Flynn Matthews 
Few people realize this because we naturally assume that the tap water we drink is completely safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Unfiltered water can have some serious health implications that you need to be aware of because different toxins and chemicals remain or are added to the water. Water treatment facilities are responsible for providing completely safe drinking water. However, this does not mean it is mandatory to regulate and test for all possible contaminants.
There are chemicals that are deliberately added to your tap water supply due to some specific purposes, like disinfection and removing harmful micro-organisms. Some of the harmful contaminants that you need to be aware of are fluoride, chlorine, lead, arsenic, chromium, and THMs (trihalomethanes). Besides these, others can exist so it is always better to be safe. If you do not know if your tap water supply is safe, contact a local plumber Melbourne to check it.
Fluoride
Fluoride was added to tap water many years ago and is used all around the world. For instance, in Australia, over 80% of citizens consume water that went through fluoridation. What many do not know is that fluoride is surrounded by controversy. Fluorinate drinking water is considered because people think the substance works as a repair kit for your teeth. Many oppose this though because of some potential negative health effects.
Fluoride was proven to be beneficial for your teeth but there are scientific studies that showed it can cause overall health damage. According to the Fluoride Action Network, the substance was linked to different health issues. In developed countries, this practice is right now being stopped because of the reports that highlighted the problems.
Chlorine
This is a chemical that comes in so many different forms. It is utilized during the salinization treatment plans or in swimming pools with the purpose of disinfection. Chlorine has a strong pungent smell and is a gas that irritates your nasal passages. Although it is really effective at destroying some of the pathogens that normally appear in the water and reduce waterborne disease risks, like viral hepatitis, salmonellosis, and cholera, it can lead to health problems. This does include some cancer types. Chlorine is usually added as a liquid sodium hypochlorite, a powdered calcium hypochlorite or a gas compressed chlorine gas.
Lead
It is common to see lead appearing in water transported through older metal fixtures to a house. As opposed to chlorine, lead easily dissolves in water. This means that you will not notice changes in the water’s taste, smell or color. The only good option, unfortunately, is to have tap water tested. You should only deal with experienced professionals when you do this.
Keep in mind that lead is highly toxic. It can affect your neuromuscular system and is known to cause many symptoms, like cognitive decline, irreversible brain damage and abdominal problems.
How To Protect Yourself
As already mentioned, the first thing you need to do is to have the water tested. You have to be sure that the drinking water supply does not include any harmful bacteria. A good water filtration system needs to be utilized.
Water should always be clean and you need to test it as often as the specialists recommend it. There is an increase in the pollutants that are discovered in water supplies right now. So many water sources have toxins in them. Your entire family needs to be protected so you should never underestimate the dangers of contaminated water.
