As parents, we are constantly concerned about the things that our children eat and drink. With all of the hype about pollution and other contaminants found in major water sources, many parents are worried that their children might be drinking water that is unhealthy. So, how do you make sure your kids drink safe water?
First, make sure you know where the water that your kids drink is coming from. For parents who supply their kids with bottled water, you have little cause for concern in most instances. In many countries, plants, which bottle water, must pass government mandated inspections to ensure product safety. But, what about the water that comes out of your faucet, the drinking fountain at the park, or a neighbor’s garden hose? Is it safe? To find the answer, you must find the source.
Water in many places comes from something called a watershed. Usually lakes or reservoirs hold the accumulated rainwater collected throughout the watershed until it is needed. Then, the water is pumped into a treatment plant. Here the water goes through one of several different kinds of Commercial Water Purification treatments designed to remove harmful bacteria and pollutants. In most cases, the water is also treated with chemicals like chlorine. The addition of chlorine to the water affects its taste, but it doesn’t make the water unsafe. You can look for chemetrics lab equipment and get a chlorine testing kit. In a few instances, the water processed in the treatment plants does not come from an above ground watershed, but rather from an underground aquifer. This water is pumped up to the plant, but once it reaches a treatment facility, the process is similar. Since most water treatment facilities are government run, they are held accountable for water standards and for the most part, the water that leaves the plant is safe to drink. But where does it go then?
The water travels in pipes until it reaches your house, the drinking fountain, or your neighbor’s garden hose. Older pipes will accumulate mineral deposits over time. This can affect both the taste and the color of the water, but it doesn’t make it unsafe. Unsafe water is more often found in untreated water like a pond, a lake or a pool. These “natural” water sources often contain microbes and bacteria that can be dangerous. It’s a better idea to let kids drink out of the neighbor’s garden hose than to sip from one of these. Getting the water well that’s right for you is important. A water well installation and well pump service can help you chlorinate your water supply and provide all of the necessary filters and pumps to keep clean water flowing into your home. But, in the end, a clean glass of water from the tap is a far better way to make sure your kids drink safe water.
