There are countless ‘horror stories’ of chemicals, toxins and impurities that can be found in tap water. So how do you really know what you’re drinking and whether it’s safe to consume?

Here are seven ways to test the quality of your drinking water so you can make an informed decision on whether to drink it, filter it or seek further advice.

Take a look at it.

Sometimes it can be clear something isn’t right about your water just by looking at it. Fill a glass with water and hold it up to the light. If the water is cloudy, or you can see floating particles, this may be a sign of contamination.

Does it taste different?

While drinking water you suspect may be contaminated is under no circumstances advisable, it’s easy to take a sip without noticing any visual clues.
If you’ve taken a sip of water only to find it tastes off, it’s worth finding out why.

Smell it.

If your water smells unpleasant, there must be something that’s causing it to give off an odour. A bad smell may be indicative of chlorine, sulphur or organic solvents.

Try a water purity testing kit.

Simple DIY testing kits can be bought online or in local hardware or plumbing stores. They enable you to test for the most common hazardous contaminants or impurities including bacteria, chlorine, lead, nitrates and pesticides. You’ll also be able to test the pH balance and hardness of your water and compare your results with recommended levels.

Ask your supplier for their latest results.

Many, if not most water suppliers regardless of location will regular test their water utilities. The scores will then be logged and can usually be available to view online through your supplier’s website.
If they are not published, don’t hesitate to contact them and ask directly.

Call in a professional.

It may seem like nothing, but a professional will be able to tell you whether or not there’s a cause for concern you may not have spotted.

If you think your water could have a high level of chemicals or impurities, EWT Water Specialists can install an efficient filter that will remove them by up to 99%. As a result, your drinking water will not only be healthier – but taste better too!

However, it’s important to note that if you suspect traces of lead or other harmful residues in your water from older pipes, you should always stop drinking the water straight away and have it tested to ensure its safety.