City Water – Check on the supply’s quality with State or local health officials or the local water utility itself. (i.e., Study the water quality report sent to you each year.)
Well Water – Contact the local health department to determine if your home is in an area known to have certain contaminants and to identify other potential sources of contaminants. Consider past and present land uses in your area – such as the application of lawn care and agricultural chemicals, improper disposal of household chemicals (including used motor oil), and nearby gas stations or other businesses.
If you suspect you have a problem with your water, have it tested to confirm the nature and extent of the problem. Try to identify which contaminants you want to test for, because unnecessary testing may be quite expensive. Select a NJDEP certified laboratory.
First, it is important to distinguish between treatments for health protection versus aesthetic, cosmetic, or economic reasons.
If you obtain drinking water from a private household well, you are primarily responsible for the quality of the drinking water drawn from your well.
No single water treatment system is able to remove all the substances that may be present in your water. The first step toward deciding which unit is best for your situation is to identify which substance(s) you want/need to remove, based on health-related and/or aesthetic concerns. Second, find a unit that is designed to remove the substance(s). Take your time and do your due diligence to select the product and company best for your needs. To help you identify the best unit for the task, follow these simple guidelines:
In addition to selecting the proper unit, you must also be careful to use and maintain the unit properly. Follow carefully any manufacturer’s instructions and consider testing your water periodically to confirm that the unit is working.
