Why Water Quality Changes at Different Times of the Year
Many of the bodies of water that we eventually drink from are teeming with living organisms and contain their own biosystems. Because of this, the characteristics of your drinking water can change drastically depending on the season. Continue reading to explore precisely why water quality changes at different times of the year.
Source of Our Drinking Water
Most people’s drinking water comes from rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The water then travels through numerous pipe networks from the entry points to a treatment facility, a storage tank, and finally to our homes. Since these bodies of water are part of an ever-changing ecosystem, weather and environmental changes can have an impact on their quality.
Environmental Impact
An unfortunate reality for many water sources is the constant threat of contamination from outside sources. Polluted stormwater runoff, sewage discharges, and recreational debris are the most common sources of microbiological contamination.
Precipitation scoops up these pollutants and other impurities as it washes off lawns, farmland, roadways, and other soil surfaces, ending up in streams. Because of this, contaminant levels are exceptionally high during and immediately after rainfall.
Seasonal Differences
There are different chemical reactions in water depending on the time of year. For example, cities commonly use road salt (sodium chloride) to help de-ice roads and walkways during the winter. Since chloride is water-soluble and doesn’t dissolve, when the snow melts, the quality of the water alters as it flows due to the high concentration of this chemical.
As winter gives way to spring, the temperature rises, causing chemical reactions in the water to accelerate. Water reservoirs will be subjected to a large intake of chemicals from the terrain and nitrogen from melting snowfall. This can result in toxic algae blooms and abrupt pH fluctuations.
How To Ensure Consistent Quality
Understanding why water quality changes at different times of the year helps toemphasize the need for solutions to ensure consistent and favorable conditions. Installing a complete house water filtration system is one of the best methods to ensure your drinking water is pure and free of harmful contaminants. These systems can handle any type of changes your water sources may experience.
If you’re worried about the quality of water in your home, Alamo Water Softeners offers the best water testing in San Antonio. These tests can check for potential contamination and ensure that your filter works correctly. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products.
