What Is Cryptosporidium?

So, just what is Cryptosporidium, and why is it so bad?  More commonly known as “Crypto,” this microscopic parasite causes cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal disease.

Crypto is a hearty parasite that can infect animals and humans.   It has a protective outer shell that helps it survive in different environments.  Its shell is particularly resistant to chlorine, one of the most common disinfectants used to treat drinking water.

Crypto in Our Water

There are many ways that Crypto is spread, but the most common is through water.  Parasites from the stools of infected animals or people enter surface water sources. In the wild, rainwater and runoff can pick up infected feces and carry the parasites to larger water sources like rivers and lakes, which may be sources for public water.  In a swimming pool, if one person infected with Crypto has diarrhea in the water, it can contaminate the entire pool.

While municipal water may be regularly tested for Crypto, those with well water are not so lucky.   Well water can be contaminated from sewage overflows, improperly working sewage systems, contaminated stormwater runoff, and agricultural runoff. Wells are known to be more vulnerable to contamination, especially after flooding.  If your drinking water comes from a private well, it is your responsibility to have your water tested.  To find out where you can get a sample of your water tested, contact your state certification officer for a list of local laboratories.

Crypto Outbreaks

Despite our scientific advancements, the US has a high potential for outbreaks of Crypto. One of the most well-recorded outbreaks happened in Milwaukee in 1993. Over 400,000 people were infected by contaminated drinking water.  Milwaukee is not alone, and other cities have had major outbreaks over the years as well.

Source: USEPA (200lb)

Symptoms

If you have been exposed to Crypto, symptoms typically appear within two to ten days.  Signs that you have been infected include:

• Loose stools
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain and cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Weight loss

These symptoms can last for up to two weeks.  People with healthy immune systems can recover without issue.  If you have a compromised immune system or experience extreme symptoms, it is recommended that you seek help from a medical professional.

How Do I Know if My Water Is Contaminated?

Testing for Crypto can be quite difficult because it takes a large water sample to detect its presence.  The testing procedure passes a significant volume of water through a polypropylene filter.  This concentrates the sample, which is then manipulated so that if there is Crypto present, it can be viewed with an epifluorescence microscope. As you can see, this not something you can easily test for at home.

Prevention of Crypto Contamination

These dangerous parasites can live in the intestines of people and animals.  They are commonly found in livestock and wild animals.  Crypto is transmitted when animals or people ingest contaminated food or water.  While testing for Crypto may be difficult, prevention is actually pretty simple.

Here are some preventative measures you can take to avoid ingesting Crypto:

• Use water filters with a pore size of one micrometer or smaller.  Choose filters that are labeled “Absolute” and are noted to meet cyst removal standards.
• Boil water from a questionable source for at least one minute before using for cooking, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
• When traveling to areas that may have unsafe water supplies, drink bottled water from a source known to be safe.  Do not drink bottled water that is not properly sealed.
• Before swimming, check the inspection scores for pools, hot tubs, and water parks.
• Don’t swallow the water when swimming.

Make Sure Your Water Is Safe

While it may not be possible to test the water in your home for Crypto, you can test your water for a number of other contaminants.  Whether you have city water or your drinking water comes from a well, you can quickly and easily test your water at home.  TestAssured makes a number of individual tests and complete testing kits that will give you results in a matter of minutes.  Don’t take chances when it comes to your health and safety and that of your family.  Know what’s in your water.

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Glyphosate Contamination in Our Water Supplies

Glyphosate is a type of herbicide that is frequently sprayed on crops.  This widely used weed killing chemical has been also used industrially at office parks, schoolyards, home lawns, and golf courses for years. It is applied as a spray to the leaves of plants to prevent the growth of unwanted grasses and nuisance plants.  Roundup is one of the most recognized brands of herbicide known to contain glyphosate, but there are over 750 different weed killers and other products that contain glyphosate on store shelves in the United States.

