A few years ago the Flint water crisis attracted international attention for unsafe drinking water affecting thousands of residents. Old lead pipes resulted in contaminated drinking causing health issues for adults and children. Recently the State of Michigan settled with a payment of $626 million to residents affected. Note that water quality issues are not limited to Michigan and affect many other States in America.
A review of water quality reports published by various metro Detroit cities reveals that the water quality is within the Government’s water quality standards. However, it is evident that there are traces of contaminants and pollutants in almost all cases.
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
» Microbial contaminants
» Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals.
» Pesticides and herbicides
» Organic chemical contaminants.
These reports also caution that Immuno-compromised individuals need to be pay attention and take remedial action with input from a physician.
Lead appears to be a real challenge as older pipes within some cities and older buildings contain higher than approved traces of lead. It is strongly advised to run cold water from your tap for a few minutes before you start using it for drinking or cooking. Also, do not use hot water from the tap for drinking. Lead could have severe implications on the health of adults (brain, kidney, nervous system, digestion and reproductive system). It has a greater impact on kids; affecting their overall health.