We’re so used to turning on a faucet and getting water that it can be easy to forget that our tap water originally comes from a real water supply somewhere out in the world. And as it turns out, the conditions of that water supply at any given time of the year can affect the quality of the water that comes out of our taps. One such example of this is the amount of algae in our source water. Today we’re going to talk about the effects that algae has on our drinking water and what you can do to remove it from the tap water in your home!
Algae blooms occur sporadically throughout the year
The amount of algae that is present in surface water supplies varies throughout the year. Sometimes, there can be a very small amount of algae in the water. Other times, such as during an algae bloom, there can be a very high concentration of algae in the water. As you’ll see below, the amount of algae that’s present in surface water supplies at any given time can greatly alter the taste, smell and quality of the water that comes out of your taps.
Algae blooms tend to occur most frequently during the spring and summer months, because algae thrives in warm and sunny conditions. However, there are some other factors that have increased the amount of algae blooms throughout the year. For example, some scientists have linked certain aspects of climate change, such as warmer temperatures and increased precipitation, with an increase in algae blooms in recent years. In addition, runoff from agricultural activity near surface water supplies can also increase the amount of algae blooms throughout the year.
What are the effects of algae on our drinking water?
- Poor tasting water. When algae levels are high, it can impart a taste in your drinking water that is often described as earthy or musty.
- Strange smelling water. In addition to tasting bad, drinking water with high levels of algae tends to smell grassy, earthy or fishy.
- Unhealthy water. Algae gives off a category of toxins known as microcystins. When people are exposed to microcystins, whether through drinking water or bathing water, they can develop symptoms like nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
How can you remove algae from your drinking water?
Because the amount of algae in our water supplies varies throughout the year, the quality of your drinking water can be very inconsistent. A whole house water filtration system can remove traces of algae and its byproducts from your water. This will ensure that your home’s water tastes, smells and feels great no matter how much algae is in your water supplies. An activated carbon filter is typically the most effective type of filtration system when it comes to removing microcystins because those toxins are tiny and can slip through the cracks of many other types of filters.
If you have any questions about the effects of algae on drinking water, or if you’d like a water system serviced or installed in your home, contact North Carolina Water Consultants, your water softener and whole house water filter dealer in North Carolina and South Carolina. We provide service all over the Carolinas, including towns like Clemmons, Statesville and Belmont, NC.