There is a growing concern that high concentrations of glyphosate contamination have penetrated the soil and entered our water supplies. As the chemicals seep into the earth, they can eventually make their way into water sources, contaminating our water supplies.  Once glyphosate has contaminated a water source, it becomes stable and does not degrade or dissipate.

Health Effects of Glyphosate

The health effects of glyphosate are still controversial.  Scientific studies and research show mixed findings, making the health concerns related to glyphosate a hotly debated topic.  The greatest concern, and the one that has been in the news recently is the link between glyphosate and cancer.

Supporters of this herbicide say that research has not proven any danger and glyphosate contamination does not pose a significant health risk. However, in 2015, after reviewing years of scientific studies, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that glyphosate is very likely to be carcinogenic to humans.

Other research has shown that there may be a link between glyphosate and endocrine disorders. It may also contribute to liver disease, reproductive problems, and birth defects. Today there are over 2,400 lawsuits underway regarding health issues related to glyphosate.

Testing for Glyphosate

Glyphosate may be found in public water systems as well as private water sources such as personal and community wells.  No matter where your water comes from, if you want to be certain that you are not drinking this dangerous herbicide, you need to test your water.

Regular home water testing kits do not typically test for this potential carcinogen.  There are some test strips on the market that do test for glyphosate.  However, they may not be reliable as they generally only detect extremely high levels of glyphosate. The best option to test for glyphosate is to send a sample to a certified lab for precision analysis.

Make sure that the lab you choose uses a validated or verified liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) test.  This is one of the most reliable methods to test water for the presence of glyphosate.

EPA Limits for Glyphosate

The EPA has set an allowable, enforceable limit for glyphosate in drinking water.  The maximum contaminant level (MCL) is 0.7 mg/L or 700 ppb. Based on the scientific data that is currently available the EPA has determined that levels below this do not pose potential health problems.

Removing Glyphosate from Water

If you are concerned about exposure to glyphosate from your water, there are measures you can take to reduce your risks.  The best way to remove glyphosate from water is to filter your drinking water. There are a number of filtration systems that are capable of removing pesticide particles. Some purification options include carbon filtration, sand filters, nanofiltration, ozonation, and reverse osmosis.  All can help to reduce or eliminate traces of glyphosate that may be in your water.

Water Quality

Glyphosate is only one of the many water contaminants that can put your health in danger.  While testing for glyphosate is best done in a lab, there are home testing kits that you can use to test for some of the other common contaminants.  TestAssured carries both single tests and testing kits that will show you exactly what is in your water.  Don’t take chances with your health; test your water to reduce your exposure to harmful contaminants.

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When you think of cities with the worst tap water, there is no doubt that Flint, Michigan comes to mind for most people.  The publicity that came with the Flint water crisis brought to light issues for other municipal water companies.  No longer can people take for granted the quality of water that is coming out of their taps.

Hidden Contaminants

One of the reasons that it is important to test your water is that many of the dangerous contaminants are hard to detect.  Occasionally an off-smell or a strange color may cause you to question the quality of your water, but most contaminants are colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Long before the Flint water crisis, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had been collecting information about violations related to water quality in the U.S.  The problem was that no one had ever analyzed the data until recently.

The data collected covered 17,900 community water systems and spanned a period of  34 years. It contained violations for lead levels, coliform bacteria, arsenic, nitrates, and other contaminants. Analysis of the data revealed that during the Flint water crisis of 2015, almost 21 million Americans, 6% of the population, were getting water from public sources that violated health standards.

Protecting Water Quality

In 1972, the government passed the Clean Water Act and then, in 1974, the Safe Drinking Water Act.  These laws were implemented to help regulate public water systems and provide clean water.  The acts give the EPA the power to set minimum standards for safe water and require public water companies to ensure that their water falls within these standards. While these laws serve to set standards for safe drinking water, recent news headlines prove that isn’t always the case.

The EPA has a weighted point system for tracking violations of its standards for contaminants and treatment. This system measures the number of violation points a public water system has per 1,000 residents served in each state. A majority of the public drinking water suppliers get a passing grade from both federal and state regulatory agencies. However, many of the regulated contaminants that are detected through standard testing are found at levels that may be legal but are above levels shown by scientific studies to pose health risks.

