the years to come. Now that you know what to look for, you can stay an informed consumer.

Filter out water contaminants in Scottsdale, AZ

Protect your health by installing water filtration systems for your home, office or industry today. WES Water has grown into a full-fledged provider of state-of-the-art water filtration systems. Over the years, we’ve developed a very diverse product and client base. Our ultimate goal is to find the necessary solutions for our residential, commercial and industrial clientele. Reach out to us today to find out which of our filtration systems is right for filtering out emerging contaminants in water in Scottsdale, AZ for your home, business or industrial operation.

Categorised in: Water Purification System