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It's hard to avoid stories about contaminated drinking water. The stories are all over the news about discoveries of arsenic or lead in the drinking water of some area or other. The warnings of air pollution mixing with rainwater and entering the ground water are very compelling. What we used to be able to take for granted is now a frightening mystery. Where does that water come from?

What else is in it? Will it stain my clothes? Will it discolor my hair? Will it cause my family to become ill? Those questions may seem to be connected to the popularity of water filter systems, but the truth is that the main reason people buy water filters is because their tap water smells funny.

What's that Smell?

First of all, don't worry. Tap water with an odd smell is usually safe to drink. There are many reasons for water to have a slight odor. In the city, water is treated and runs through miles of pipes.

The municipal drinking water filter system doesn't always eliminate all of the organisms and ground contaminants in the water. Public water is tested often and is almost always safe to drink. Some city pipe systems can be old. Corrosion in the pipes or pipes installed before current safety standards were set can add to the pollution of the water. Sometimes rust can find its way into tap water.

The chemicals used to clean the water can also add an unpleasant odor or taste. Usually just running the water for a moment is enough of a drinking water filter system. However, well water is not overseen by the city. Contaminated ground water can find its way into wells more easily than into city reservoirs. If well water tastes bad, the health department will test it. Then, if needed, a drinking water filter system can be chosen.

If there are metallic elements in the water, you might want to add a drinking water filter system to all the water that comes into the home. Even if it's safe for drinking, cleaner water is better for washing clothes, dishes and people. Shower water is better without the chlorine that kills those harmful organisms.

Water for drinking and cooking can have an additional drinking water filter system for better taste. This will ensure that any rust or corrosion from your homes pipes will be kept from the water you and your family drink.