Tap water is generally safe to drink, but it may contain impurities or have an unpleasant taste depending on your local supply. This guide offers simple tips to make your tap water cleaner, tastier, and healthier.
Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand the potential issues that might plague your tap water:
● Unpleasant Taste or Odor – This can be caused by chlorine (used for disinfection), minerals, or even old plumbing.
● Hard Water – High levels of calcium and magnesium can lead to limescale buildup and affect taste.
● Sediments and Impurities – Older pipes or infrastructure might allow dirt, rust, or other particles to enter your water.
● Contaminants – While rare in well-maintained systems, tap water may occasionally contain harmful substances like lead, pesticides, or nitrates.
Fortunately, there are several remedies to help address these issues and elevate the quality of your water supply.
Simple Steps to Improve Your Tap Water Quality
A water filter is one of the easiest and most effective ways to purify your tap water. Filters can remove a range of impurities, including chlorine, lead, and sediment. There are various types of filters to suit different needs:
● Pitcher filters – Affordable and portable options that fit in your refrigerator.
● Under-sink filters – More comprehensive systems for long-term use.
● Whole-house filters – Ideal if you want filtered water from every tap in your home.
When choosing a filter, make sure it addresses the specific issues in your water by consulting your local water quality report or conducting a home water test.
Testing your water can give you a clearer picture of what’s in it. You can purchase an at-home test kit to measure pH, hardness, or contaminants like nitrates and chlorine. For more in-depth results, hire a professional or consult with your local water utility.
Once you know what’s in your tap water, you’ll have a better idea of which filtration system or improvements will work best.
If you live in an area with hard water, you may notice mineral deposits on your fixtures or dishes, or experience dry skin after showering. Water softener installation, like those in Layton, removes excess calcium and magnesium, replacing them with sodium to prevent buildup and improve water quality.
Water softeners are particularly useful for protecting appliances like washing machines and dishwashers from scale damage.
The pipes that deliver your water could be contributing to impurities, especially if you live in an older home with outdated plumbing. Old or corroded pipes can introduce rust, lead, and other unwanted materials into your water.
If you suspect your plumbing is the issue, consider consulting a professional to replace old pipes with safer materials, such as copper or PEX.
While it may not be convenient for daily use, boiling tap water is a quick way to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. This method is especially useful if there’s a boil-water advisory in your area or you’re concerned about contamination after a natural disaster.
Boil water for at least one minute to ensure it’s safe to drink, and store it in a clean, covered container for later use.
6. Use a Reverse Osmosis System
For the highest level of water purification, a reverse osmosis (RO) system is a great choice. These systems use a membrane to remove contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, and heavy metals from water. While they’re more expensive and waste some water during the process, they provide peace of mind by delivering exceptionally clean water.
Many reverse osmosis systems are compact enough to fit under your sink, making it easy to upgrade your home’s water supply.
Bonus Tips for Better Tap Water
● Chill Your Water – If your tap water tastes heavily chlorinated, try chilling it in the fridge. This can help reduce the chlorine taste.
● Add Natural Flavors – Infuse your water with slices of lemon, cucumber, or fresh mint to enhance its taste. This is a great alternative to sugary drinks!
● Stay Hydrated – Once your tap water tastes amazing, you’ll be more inclined to drink it all day long, keeping yourself healthy and hydrated.
Now that you have a better understanding of common tap water issues and some simple solutions, you can take action to improve your water quality. Whether it’s using a filter, testing your water, or upgrading your plumbing, small changes can make a big difference in the purity and taste of your tap water.
