Water Problems in Stillwater, MN: Is It Safe?
Water is essential to life. We need it to survive in life. But what happens when the water we consume is contaminated with harmful substances? In Stillwater, Minnesota, there have been concerns about the safety of the water. According to a report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are 17 known contaminants in the water, eight of which exceed the EWG health guidelines. As a result, people have been left wondering if the water in Stillwater, MN, is safe to drink. Should the water even be supplied to residents? How can one tell if they have already consumed these contaminants, and what can you do as a consumer? These are some of the questions that this blog post seeks to answer.
Does Stillwater, MN, Have Hard Water?
Stillwater, MN, has hard water. Hard water is water with high levels of dissolved minerals, typically calcium and magnesium. The source of water in Stillwater, MN, is the St. Croix River, which is known for its high mineral content.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the hardness level in Stillwater, MN, ranges from 15-22 GPG, which is considered very hard water. This implies that the water in Stillwater contains a high level of dissolved minerals, which can lead to several problems.
Are There Contaminants in the Water?
There are quite several contaminants in Stillwater, MN. One of the most concerning contaminants is PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). PFAS are a class of chemicals that are resistant to heat, water, grease, and oil.
According to a recent study, Stillwater’s water has some of the highest levels of PFAS in Minnesota.
Other contaminants found in Stillwater’s water include:
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Dibromochloromethane,
- Haloacetic acids (HAA9),
- Nitrate
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs).
What Effects Do Water Contaminants Have on My Health
Water contaminants can have a range of negative health effects, depending on the level of exposure. For example, exposure to PFAS has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and liver damage, thyroid disease, increased risk of asthma, low birth weight, delayed development, and decreased fertility. Chloroform and bromodichloromethane have been linked to an increased risk of bladder and colon cancer as well as reproductive and birth defects.
Nitrates, on the other hand, can be especially harmful to infants and young children. High levels of nitrates in drinking water can lead to “blue baby syndrome,” which can be fatal.
An aerial view of the Twin Cities Suburb of Stillwater, Minnesota
How Do I Know What the Quality of My Water Is?
It’s very important to confirm the quality of your water to ensure that it is safe and healthy for consumption. Here are three ways you can determine the quality of your water:
Check Your Local Water Quality Report
Your local water supplier is required by law to provide an annual water quality report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report should provide details about the source of your water, any contaminants present, and the levels of those contaminants.
Test Your Water
You can also test your water yourself using a home water testing kit. These kits are available at most hardware or home improvement stores and can test for various contaminants.
Contact a Certified Laboratory
You can opt to send a sample of your water to a certified laboratory for testing. This option is more accurate as the laboratory will conduct a thorough analysis of your water sample and provide detailed results. You can find a certified laboratory by contacting your local health department or searching online.
Should I Test My Water at Home?
Absolutely! Testing your home water is a smart move. It will allow you to access valuable information about the quality of your water. What’s more, it can also help you identify any issues that may need to be addressed to improve the taste, odor, or safety of your water.
How to Get Rid of PFAS in Drinking Water?
There are three widely used methods of removing PFAS from drinking water. These are:
Carbon Activation
Carbon is used in this method to adsorb the PFAS molecules, removing them from the water. This method is commonly used in point-of-use and point-of-entry systems. There are activated carbon filters for home use, and they can be easily installed in the sink or the main water supply line.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Reverse Osmosis systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants from the water. The membrane has pores that are smaller than the PFAS molecules, which allow it to remove those molecules from the water. RO systems can be installed under the sink or at the point of entry to the home.
Ion Exchange
Ion exchange involves exchanging the PFAS molecules with other ions. The method involves passing the water through a resin that contains charged ions. The PFAS molecules are attracted to the charged ions and are removed from the water. Ion exchange systems can be installed at the point of entry or point of use.
Get Rid of PFAS in Drinking Water the Correct Way
The water in Stillwater, Minnesota, has a range of contaminants, including PFAS, which have been linked to a range of negative health effects. If you’re concerned about the quality of your water, there are steps you can take, including testing your water and treating it through carbon activation, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis.
At Aquarius Water Condition, we have the right tools and expertise to test your water and recommend the best solution for your needs. We can help you remove PFAS and other contaminants in your water. Don’t sit and consume water that’s harmful to your health. Take action today. Call us at 844-565-9194, and let’s clean your water!
