Groundwater is a crucial source of drinking water for those of us that call Yakima Valley home. Contamination of ground water can happen through a variety of sources and it’s important to monitor contaminate levels in your home’s drinking water and take action when needed.
Elevated Nitrates Can Cause Health Issues
One of the most common groundwater contaminants here in the Yakima area are nitrates. Elevated levels of these contaminates can case significant health issues especially for infants and young children.
Nitrates are naturally occurring compounds that can be found in soil and groundwater. However, nitrates can also be introduced into the groundwater through various human activities such as agricultural practices, wastewater discharge, and the use of fertilizers.
Fertilizers and manure used in agricultural practices contain high levels of nitrates, which can seep into the groundwater and contaminate it. Similarly, wastewater from septic tanks and sewage treatment plants can also contain high levels of nitrates, which can enter the groundwater if not properly treated.
Exposure to high levels of nitrates in drinking water can lead to serious health problems, particularly for infants and young children. Nitrates can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, leading to a range of symptoms, including respiratory distress, headaches and dizziness.
In addition to the risks to infants and young children, exposure to high levels of nitrates in drinking water has also been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as stomach and colon cancer.
Choose a Water Filtration System to Remove Contaminants
To ensure that your drinking water is safe and free from nitrates, it is important to consider using a water filtration system. Water filtration systems can effectively remove nitrates from your drinking water, reducing the risk of exposure to these potentially harmful compounds.
There are several types of water filtration systems available, including reverse osmosis systems, activated carbon filters, and ion exchange filters. Each of these systems uses a different method to remove nitrates from the water, so it’s essential to choose a filtration system that is specifically designed to remove nitrates.
Groundwater contamination by nitrates is a serious concern, but by installing the right water purification solution in your home or commercial space you can reduce the risk of exposure to nitrates. Give us a call today to ensure that your family remains healthy and safe.