Home Health Inspections LLC

📞 Service Area Statement:

We proudly serve clients throughout Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties — and will travel anywhere within Washington State as needed.

*Additional travel fees may apply for inspections outside our primary service region.

Water Tests

Drinking Water Quality – A Homeowner’s Guide to Understanding Common Contaminants

Why Water Quality Matters

Clean drinking water is something every household depends on, yet many homes are exposed to invisible contaminants that can affect both health and taste. Some substances occur naturally, while others enter water through plumbing, treatment processes, or pollution.

Even if your water looks clear, it may contain harmful chemicals or particles. Regular testing and monitoring are the only ways to ensure your family is drinking safe, healthy water.

Nitrates

  • What they are: Nitrates are compounds that come from fertilizers, animal waste, and septic systems. They often seep into groundwater.
  • Why they matter: High levels can reduce the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. This is especially dangerous for infants, leading to a condition known as “blue baby syndrome.”
  • Who’s at risk: Homes with private wells are more likely to have nitrate issues than homes with city water.
  • Prevention: Properly maintain septic systems and avoid over-fertilizing lawns near wells. Water treatment systems can also remove nitrates.

pH Levels

  • What it is: pH measures how acidic or alkaline your water is on a scale of 0–14, with 7 being neutral.
  • Why it matters:
    • Low pH (acidic water) can corrode pipes, leaching metals like lead and copper into drinking water.
    • High pH (alkaline water) may cause scaling and affect taste.
  • Ideal range: Most health experts recommend a pH between 6.5 and 8.5 for safe drinking water.
  • Prevention: pH can be adjusted with treatment systems that neutralize acidity or reduce alkalinity.

Heavy Metals: Lead, Copper, and Bromine

Lead

  • What it is: A toxic heavy metal that can leach from older pipes, solder, and plumbing fixtures.
  • Why it matters: Even tiny amounts are harmful, especially for children, causing developmental delays, learning problems, and long-term health issues.
  • Prevention: Replace old pipes, use certified water filters, and test water regularly.

Copper

  • What it is: An essential nutrient in small amounts, but harmful at high levels when it leaches from corroded copper pipes.
  • Why it matters: Too much copper can cause stomach upset, nausea, and long-term liver or kidney problems.
  • Prevention: Maintain proper pH levels in water to reduce pipe corrosion, and use filters if needed.

Bromine

  • What it is: A chemical sometimes used as a disinfectant (similar to chlorine) or found in groundwater near industrial or agricultural areas.
  • Why it matters: High bromine levels can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, and may react with other compounds to form potentially harmful byproducts.
  • Prevention: Advanced water filtration systems can remove bromine and its byproducts.

Chlorine

  • What it is: A disinfectant added to municipal water supplies to kill bacteria and viruses.
  • Why it matters:
    • Small amounts are safe and protect against harmful germs.
    • High levels can cause unpleasant taste, odor, skin irritation, and may contribute to long-term health risks when combined with other chemicals.
  • Who’s at risk: Homes on city water systems, especially where treatment is heavy.
  • Prevention: Activated carbon filters can reduce chlorine taste and odor.

Particulate Matter (Sediment and Micro-Particles)

  • What it is: Tiny particles like dirt, sand, rust, or organic debris that can get into water from old pipes or wells.
  • Why it matters:
    • Large particles don’t usually harm health but can clog appliances, stain laundry, and make water taste unpleasant.
    • Some microscopic particles may carry harmful bacteria or chemicals.
  • Who’s at risk: Homes with older plumbing or untreated well water.
  • Prevention: Sediment filters and routine maintenance of plumbing and water systems.

The Bottom Line

Even clear, good-tasting water can contain hidden contaminants.

  • Nitrates threaten infants.
  • pH levels affect plumbing safety.
  • Heavy metals (lead, copper, bromine) can cause serious health problems.
  • Chlorine protects water but may cause issues at higher levels.
  • Particles can indicate bigger water system problems.

Testing your water is the only way to know what’s really in it. Once you know, solutions like filters, treatment systems, or plumbing updates can make your drinking water safe and refreshing.

A Home Health Inspection that includes water quality testing gives you peace of mind that your family’s water supply is free of harmful contaminants.