Worst Cities for Public Water

While rural areas are often in the news for contaminated water, major cities also struggled to enforce safe standards and upgrade aging pipes. Here are some of the cities with the worst tap water in the US, according to Business Insider.

What’s in Your Water

Even if your city didn’t make the list, there are many other cities struggling to replace aging pipes and enforce healthy water quality standards.  If you want to know what’s in your water, the best thing you can do is test it regularly.  Understanding and knowing which contaminants to test for is the first step to making sure your family’s drinking water is safe. TestAssured sells a variety of economic testing kits that let you test your water at home with instant results.  For more precise results, you can use our mail-in laboratory test kits for a detailed analysis of exactly what is in your water.

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How Heavy Metals Get in Your Water

Heavy metal contaminants can enter your drinking water from several sources.  Some leach into the water through older pipes and plumbing systems.  They can also enter water sources from industrial processes as they seep through the ground into aquifers.

As we continue to develop land and increase industrialization, the levels of heavy metals in our water are also increasing. Heavy metals are released into the environment from coal-burning plants, waste incinerators, household plumbing, paints, and other chemical substances. These toxic metals are then transported through industrial, municipal, and urban runoff until they ultimately reach our waterways.

Other heavy metals are released into the environment through naturally occurring processes.  For example, arsenic is found in certain geological formations.  Over time the arsenic can dissolve into the groundwater, reaching potentially unsafe levels.

Good Metals Versus Bad Metals

Not all of the elements that are classified as heavy metals are considered to be dangerous.  Only 17 have been identified as potential health threats.  How dangerous a metal is depends on the type, the amount, and how it affects the body.

There are some metals that the body needs for good health, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe).  These metals and others are necessary for vital functions like circulation, reproduction, and respiration. Although there are metals that are essential nutrients for good health, even these metals, at certain amounts, can become toxic to the human body.

Heavy metal toxicity can cause a number of health problems and prolonged illnesses.  Reported effects include nervous system damage, stunted growth, slow development, organ damage, cancer, and in extreme cases, even death. For example, exposure to mercury and lead can cause autoimmune disorders, where the immune system begins to attack its own cells. Eventually, this can lead to rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and circulatory and nervous system failure.

The heavy metals linked most often to human poisoning are lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Other heavy metals, including copper, zinc, and chromium, are actually required by the body in small amounts, but can also be toxic in larger doses. The EPA has set limits on the amounts of heavy metals that are permissible in drinking water.

Who Is at Risk?

Young children are more prone to become ill from exposure to heavy metals.  This is because they consume more water for their body weight than adults, so toxicity can happen much quicker.  Babies and children are at risk because their developing organs and systems are more sensitive and can easily be damaged.  Exposure at a young age can cause learning disabilities, memory problems, behavioral problems, and hyperactivity. In extreme cases, heavy metals have been reported to cause irreversible brain damage.

Testing for Heavy Metals

Whether you have tap water or municipal water, it may contain trace amounts of heavy metals.  It is important to know if there are heavy metals in your water because these contaminants can pose a serious health threat.  It is recommended that you test your water for heavy metals frequently, especially if you have older metal pipes or live in an industrial area.

There are a number of tests available that will show you if your water contains these potentially dangerous contaminants.  Depending on your needs, you can choose from an at-home test kit or a mail-away laboratory test kit.

At-Home Testing

At-home test kits typically use test strips that are dipped into a water sample, allowing you to test your water at home, school, or the office.  The test strips use chemical reagents to show the presence of heavy metals. When free metal ions from heavy metals are present, they react with the reagent causing the strip to change color. The more metal ions that are present, the darker the color change on the strip.

Test strips are an easy, safe, and economical way to test for the presence of heavy metals in your water. Simply follow the instructions and then compare the developed test strip to the color-coded chart to determine the levels of heavy metal in your water.

