Calcium is an essential mineral that our bodies need for many different functions. Most of us know that it is important for strong bones and teeth, but calcium also helps with blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve function. It is even involved in cell signaling and metabolism. So, obviously, we need to make sure we are getting enough calcium in our diets. Calcium is also added to some water supplies.
However, drinking water with high levels of calcium can have adverse effects on health. Some research has linked high calcium intake to an increased risk of kidney stones and other health problems. It is important to be aware of the contents of your water supply at home and to know how to test for calcium in water. Read on to learn more about the effects of calcium in drinking water and ways you can regulate calcium content in your water with water filtration systems.
How Much Calcium is in Water Supplies?
The amount of calcium in drinking water varies depending on the source of the water.
Groundwater usually has higher levels of minerals, including calcium, than surface water. This is because groundwater has been in contact with rocks and minerals for a longer time, allowing calcium to leach into the water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for calcium in drinking water of 70 mg/L. This is the level at which no adverse health effects are expected.Â
The EPA has also set an enforceable maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 100 mg/L for calcium in drinking water. If you are on a public water supply, the levels of calcium in the water should be regulated and monitored. However, if you have a private well, it is your responsibility to make sure the calcium levels are within a safe range and that the water is generally safe to drink.
The Impact of Drinking Water with Calcium to Your Body
Water content can affect your health in various ways. Drinking water with high levels of calcium is not harmful to most people. However, some people may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of calcium. These include:
– Kidney stones
– High blood pressure
– Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
– Bone problems
– Muscle problems
– Gastrointestinal issues
People with kidney problems may be at increased risk for health problems if they drink water with high levels of calcium. This is because their kidneys may not be able to remove the excess calcium from their bodies.
Some research has also linked high calcium intake to an increased risk of kidney stones. In one study, people who drank water with high levels of calcium were more likely to develop kidney stones than people who drank water with lower levels of calcium.
High calcium intake can also cause constipation and other gastrointestinal issues. In one study, people who drank water with high levels of calcium experienced more constipation than people who drank water with lower levels of calcium.
Health Benefits To Drinking Water With Adequate Calcium Levels
While drinking water with high levels of calcium can have adverse effects on health, it is important to note that calcium is an essential nutrient and that we need to make sure we are getting enough calcium in our diets. There are many health benefits to drinking water with adequate levels of calcium. These include:
– Strong bones and teeth
– Blood clotting
– Muscle contraction
– Nerve function
– Cell signaling
– Metabolism
A lack of calcium can lead to health problems such as osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes bones to become weak and fragile. Getting enough calcium in our diets can help prevent osteoporosis and other bone-related problems.
Calcium is also needed for blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve function. It is also involved in cell signaling and metabolism. A lack of calcium can cause a variety of health problems, including muscle cramps, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias.
How To Test For Calcium in Your Water Supply
If you are concerned about the calcium levels in your drinking water, there are a few different ways to test for it. Home test kits are available that can give you an idea of the calcium levels in your water. These kits usually involve adding a sample of your water to a chemical reagent and then comparing the color of the resulting solution to a chart to determine the calcium concentration.
Another option is to send a sample of your water to a certified laboratory for analysis. This is usually the most accurate way to test for calcium in water, but it can be more expensive than using a home test kit. If you are on a public water supply, you can contact your local water utility to find out the calcium levels in your water. If you have a private well, you should have your water tested at least once a year for bacteria and other contaminants. You may also want to have your water tested more frequently if you notice any changes in the taste, odor, or appearance of your water.
Ways To Regulate Calcium In Drinking Water
There are a few different ways to regulate calcium in drinking water. These include using different types of water filtration systems and adding chemicals to the water.
Reverse osmosis is a process that removes calcium and other minerals from water by forcing it through a semipermeable membrane. This can be an effective way to remove calcium from water, but it can also remove other important minerals, so it is not recommended as the sole method of treatment.
Distillation is another process that can be used to remove calcium from water. In distillation, water is boiled and the resulting vapor is condensed and collected. This process can remove calcium and other minerals from water, but it is also very energy intensive.
Ion exchange is a process that removes calcium from water by exchanging it with another ion. This can be an effective way to remove calcium from water, but it may not be suitable for all water supplies.
Learn How to Test for Calcium In Water and What to Do After
If you are concerned about the calcium levels in your water supply, learn how to test for calcium in water with the help of professionals. There are many companies that offer water testing services. These companies can provide you with the tools and information you need to test your water and make sure it is safe to drink.
AquaOx can provide you with ways to regulate calcium content in your water. Our team of experts can help you select the best water filtration system for your home or business. We can also provide you with information on the different types of chemicals that can be used to treat water.
Contact AquaOx today to learn more about our water filtration systems.
 
 