According to the Federal Trade Commission, public fears about the purity of our water in Connecticut and across the nation has increased dramatically over the years. Reports of leaking landfills, corroding lead pipes and crumbling gasoline storage tanks can paint a gloomy picture of toxic wastes, pesticides and other chemicals seeping into both our ground water and our wells.
These fears, however, also create a perfect setting for unscrupulous salespeople to use scare tactics and fraudulent methods to sell unneeded and unnecessary water treatment devices.
If you ever receive an offer at your home for a free water analysis, be aware that such offers are almost always part of a sales promotion. Sellers that advertise “free home water testing” in CT may only be interested in selling you a water treatment device, whether you need it or not. Because there is no charge for the “testing,” consumers are often willing to allow a company representative into their home to analyze their water for impurities.
The Federal Trade Commission suggests that consumers take the following steps before purchasing any type of water treatment system.
- Avoid “free” in-home water tests in CT. In-home analysis does not provide the specific, in-depth analysis that is required to determine if your water needs treatment and what kind of system is suited to your needs. Especially avoid dealing with salespersons who tell you that your drinking water is polluted, contaminated or bad for your family’s health based on their in home testing.
- Be wary of claims of government approval. Fraudulent sellers use many sales techniques. Some claim that certain government agencies require or recommend widespread use of purification systems. Others claim that the government has approved a particular method for in-home water testing. Still others claim that the government has approved or licensed a particular water treatment unit or purification system. All of those claims are false. An EPA registration number doesn’t mean the EPA has tested or approved the product.
- Arrange for an independent test. If you are concerned about what is in your water or are worried about possible contaminants in your water supply, have your water tested by an independent testing specialist, who provides you with certified results.
- Decide on what you need. If tests on your Connecticut well water indicate problems, the next step is to determine what type of system you need to treat the water. This can be a difficult decision because there are a variety of water treatment devices on the market. Water purifiers range from relatively low-cost, simple filter devices for a kitchen faucet to more expensive, sophisticated systems that treat water from its point of entry into a home.
- Comparison shop. Once you decide to purchase a particular type of water treatment system, you will have to make choices in terms of price, installation, maintenance and warranties.