Laboratory Testing

While at-home water test kits are a quick and affordable way to assess your water quality, you can get more precise results if you opt for a laboratory water test kit.  Typically, these kits include everything you need to gather water samples and send them to a certified lab for testing.  All you need to do is fill the supplied vials with your water samples according to the testing instructions and then mail the samples to the lab.  Once the lab receives your water samples, they will perform tests specifically engineered to identify the presence of heavy metals.

Know What Heavy Metals Are in Your Water

The presence of heavy metal contaminants in your water is hard to detect because they are colorless, odorless and tasteless.  The best way to know what is in your water is to test it.  Whether you decide to perform your water tests yourself or have your water analyzed by a certified lab, TestAssured can help you keep your family safe from heavy metals.  Our at-home test kit is an affordable option for quick results. While our lab test kits may take a little longer for your results, you’ll know exactly what is in your water with our certified lab’s analysis.  All of our test kits are neatly packaged with clear instructions and will provide you with important details about your water quality.

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In the case of a do not use notice, you should check with your water authority to find out what precautions you should take regarding your water.  With a boil water notice, you may continue to use your water, but it will need to be boiled before you use it for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth.  Here are some of the most common questions and answers that people have when they receive a boil water notice.

How long will the boil water notice be in effect?

Each boil water advisory is based on different circumstances, so there is no set amount of time for when the boil water advisory will be lifted.  Your water company and your local health department should provide you with details and updates as to when your water will be safe for normal use.

Are there any guidelines for boiling water to make sure that it is safe?

You need to make sure that you bring your water to a full boil and then allow it to continue boiling for ONE MINUTE.  Because it takes time for water to cool after boiling, it is suggested that you plan ahead and boil water before you need it.  You can boil a few batches of water and then store them in the refrigerator. 

Do I still have to boil my water if I have a filtration or reverse osmosis system?

YES. While filtration and reverse osmosis are great options to ensure that you are drinking safe, quality water under normal circumstances, they may not be enough to remove certain organisms. 

Are there any alternatives to boiling my water?

The best alternative to boiling water would be to purchase bottled water.  You can use bottled water without boiling it for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth. You should always keep an emergency supply of bottled water on hand.  Although most bottled water has a 2-year use by date,  this is mainly for taste purposes. Bottled water should be safe for an indefinite amount of time if stored properly.

Can I use my water for cooking without boiling it?

NO. Water used for food preparation, cooking, and drinking must be boiled before use.   Even if you will be boiling the water as part of the cooking process, it is recommended that the water first be boiled separately to ensure that it has been boiled for a full minute at a rolling boil.

Do I need to use boiled water to wash fruit and vegetables?

YES.  Any food that needs to be rinsed should be rinsed with boiled or bottled water.

Do I need to use boiled water to make ice?

YES. You will need to use boiled or bottled water to make ice.  Do not use ice made from an automatic ice maker.

What should I do if I need water to make baby formula?

When making baby formula, sterilize all bottles, rings, nipples, and utensils in boiling water for two minutes. To be extra precautious, it is recommended that the water used for making baby formula is boiled for 2 minutes

Can I use my coffee maker during a Boil Water Advisory?

When using your coffee maker, use bottled water or water that that has previously been boiled for the recommended one minute. 

Can I wash my dishes?

If you are hand washing dishes, you must use boiled water.  If you are using a dishwasher, make sure that the water temperature reaches 170°F and includes a full dry cycle.  If you do not know the temperature of your dishwasher, after the wash cycle, rinse the dishes in a diluted bleach solution (1oz bleach for 3 gallons of water) and allow them to air dry before using.

Can I wash my clothes?

YES. You can wash your clothes, but keep in mind that depending on the type of contamination, cloths may become discolored, especially light and white clothing. 

Can I brush my teeth?

Always use boiled water to brush your teeth when you have been issued a boil water notice.  You can also use bottled water. 

Can I wash my hands, bath, and shave?

