1. WHAT IS A PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) defines a public water system (PWS) as one that serves piped water to at least 25 persons or 15 service connections for at least 60 days each year. Such systems may be publicly or privately owned.

Community water systems (CWSs) are public water systems that serve people year-round in their homes. Most people get their water from a community water system. The EPA also regulates other kinds of public water systems, such as those at schools, campgrounds, factories, and restaurants.

2. ARE LEAD PIPES USED IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM?

Lead distribution pipes are common in some municipal water systems, or are used for service connections to homes.
Water can corrode lead pipes, causing dissolved and particulate lead to leach into drinking water, creating a health
hazard. Check with your state water agency or local water supplier for more information on your community’s
distribution system.

3. ARE THERE LEAD OR COPPER PIPES IN YOUR HOME PLUMBING SYSTEM?

Lead pipes and copper pipes joined with lead-based solder are often found in older homes, and can be a source of lead impurities.

4. ARE THERE IRON PIPES IN YOUR HOME PLUMBING SYSTEM?

Iron, rust, and the resulting particles can be unpleasant both to your eye and palate.

5. ARE ASBESTOS-CEMENT PIPES USED IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS?

Asbestos-Cement piping is still in use today and is being installed in new homes and businesses. Corrosion of these pipes can result in high levels of asbestos in drinking water.  Ingesting asbestos has been linked to increased incidence of stomach cancer. If lead and asbestos-cement pipes exist in your system, ask your water supplier about the water’s pH level and corrosion index. The more corrosive the water, the more likely lead and asbestos will leach into the water.

6. WHAT ARE SOME QUESTIONABLE SALES TACTICS?

A few unscrupulous salespeople exist in every industry. If you feel you have encountered one, contact the Better Business Bureau or the Water Quality Association. Here are some pitfalls to be aware of:

  1. Although understanding water quality is important, some salespeople may be using scare tactics to get a sale. Doing research before deciding what filtration system to buy is the best way to ensure you are informed.
  2. High pressure situations insisting you sign up on the spot. As with all decisions, careful consideration will increase the likelihood of selecting the most appropriate product.
  3. Door-to-door salespeople claiming to be from your local municipality. Although the local municipality is concerned with your well-being, the chance of them selling you a product is not likely.
  4. “One product solves all problems” pitch. While you can purchase a filtration system that solves a variety of water quality problems, no product can solve all problems.
  5. Claims that products are maintenance free. All reliable products require maintenance. Filtration systems are often designed to perform at their potential for 6 months to 1 year and then require filter cartridge changes.