Where Do We Get Our Water?

Over at Anglian Water, they’ve provided some statistics of how they supply water to their customers.

From this, we can see that the water supplied to us is evenly split between two main sources. Whilst these percentages ring true for Anglian Water, it is likely that other such companies differ.

Regardless, Anglian Water tells us that there is a clear 50% split from their sources. The first source is rivers and reservoirs, and the second is underground sources.

The best example we can provide would be the river Thames, which is a large supplier of the water used within London.

Whilst there have been issues with this water in the past, it does demonstrate the fact that this is indeed how most of our water is gathered.

As water is drawn from rivers and reservoirs, known as groundwater, it undergoes massive treatment processes to decontaminate the water and remove built-up sediment.

The process does differ slightly with underground sources, as these are not as heavily treated. Groundwater is much more likely to have contaminating elements due to its exposure to the environment and the myriad of things that it can come into contact with.

What Should I Be Aware Of?

Many substances can be found in tap water, and we want to give you all the facts you need!

Two substances that you are most likely to have within your tap water are chlorine and limescale.

Chlorine is regularly used within the treatment process, this is due to it being a well-proven method of decontaminating water. The use of chlorine with the facilities is heavily monitored, so you can rest assured that you won’t come into contact with an unhealthy amount.

Limescale is a mixture of two substances, these being calcium and magnesium carbonate; limescale is formed when high mineral content hard water is heated up. This is why you are likely to find it in your dishwashers. Water softeners are a great way to fix this in your household.

Fluoride, lead, and microplastics are three things that could be in your water, but are unlikely to be.

Fluoride can occur naturally in water, but it has been added to water. The reason for this is its ability to reduce tooth decay, but this is a heavily debated ethical topic.

Lead is often picked up from old pipes whilst the water is on route to your home. Softwater is more at risk of lead contamination, but special treatment is given to water in lead piped areas, with the aim of reducing the content.

Microplastics are likely to be present in water, and the health reasons are still being investigated. Something that we offer that can help in this case are our wonderful water filters!

Other substances can be found in your tap water, but these are highly unlikely to be present. These are all targeted during the treatment process, and you are likely to be contacted if your water supplier feels your area is at risk.

That’s all from us today. If this post has raised any questions for you, why not give us a call on 01462 455772 and we can give your more information.