Washing with soap and water is safe for basic hygiene when you have received a boil water notice.  Use caution not to swallow any water while bathing.  Shaving is not recommended as nicks and cuts could become infected.

Should I give my pets boiled water?

YES. Your pets should be drinking boiled or bottled water.  If you mix their food with water, make sure it is boiled or bottled as well. 

Can I use my toilets?

YES.  A boil water notice does not affect how you use your toilet. 

When the boil water notice is lifted, is there anything I need to do?

Before drinking the water after a boil water notice has been lifted, you need to flush the pipes.  Run all the cold water faucets at full stream for at least 5 minutes.  Water using appliances may need special attention too.  If you have an ice maker, discard any previous ice along with the next three batches of ice to make sure the line has been cleaned of any contaminated water.  If you have a hot water heater, water softener, or water cooler, run enough water to completely flush through the reservoir or tank.  All water filters should be replaced.

After any type of water advisory, you may still have concerns about the quality and safety of your water. You can quickly and easily test your water for a variety of contaminants with one of TestAssured’s water testing kits.

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The reason your water sometimes smells like sulfur is due to a concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). Sulfur is one of over 300 chemicals that are commonly found in drinking water.  Sulfates are found in minerals, soil, and rocks and can easily leach in water sources.

Is Sulfur Harmful?

Sulfate and hydrogen sulfide are the two types of sulfur that are can be found in tap water. While the presence of sulfur in your water will give it a foul odor and can sometimes affect the taste, it is safe to drink.  Sulfur and sulfur compounds are not considered harmful at low levels.  At the levels where they would be harmful, the taste and smell would be so unpleasant that most people would find it unpalatable.

Water containing sulfur is considered a nuisance.  It is on the EPA’s list of secondary standards.  This means that it affects the water’s color, taste, odor, corrosivity, and staining, but not its safety.  Although low levels of sulfur do not pose a health risk, they can cause water to become corrosive. Fixtures can become tarnished and stained by the sulfur.

Sulfur Levels

Sulfates

Sulfates have a bitter taste, but they do not produce any odor.  They are a combination of sulfur and oxygen that is naturally found in the soil.  They can also come from industrial waste, landfills, and old septic systems.  As the minerals dissolve over time, they are absorbed into water sources.

High levels of sulfates in your water can make cleaning difficult as the water is prone to leaving behind stains. This can make it a challenge to clean clothes as well as sinks, showers, and tubs.  It can also attract certain bacteria which can cause the formation of a slimy film inside your toilet tank and bowl.  Sulfates do not cause health issues, but they can have a laxative effect.

Hydrogen Sulfide

The presence of hydrogen sulfide in your water is easily noticeable because of the strong sulfur or rotten egg smell.  The smell may only be present when the water is first turned on.  It may be more noticeable when using the hot water.

Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that forms as organic matter is being decomposed by bacteria.  These bacteria thrive in landfills, wells, and water processing equipment like water softeners and water heaters.

Water that has a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide can be corrosive.  It may damage pipes and plumbing fixtures over time.  Similar to sulfates, it generally does not cause any serious health issues.  At higher levels, it can cause nausea.

Getting Rid of the Sulfur Smell

There are a number of treatments available if you are concerned about the sulfur smell coming from your water.

• Chlorination can be used to bind to sulfur, leaving behind yellow particles that can be trapped with a filter
• Aeration causes the sulfur to dissolve
• Activated Carbon Filters work to absorb sulfur molecules
• Distillation and Reverse Osmosis are common treatments for small quantities of water
• Ion Exchange is the typical treatment for large quantities of water

Make Sure Your Water Is Safe

A change in the smell or taste of your water could simply be the result of an increased level of sulfur.  It could also be an indication that something else in your water has changed. TestAssured makes a number of testing kits that you can use to quickly and easily test your water.  With just a few water samples, you can test your water for bacteria and other common contaminants. Any time you notice a change in your water, the best way to make sure it is safe to drink is to test it.

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What Causes Brown Water?

