Can There be Metals in Water?

The water coming out of your kitchen sink is a lot more than just H20. Testing your water for potential toxins is sometimes necessary for this reason. The search typically starts with the elements that are considered at least five times denser than water, known as heavy metals.

The 5 types of heavy metals commonly found in a trace metal analysis in water in Austin, TX  include:

#1 Manganese It is found in 68% of the groundwater in the United States. This mineral happens to be an essential nutrient for humans and animals that occurs naturally in the air, soil and water. However, overexposure can lead to health problems. You don't need to know simply that it is there, but how much of it is there.

#2 Lead Lead is usually found in tap water due to corroded pipes that have been on the property for a long period of time. Risk varies if exposed to large amounts of Lead. The only way to find out if you have lead in your water supply is to seek help from a professional for a trace metal analysis in Austin, TX. You cannot taste, see, or smell lead in your water.

#3 Arsenic It sounds like a chemical made in a lab, but Arsenic is actually a naturally occurring element in our soil and rocks. When combined with other elements, it can be used to preserve wood and kill insects. It's also very dangerous when ingested by humans.

#4 Chromium Recently, researchers have found that high amounts of Chromium can lead to severe health effects such as cancer, reproductive harm and even damage to the liver and kidneys.

#5 Copper Trace metal analysis in water in Austin, TX can also look for copper. Copper is a vital nutrient for all living organisms. However, it can be harmful in large amounts.

Before we move on, don't think that any and all trace levels of heavy metals are toxic or even bad. It’s important to understand that some of these heavy metals are essential for healthy biochemical function, including Manganese and Copper. However metals such as Lead, Chromium, and Arsenic can be toxic when ingested in small or large quantities. You probably don't need a team of scientists to tell you that you don't want to be drinking Arsenic is your tap water!

"This sounds scary!" you may be thinking. You might also be wondering how these heavy metals can find their way into the water source of your home or business. Sadly, it is a lot easier than you would hope. These toxins are heavily relied upon in industrial, agricultural, and technological settings. To put it plainly, they run off and find their way to our water source. Now, not all water is the same because water sources differ. A home in San Francisco California doesn't have the same water source as one in Buffalo, New York. This is why it’s especially important to test your water for heavy metal contamination if you live in an area where mining, metal processing, or paper processing facilities are located. These industries are well known for heavy metal runoff that finds its way into the water source.