Wednesday
September 18, 2024 
According to the National Science Foundation (NSF.org), 91% of Americans used some type of home water filtration system in 2023.
The estimated length of time a human can go without water is about three days.
Whether you have public or private water, a water filtration system may increase the enjoyment you take from the tap, as well as reduce your risk of exposure to such dangerous contaminants as lead, mercury, chlorine and micro organisms.
Leigh Nunno, a Realtor and associate broker at Keller Williams Real Estate in Doylestown, said water filtration systems may not be top of mind for many homeowners but it is something prospective home buyers care significantly about.
“When working with buyers it is something we dig into. We’ll see filtration systems even with those who have public water service,” Nunno said.
From a Brita refillable water pitcher to point-of-contact cartridges and whole-house systems, there are a variety of water filter systems available for home use.
UV water purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill off dangerous bacteria like E. coli and other microorganisms in the water supply. They are not the same as — and should not be considered — a sediment or particle filtration system, according to Aquasana Inc. (aquasana.com).
Water softeners are another type of system, although again they help reduce the impact of hard water and prolong the useful life of pipes and fixtures, Nunno said.
Nunno recommends periodic water sample testing for homeowners. She said prospective home buyers should consider requesting a clean bill of health on a property’s water supply early in the process to avoid problems later.
“Buyers can choose to do a fast and inexpensive test to check for coliform. You can also spend hundreds of dollars testing for lead and arsenic, which are things that are not good for us to be ingesting,” she explained.
If you have any suspicions about your drinking water supply, a professional water sample and lab analysis is the best place to start.
“We have a lot of local companies in Bucks County that will take a sample and take it to the lab” for appropriate testing, Nunno said.
Some companies walk the property owner through taking the sample and mailing it to a lab for evaluation and analysis.
During a professional site sampling, Nunno said, any existing water filter systems will be noted at the point of service in which they are placed.
Because it’s the most heavily used source in most homes, water testing samples are often pulled from the tap at the kitchen sink. If there is a sink water filter, it will be removed to pull the sample, Nunno said.
And water samples from systems in unused properties may provide inaccurate results.
These would include taking a sample after an extended vacation stay or if the home has been vacant due to ownership transition or has not been occupied for some length of time.
“This can also be the case during an estate situation and sale, where the home has been empty,” Nunno said.
In a region with rich and abundance ground water resources it’s no surprise many of us take water – and its availability – for granted.
For more information about water safety and regulations, in Bucks County, visit the Bucks County Department of Health at buckscounty.gov.
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