There are actually many different reasons your water could be brown. Some are harmless, while others could pose a serious health risk. That’s why it’s important to stop using your water until you are able to determine the problem.

Sediment

One of the most benign reasons your water could be brown is an accumulation of sediment or rust. Any kind of disruption to the water system could stir up these particles. This can turn clear water into a murky brew.  Nearby construction and water main breaks are the most likely causes of this type of brown water.  In these cases, the water usually clears up in a few hours. While the water might not look appealing, it would be safe to drink.

Rust

Similarly, issues with the plumbing in your home could also cause brown water.  If you have had issues with your pipes or recent plumbing repairs, this could dislodge rust from older pipes.  Likewise, if you have had to turn off the main water supply, the change in water pressure when the system is turned back on can also stir up rust.  Rust, which is oxidized iron, may make your water taste and look bad.  While rust itself isn’t harmful, it could indicate issues with your pipes which could compromise the quality of your water.

Minerals

Other minerals that can cause a disturbing color change in your water are iron and manganese.  Both of these minerals are naturally found in many of the foods we eat and are considered healthy.  Some people even seek out water that is high in these minerals as a natural supplement to their diet.

Water Heater

Maybe you only have brown water when you turn on the hot water. This might mean that the problem is with your water heater.  An anode rod that isn’t functioning properly can cause a change in water color.

Is Brown Water Safe to Drink?

The safety of brown water is hard to determine without knowing the cause.  Most of the common causes of brown water do not pose a health threat.  However, the brown water could be a sign that there is something else wrong with the water supply.  For example, old rusty pipes could be contributing to the off-color. While the rust itself is not harmful, the damaged pipes could allow the water to become contaminated by bacteria.  The best way to know if brown water is safe to drink is to test it.

TestAssured makes an easy to use testing kit with 10 different tests. The test kit will allow you to determine the quality of your water.  The test results might even help you to identify what is causing your water to turn brown.  Most of the tests will provide results within minutes, with the exception of the bacteria test, which takes two days to develop.

What Should You Do If You Have Brown Water?

The first thing you want to do is determine what is causing the color change in your water.  To find out if the problem is caused by the water supply, call your local utility company and ask if they are aware of any issues.  They typically will provide advanced notice if they will be doing any work that could disrupt the water quality and may advise boiling your water before using it.  If the problem isn’t coming from the main supply, the source could be in your home and may require an inspection by a plumber.

If you are unable to make changes to your water system to clear up the water, an easy solution is a water filter.  There are a number of filters available to fit every need and budget.  You can start with something as simple as a filtered water container to clean water for drinking and cooking or you can go for a full home filtration system.

While drinking brown water probably will not cause health problems, it is important to identify the source as a change in water color could be an indication of other issues.

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Air Bubbles

One of the most likely causes of “white water” is the formation of air bubbles. Whether your water comes from a well or a municipal source, water bubbles are created during the pumping process. As the bubbles float to the top, they are eventually released into the air, and the water clears.

Pressure Differences

During cold weather, cloudiness can be caused by increased pressure in the water system or the well pump. Cold water holds more air.  As the water moves from the pipes to your glass, it warms up. The pressure changes and the warmer water releases excess air that is no longer soluble.  The change in pressure creates a slightly carbonated effect that makes the water look cloudy.  Again, this can be remedied by allowing the water to briefly settle.  As the air dissipates, the water will clear.

Particles

Sometimes cloudy water is caused by sediment that gets into the water system.  Small particles of sand and grit can make their way through filtration systems, giving your water an unpleasant look.  This is particularly common with water from poorly maintained wells.  While air bubbles will dissipate after a few minutes, particulate matter will generally sink to the bottom.  Sediment filters are helpful for removing these particles, but this could be an indication that there are bacteria present.

Methane Gas

One of the least common causes of cloudy water is methane gas.  Wells that are found in areas where there are gas and oil wells run the risk of methane contamination.  Methane is a concern because of its flammability and difficulty to detect.  It does not have an odor and will dissipate in a similar way as air bubbles.  If you are concerned about methane in your water, you can use an aerator that helps release the gas into the atmosphere.

