Should I drink Peoria, IL Water?

Here at Salzer Plumbing, we can honestly say many things need to be filtered: including social media, politics, and, most importantly, your water. It was the Flint, Mich., water crisis that was a devastating reminder to us not to take the quality of our water for taken for granted. We believe that our water supply is secure. The same was true for the residents of Flint where the insufficient chlorine treatments caused an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease epidemic and led to corrosion of pipes that sank into the drinking water.

Is my water contaminated?

Recently the joint Consumer Reports and Guardian US investigation by the news agency of America’s tap water showed that 118 out of 120 examined locations throughout the U.S. had detectable amounts of arsenic, lead, or PFAS, which was higher than the maximum levels recommended by CR. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances–synthetic compounds known as “forever chemicals”) are linked to major health problems. These water systems were responsible for over 19 million people. Local agencies still say that water pollution levels are within “acceptable” limits but what is acceptable to them is not acceptable for my family. I believe that water filters do help your health and quality of life, and besides, it makes the water taste better.

One method to rid yourself of the contaminants in your water is to filter the water. Water filters don’t just guard against harmful contaminants but can enhance the flavor. The most frequent complaints about drinking water are related to smell and taste and we conduct tests on the quality of flavor and reduce odor in both our ratings for pitcher water filters and the under-sink water filter ratings. Our ratings also cover faucet-mounted, countertop, and reverse osmosis water filtering in previous tests.

Apart from fridge water filtering, among the most well-known are pitcher-style filters, which you fill up with tap water and put in your fridge. They’re very simple to make use of, require no installation, and are small in size. They’re also reasonably priced The majority of them cost less than $40.

Filters for under-sinks are more costly and range from $100 to $430. They are concealed under the cabinet and can filter a larger amount of water with a higher flow rate. They might require custom plumbing or even alterations to the countertop or sink to accommodate your water dispenser. However, if ease of use is important to you, then under-sink filters can be a great alternative.

For more information, visit Ratings for Full Water Filtering

What’s In Your Water?

The Environmental Protection Agency requires community water providers to send an annual Consumer Confidence Report to customers each July. The CCR provides the number of contaminants that have been detected in the water and the way they compare to the drinking water standards set by the EPA. If you are renting an apartment, you can ask your building’s manager or your local water provider to request an exact copy.

Community water systems that supply water to more than 100,000 customers must publish the reports online. If you’re using well water, you don’t be required to submit a CCR since the EPA does not control private wells. In this case, you should check for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information about tests and treatments.

The report on water quality informs that you have water quality that is in your locality, however, when your home was constructed before the introduction of lead-free pipes in 1986, testing is the most effective way to evaluate the quality of water that comes out of the faucets in your home. No level is safe for lead exposure, as per the EPA.

In the CR-Guardian research study, nearly every test sample showed quantifiable levels of PFAS that are connected to learning delays, cancer in children as well as thyroid disease. Over 35 percent of them exceeded the threshold of safety that is set by CR researchers as well as other health experts.

PFAS, which are found in a variety of household products and other household items, pose a serious threat. A wide range of problems have been associated with PFAS contamination:

• Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.
• Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
• Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
• Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
• Interference with the body’s natural hormones.
• Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity.

There are at least 2,337 communities across 49 states that have drinking water that is contaminated by PFAS (Polyfluoroalkyl). The dots don’t represent a specific place but the pollutants were found in this area at a higher level.

as per an analysis conducted in January of the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy group. So far the EPA hasn’t yet set a legally binding legal limit for PFAS contamination in drinking water.

Your local or state health department may offer free water test kits and test kits are available in hardware stores for home improvements. The EPA suggests sending your samples to a certified laboratory to be analyzed. Your local water authority could provide a list of laboratories. Also, you can look up the list of EPA labs or contact its Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. For more information on checking your water’s quality, read the Interactive guide.

Make sure the filter is set to your needs

What the filter removes from water differs. Our water pitcher tests showed that all models eliminate chlorine, while four models eliminate lead. All filters under sinks in the CR’s ratings comply with the strict requirements of chlorine and lead removal.

If you are aware of what’s in the water from your tap, select the best filter for your requirements. Examine the packaging for the pitcher for certifications on removing contaminants or certifications. Third-party labs that certify the products according to NSF specifications include CSA Group, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as well as the Water Quality Group (WQA) You may find certification seals too.

Each pitcher has filters that need to be replaced regularly to ensure that they function properly. Review the specifications to determine the cost of replacing filters over a year. For instance, it can range between $27 and $150 for the pitchers we evaluate as well as which models come with an indicator for the life of their filters which informs you when it’s time to replace the filter.

Utilize our water filter rating to choose the most suitable water filter system that is right for you. If you’re searching for water pitchers, you’ll notice significant variations in the removal of contaminants as well as flow rate and clogging between the models.

If you need any help please remember that Salzer Plumbing is happy to install your Water Filtration Device in your home or office. Thank you from all of us: My Wife, Kids, and Honest Hard Working Plumber…Eric.