Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right. However, not all tap water in Tulsa, OK, is entirely safe to drink. Many of our state’s water contaminants can go undetected by the human eye, nose, or taste buds, negatively affecting our health. When it comes to our offices, where we spend hours every day, ensuring that the water we drink is clean and safe is crucial. It’s also important to understand what’s contaminating our drinking water. So, Artesian Bottleless Water is here with some of the five most common ways our tap water in Oklahoma is contaminated. 

5 Ways Oklahoma’s Tap Water Gets Contaminated

1. Old Pipes and Fixtures

Old pipes and fixtures are a common source of contaminants in tap water across the state. When the water sits in old pipes, it may absorb harmful substances like lead, which result in significant health problems. While many state and federal regulations require the replacement of lead pipes and plumbing on public properties, including offices, it’s crucial to check the age of your building’s plumbing regularly. If your office building is old, consider hiring a plumber to assess the pipes and plumbing fixtures for potential issues.

2. Chlorine and Chloramine 

While chlorine and chloramine are essential disinfectants used to make tap water safe to drink, they can also lead to health concerns. Overexposure to chlorine can cause irritation of the eyes, respiratory problems, or even cancer. Additionally, the taste and smell of chlorine can make drinking tap water unenjoyable. There are multiple technologies that can remove chlorine and chloramine from your office water. Activated carbon filters are one efficient option.

3. Microbial Contaminants 

Microbial contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, are prevalent in tap water sources. They can cause waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. Such contaminants can enter the tap water system through various means, including broken pipes and leakage, surface water runoffs, or sewage overflow. Regular testing of your office’s drinking water for harmful microbes per regulatory requirements should be in order. If your office building utilizes a good source, an Ultraviolet (UV) system can efficiently prevent and control microbial contamination of drinking water.

4. Agricultural and Industrial Runoffs

Runoff from agricultural and industrial areas is one of the major causes of water contamination. These areas use chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, which can easily get carried into water sources through rain or runoff. The presence of these chemicals in tap water has been linked to a wide range of health issues such as nausea, skin rashes, and reproductive problems. To protect your office water from these contaminants, regularly test your office’s drinking water for harmful chemicals, and consider investing in Reverse Osmosis water filtration, which is effective for chemical removal from the water.

5. Cross-Contamination 

Finally, cross-contamination from pollutants in the environment can alter your drinking water’s taste, odor, and quality. Your office building may have a cross-connection that happens through backflow or improper installation of fixtures, such as your boiler, and this can introduce dangerous chemicals into your building’s drinking water supply. Fortunately, installing a backflow prevention device in your office water system can minimize such contamination, which will improve the quality and safety of your office drinking water.

Signs of Contaminated Drinking Water 

Whether it’s for staying hydrated or making a cup of coffee, access to clean and safe office drinking water is crucial for our well-being. However, what if the water we are consuming at work is contaminated? It is essential to be aware of the signs that may indicate your office’s drinking water is contaminated. Here are some red flags to look out for:

Changes in Water Color and Taste 

Clean drinking water should be clear, odorless, and tasteless. If you notice any changes in the color or smell of your office’s tap water, it could be a sign of contamination. Discoloration or a foul smell could indicate the presence of bacteria, chemicals, or other impurities in the water.

Unusual Sediment Particles 

If you see tiny particles floating in your office’s drinking water, it could be an indication that there is sediment present in the pipes. Sediment can come from various sources such as rusted pipes, debris buildup, or even microorganisms like algae. These particles can contaminate your drinking water and make it unhealthy to consume.

Presence of Mold or Mildew 

Mold and mildew love to thrive in damp environments – like pipes and storage tanks that hold our drinking water. If you spot any mold or mildew growth around your office’s taps or on walls near plumbing fixtures, it could mean that these harmful organisms have made their way into your office’s drinking water.

Unexplained Illness Among Employees

If several employees start experiencing similar symptoms such as stomach aches, diarrhea, or skin rashes, it could be due to contaminated drinking water at work. These illnesses may occur because of exposure to bacteria, viruses, or chemicals present in the contaminated water.

Low Water Pressure

A drop in water pressure can be a warning sign of pipe damage, which can lead to contamination. Damaged pipes can allow harmful substances to seep into the water supply, making it unsafe for consumption.

As you can see, it’s vital to pay attention to the signs of contaminated office drinking water. By staying vigilant and taking necessary precautions, we can ensure that our workplace remains a healthy environment for all employees. Remember, if you have any doubts about the quality of your office’s drinking water, it is always better to err on the side of caution and report it immediately.

A Worry-Free Drinking Water Solution

By identifying how tap water becomes contaminated in offices, you can take steps to improve the quality and safety of the water delivered to your employees. If you’d rather have a worry-free solution, then contact Artesian Bottleless Water. We proudly serve Tulsa, OK, businesses, providing them with pure, clean drinking water through our bottleless water and ice coolers. Say goodbye to stinking, dingy tap water, and sip on clean, pure, refreshing water from one of our systems. 

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