What Should You Do?

The most common solution to fix cloudy water is to let the water settle.  After a few minutes, the air bubbles will float to the top, and the pressure will have equalized.  However, if your water doesn’t clear up, this could indicate some type of contamination or damage to the water system.

Watching how the bubbles clear can help you identify if there is a problem with your pipes.  If the bubbles clear from the bottom first, it means there could be trapped air in the pipes that needs to be flushed out.  If the air bubbles start to clear from the top, the pipes could be contaminated with sediment.   A plumber can help to resolve either of these issues.

Another simple test can be performed by running each cold-water source in your home for a few seconds and then filling a glass with water from each tap.  When the water from every tap is cloudy, the cause is most likely air in the municipal supply.  Cloudiness that is not happening at all taps could indicate that some of your aerators need to be cleaned.  If the water remains cloudy after 24 hours, you should call your water company.

Testing Cloudy Water

If you are concerned about the quality of your water, you can easily test for common contaminants using an at-home water testing kit.  TestAssured makes a complete water testing kit that will give  you most test results in under ten minutes.  The kit includes a bacteria test which takes 48 hours for the test to develop.

In most cases, the common causes of cloudy, or white water pose no health threats.  It is safe to cook with, bath in, and to drink.  If the cloudiness bothers you, simply let the water sit for a few minutes before drinking.

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What is TDS?

TDS refers to the Total Dissolved Solids that can be found in a liquid. The solids can be a variety of salts, minerals, metals, anions, and cations.  When they are dissolved in a liquid, their weight can be measured using a TDS meter.

Measuring TDS

The most accurate way to measure TDS is to evaporate the liquid and weigh the solid particles that remain.  This is not always practical, which is why a TDS meter is more commonly used to test for dissolved solids. A TDS meter provides a reading by measuring the conductivity of the dissolved ions in a solution.  Once the reading is taken, a formula is used to convert it into an estimation of the TDS.  The TDS reading can give you an indication of the quality of the water.

How a TDS Meter Works

Because the dissolved solids have an electrical charge, the TDS meter can measure the electrical conductivity.  It does this by emitting a small electrical current that passes through the water.  The meter then captures electrical conductivity, or EC and converts it into a TDS number.  Some meters are designed to provide both the actual EC reading and the TDS value.

TDS Levels

The TDS levels found in water can indicate whether or not it contains contaminants.  This doesn’t necessarily mean the water is unsafe, but it could be an indicator that further testing is needed.  High TDS levels can be caused by hard water which is caused by a high mineral content. Low TDS levels are typically a result of filtration.  Extremely low TDS levels could be problematic, however, as they are associated with corrosion.

TDS levels often vary depending on the area of the country in which you live.  The higher levels of dissolved minerals in certain areas cause hard water, while other areas have lower levels. These lower levels can impact the pH, making the water more acidic and corrosive.

TDS in Drinking Water

The dissolved solids that are typically found in drinking water come from a number of sources.  Many are natural and seep into water through the soil, but some come from pipes, sewage, and chemical run-off.  The amount and type of solids in your water can affect the hardness and taste.

The EPA has labeled TDS as a secondary contaminant that has an aesthetic effect. These are contaminants that can cause the water to have an unpleasant look, taste, or smell, but they are not considered a health threat.  The EPA has set the maximum contaminant level for TDS in drinking water at 500 parts per million, or 500mg/L.  The noticeable effects when levels exceed that threshold include hardness, colored water, deposits, salty taste, and staining.

