With all kinds of health issues facing us today, many wonder if water quality has anything to do with it. Most people take their water quality for granted. The water looks clear, doesn't smell too bad, and it hasn't hurt anyone that you know of. Water qualities differ from state to state, depending on the sources available. Here are some tips that can help you understand your tap water and if filtration is necessary:

1. Visit the EPA link and find out what your source water is. Find out what possible concerns you may be facing and what is being done about it. Also look for news articles from your local news source for past stories concerning water quality issues.

2. Find out what chemicals are used to disinfect your tap water. The two main disinfectants are chlorine and chloramines. Here in Florida, the treatment facilities primarily use chloramines, which is a combination of chlorine and ammonia. You also want to find out where your treatment plant is. The closer you are to your treatment plant, the higher the dose of chemicals that will enter your home. These chemicals are very effective in killing viruses and bacteria. Once the water arrives at your home, you no longer have the need for those chemicals. Get yourself a testing kit and test your tap water for chlorine. The darker the test results, the higher the level of chlorine present.

3. What are the ages of the persons in the home? Everybody reacts to chemicals and contaminants differently. Some people are very sensitive, some are never sick. If anyone in the home has a weak immune system, such as the elderly, or infants and young children, you should probably invest in filtration, regardless of the existing tap quality. There is no reason to take an unnecessary risk when it comes to your health.

4. Do you live in a condo or a house? Your living arrangements can play a big part in determining what type of filtration to invest in. If you live in a small house or condo, individual drinking filters and shower filters are probably the most cost effective way to filter your water. You can usually find good quality filters for both drinking and shower that require very little maintenance, and only semi annual filter changes. If you live in a large home with multiple bathrooms, a whole house filter would clean the water coming out of every tap in the home, saving you money on multiple filter replacements.

5. Don't procrastinate. Once you determine your needs, find a quality company that deals in water filtration. Any filtration is good filtration, but make sure that you get what you need for adequate protection.

Good day and good luck.