Problems with water quality are more prominent in homes and gardens than they may initially seem. While such issues can be hard to detect, they have far-reaching consequences. Homeowners must learn these effects and their origins to ensure their property remains safe and enjoyable.
The importance of good home water quality
Today’s public water systems are far safer and more effective than they used to be, but home water quality issues persist. A recent study revealed as many as 44 million people in the U.S. have polyfluoroalkyl substances in their drinking water.
Heavy metals, viruses, bacteria and other hazardous chemicals can also enter home plumbing systems or gardens. Once they do, they can significantly impact both aesthetics and safety.
Low-quality hydration in gardens will prevent plants from growing correctly. In some cases, the contaminants in groundwater can remain present in the vegetation itself. When this happens, you can unknowingly ingest harmful residues if you grow fruits or vegetables.
Similar issues within the house’s plumbing system can have more direct effects. Many contaminants in untreated water can cause diseases, affecting over 7 million people in the U.S. annually. Such illnesses can even lead to hospitalization and — in extreme cases — death.
What can affect water quality at home?
In light of these hazards, recognizing sources of home and garden water contamination is crucial. Here are some of the most common culprits.
Stormwater runoff
Stormwater is one of the — if not the most frequent — causes of garden water quality issues. High precipitation causes water that has fallen on roofs, roads and other hard surfaces to flow out of drains and into the ground. When that occurs, the water carries contaminants from these dirty surfaces into the soil, where plants absorb it.
In some cases, runoff can cause untreated water from sewers to flow above ground and leach into the soil. Even when wastewater remains where it should be, though, particles from the road or rooftops can introduce hazards.
Common pollutants from runoff include bacteria, oils, heavy metals and protozoa. Once they enter the soil, they inhibit plants’ nutrient intake, impeding their growth or causing them to wither. Some can enter the food system if fruit-bearing plants or vegetables absorb them.
Excess fertilizer
Fertilizer is another frequent problem with water quality in gardens. While these additives can promote plant growth, they can leach nitrates into water if the soil does not absorb and break them down entirely.
Over-use of fertilizers heightens the risk of these chemicals seeping into the groundwater. Stormwater runoff further increases such hazards. Water flowing over fertilized soil will pick it up and move it where it is not as beneficial and may even be harmful.
Fertilizer-derived pollutants can affect your home and garden even if you do not use any fertilizers. Runoff from nearby lawns or farms can carry it from these areas onto your property. As climate change makes large storms and soil degradation increasingly common, such scenarios will grow.
Pet waste
Pet waste may be easy to overlook as a waterborne hazard, but it can still cause some damage. Once rain carries it into the soil, it can promote weed growth, harming the lawn. However, the negative effects are far greater if it reaches waterways.
Dog and cat excrement can carry all manner of bacteria that can pose health risks if ingested through drinking water. Several parasites also grow in it if it lies outside long enough before entering waterways. Consequently, drinking water contaminated with this waste can transmit unpleasantries like ringworm, roundworms and toxoplasmosis.
Such hazards are fairly easy to avoid — all homeowners must do is clean up after their pets. Despite that simplicity, the dangers may not be immediately evident, so people may not feel the need to clean pet waste immediately if it is on their own property.
Impurities from plumbing hardware
The pipes that transmit water to and throughout your home can also pose water quality issues. Rust and other forms of corrosion are among the most common. As metals break down, they can leach harmful particles into the water you use every day.
Some homes have more troubling hardware-related pollutants. One study found 50% of buildings built before 1986 had lead concentrations of 2.1 parts per billion (ppb) or higher. Almost 14% had lead levels of over 15 ppb. Even minor amounts of lead can cause significant damage once they enter your body through drinking water.
Manganese, zinc, copper, and mercury can all be present in home plumbing, too. While modern building standards generally protect against these materials, older homes may have them, and the owner may not be aware. Consequently, your house could feature such contaminants without you or the previous occupant knowing it.
Water source issues
Some problems with water quality come from your home’s water source. These can be troubling because this pollution is largely outside of your control, unlike contamination from things within your property.
Despite significant strides in public water sanitation systems, supply-side issues still occur. Minerals like calcium and magnesium are common ones. While this “hard water” does not pose direct health risks, it can interfere with your water pressure and flow.
More severe quality issues can come from your water source if there is an issue with the cleaning system. Broken pipes, corrosion and industrial runoff can also affect the cleanliness of public water. While authorities should notify affected communities of these problems as they emerge, they may be unable to put out such warnings before some people ingest or use contaminated water.
How to address problems with water quality
Given these risks, homeowners should take water quality issues into their own hands. Installing proper filtration systems is an essential first step. Reverse osmosis filters or membrane filters with small pore sizes will remove most dangerous contaminants from your water before you use it.
Similar solutions exist for your garden. Some pond pumps use ultraviolet clarifiers to remove debris, offering additional filtration beyond the circulation they normally provide. You can also attach hoses and other outdoor water systems to a pipe where you have installed a filter inside the house.
Preventive measures are also important. Always pick up after your pets, and consider planting native plant species, as these require less fertilizer, in turn minimizing runoff risks. You should also keep your drains clear of leaves and other debris to ensure they flow freely. Those living in areas that receive considerable rainfall may want to plant trees or install a rain barrel to minimize runoff.
It is also a good idea to test your water regularly to ensure your other measures are working correctly. Residents in some areas can get free well water testers, while others will have to hire a service or buy the necessary equipment to gauge their water. Remember to contact a professional if you discover any issues.
Do not ignore these common problems with water quality
Problems with water quality can affect anyone. Recognizing these hazards is the first step to ensuring safe drinking water and keeping gardens vibrant.
These five issues are not the only sources of waterborne contaminants in homes but are among the most prevalent. Following steps to protect against these risks will keep you safe from most water-related issues on your property.
