How Do I Know If My Water is Contaminated?

Contaminated water is a problem that affects two billion people across the world. Tragically, millions of people die from it. Whether the cause of contaminated water is a lack of infrastructure, pesticides, pollutants, or negligible companies, there are some telltale signs that may show you if you may have contaminated water.

 

Pay Attention to Sight, Scent, and Taste

Contaminated water may sometimes have a certain look at it. The water could be cloudy, discolored, oily at the top, or contain sediment at the bottom. All of these are signs that your water may have been mistreated, contaminated, or that there could be an issue with your water main.

Chlorine is often used to treat our water, to kill off the bacteria and clean it. However, the chlorine content is minuscule compared to what you would find in a pool. Sometimes, water can go through excessive chlorine treatment, which could be harmful. Sulfur is also a chemical found in minuscule amounts within your water but could be dangerous if found in high amounts. Luckily, both of these chemicals are easily identifiable. If your water smells like a pool or rotten eggs, then your water may be contaminated with either of these chemicals.

Furthermore, water should be tasteless. If your water tastes metallic or like anything else other than water, there may be some contamination.

Am I Responsible for Keeping My Water Clean?

If you live in the United States, you are protected by the Clean Water Act. Enacted in 1948 & rewritten in 1972, the Clean Water Act was created to set a standard water quality to ensure no one gets sick. However, this act does not include groundwater contamination. For these reasons, it is essential to know what water sources are and are not guaranteed to be safe for consumption.

If You Find Yourself with Contaminated Water, Call an Attorney Now

If you are not liable for keeping your own water clean and it becomes contaminated, you could be entitled to benefits if you become ill. However, it is not quite that easy. You need to prove that negligence was present to show that you are not at fault for becoming ill. Hiring professional help could be an extremely vital decision in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. At Price Benowitz Law Firm, we may be able to help you with this type of case. To schedule a free consultation, give us a call today.