Zinc is an essential nutrient for human health. However, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. If your water contains high levels of zinc, it can have negative consequences on your health, in addition to affecting the taste and smell of your tap water. Today we’re going to talk about how zinc can get into your drinking water and the effects of consuming too much of it!
How does zinc get into drinking water?
Zinc is naturally present in rocks and soil, which allows it to seep into water supplies. Normally, naturally-occurring zinc is not an issue when it comes to drinking water quality.
The problem is that many types of industrial activity produce high levels of zinc in the form of waste, which can seep into the ground. This is especially problematic for homes with well water that are near industrial plants.
Another common way that zinc gets into water supplies is via galvanized pipes. If you have an older home with galvanized pipes, zinc can leech into your water as it travels through your plumbing system and out of your taps.
What are the effects of high levels of zinc in drinking water?
At low- to moderate-concentrations in drinking water, zinc can have the following effects:
- Drinking water develops an astringent and metallic taste
- Water has a “chalky” appearance
- Water develops a greasy film when boiling
- Water can corrode your home’s pipes
At high concentrations, zinc can have more severe health effects, including:
- Stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting
- A higher risk of affecting your brain functions, including memory, learning and stress management capabilities
How can you remove zinc from your drinking water?
The best way to remove zinc from your drinking water is to install a water filter in your home. If the zinc is coming from your water supply, a whole house filtration system is the best option because it will remove zinc from the water that comes out of every tap in your home. If the zinc is coming from the pipes in your home, you should also consider installing a point-of-use system that will remove contaminants that your water picks up as it travels through your home’s plumbing system.
If you have any questions about zinc in drinking water, or if you’d like a water system serviced or installed in your home, contact North Carolina Water Consultants, your whole house water filter and water softener dealer in North Carolina and South Carolina. We service areas all over the Carolinas, including towns like Sherrills Ford, Mooresville and Denver, NC.