Using a TDS Meter

A TDS meter is the perfect tool to test drinking water, aquariums, pools, spas, and hydroponics. A home-use TDS meter is a small battery-operated, hand-held device, about one inch by six inches.  It has metal probes at one end that are covered by a protective cap when not in use.  It’s best to test water that is at room temperature.  To perform the test, remove the cap from the probes.  Turn it on, dip it in the water, and wait until you get a reading.  Compare your readings to the chart below:

Level ot TDS (milligrams per liter)	Rating
Less than 300	Excellent
300 - 600	Good
600-900	Fair
900 - 1,200	Poor
Above 1,200	Unacceptable

As you can see, the TDS levels give you an indication as to the quality of your water.  This can be useful for maximizing the lifespan of water filters for drinking water, aquariums, and pools. Filters come with an estimation for replacement, but the TDS meter can show you exactly when they need to be changed.

What to Do About TDS

A high TDS reading simply means that there are particles in your water that could be affecting its smell and taste.  The easiest solution to correct high TDS is to invest in a water filter.  There are a variety of filters available from inexpensive, individual bottle filters, too much more expensive whole house systems.  Remember, high TDS levels do not mean that your water is unsafe to drink, but investing in a TDS meter is an easy way to regularly monitor your water quality.

If you really want to know what is causing high TDS level, you can purchase a water testing kit that is designed to test for particular contaminants.  This will give you more detailed information as to what is in your water and at what levels.

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Most sources suggest that you drink at least 16oz of water as soon as you wake up.  Some people feel the more you drink at this time, the more benefits your body will reap.  Because at least 60 percent of the body is made up of water, staying hydrated helps to maintain your fluid balance.  This enables your body to transport nutrients, regulate temperature, and digest food.  Here are six more reasons you should make it a priority to drink at least one large glass of water upon waking up.

1. Water can help your kidneys flush out toxins.

The kidneys work hard to purge toxins from your body, but they need an adequate amount of fluid to do their job.   When you start rehydrating with water in the morning, your helping your kidneys to flush out toxins that may have built up during the night as the body became dehydrated. Drinking water in the morning, and throughout the day, helps to remove toxins from the blood which results in a clear, glowing complexion.

2. You’ll improve your brain function.

Brain tissue is composed of approximately 75% water. Dehydration that occurs during the night impacts your brain activity.  When you’re dehydrated, the brain is forced to operate on less fuel, which can leave you feeling drained, fatigued, and depressed.   Replacing your coffee with a glass of water in the morning can help you feel more awake and alert.

3. It aids digestion.

Drinking a glass of water to rehydrate after sleeping helps the body with digestion.   Getting plenty of water helps to move the lower bowels and will keep you regular in the mornings. Water also purifies the colon, so that it is easier for the body to absorb nutrients from food.

4. It will keep your body healthy.

Rehydrating in the morning helps to keep you healthy.  Water keeps your lymph system in balance. Your lymph glands are responsible for equalizing the fluid in your body and fighting infections. A healthy lymph system can also increase the production of new blood and muscles cells.

5. It increases your metabolism.

Pour yourself a large glass of cold water after you wake up if you want to speed up your metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day.  Drinking water first thing in the morning has been shown to increase metabolism by almost 25%.  While drinking water doesn’t actually burn any calories, it does ensure that your metabolism is functioning at its peak.

6. Drinking water makes you feel full.

When you drink water in the morning, you can suppress your appetite, so you eat less. Drink a glass of water before breakfast has zero calories and could help you to eat less when you do have breakfast.  It can also help curb snacking before lunch.

Know What You Are Drinking

Drinking water in the morning is something that should be part of your daily routine, but be sure to also drink plenty of water throughout the day.  When you’re drinking water to improve your health, it’s important to make sure that you are drinking safe, clean water.  Many of the contaminants that are cause for concern can easily go undetected because they are colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

One way to make sure your water is helping to keep you healthy is to test it regularly.  There are a number of cost-effective kits that allow you to quickly and conveniently test your water without mixing chemicals or mailing away samples.  TestAssured’s Complete Water Analysis Test Kit includes ten tests that will give you results within 10 minutes with the exception of the bacteria test which takes 48 hours.

Drink Water in the Morning

Water is essential for the body to function properly.  Make it a habit to drink water in the morning every day.  Not only will it help to wake you up, but it will also help to keep you healthy.

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