Frequently Asked water quality questions
Browse through our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers below. While these may be the most common questions we are asked, unique water quality issues seem to always come up. These issues may require unique solutions to determine the right water filtration system to solve the problem.
What are the most common water problems in the New England region?
In private wells in New England, Hard water, Iron, manganese, and low pH are common. Other issues may include hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), radon, arsenic, and PFAS. Some public water supplies also have hard water, elevated levels of iron and manganese and may also have levels of chlorine (used for disinfection purposes), that may cause objectionable odor and taste.
What are the main signs to look for in well water contamination?
Iron: brown or reddish colored staining in tubs, toilets, shower stalls
Manganese: Brownish staining in dishwasher, tubs, shower stalls. Higher levels can create musty odors.
Low pH: bluish green staining in sinks, toilets or other fixtures (this is dissolved copper)
Hydrogen sulfide: Rotten egg smell
Radon & Arsenic: Only detectable through lab water tests
What are the main symptoms to look for in bad city water?
Again, look for staining in sinks, tubs, showers and other fixtures as well as objectionable tastes & odors. Also, turbidity (cloudiness or other discoloration) in the water may indicate a quality problem. Do not mistake air bubbles in the water as a water quality issue.
Is my city water fluoridated?
You may contact your town to see if they fluoridate your water. Also, they may already disclose this in their Annual Water Quality Report. If you wish to remove it, a reverse osmosis membrane technology system works beautifully.
Is it safer to have city water or well water?
One is no safer than the other. Your city or town performs frequent testing and must report any health threat contaminants above the EPA limit. If your well has proper water treatment equipment installed in your home and you have it tested on a consistent periodic basis, safety should not be a problem.
My water has a rotten-egg or sulfur smell and taste. What does that mean?
This typically means there is hydrogen sulfide gas in your water, not harmful at low levels, but aesthetically displeasing. It can be removed with proper equipment and technology. Other potential causes of this type of smell may be high manganese or iron bacteria in the water.
Why does my water taste like chlorine and can I get rid of that taste?
Most municipalities chlorinate the water at their treatment facility before sending it into the distribution system on the way to our homes.
Some cities and towns use chloramines (which is a chlorine, ammonia mixture). Depending on the distance your home is from the treatment facility in the distribution system, the level of residual chlorine or chloramine in the water will vary. Chlorine can be removed with activated carbon filtration quite effectively. Chloramine can also be effectively removed with a specialized, catalytic activated carbon.
My water has a metallic smell and taste. How do I get rid of this?
This is typically due to iron in the water or a very low pH which can dissolve some of the copper and other metals from your pipes into the water. A combination of a water softener and pH neutralization system can correct this problem.
What is reverse osmosis, and why should I consider a reverse osmosis system?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a highly effective filtration process that removes a wide range of contaminants from water. Reverse osmosis works by using a semi-permeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules and ions. This makes it highly effective in producing clean and safe drinking water by removing contaminants down to very small sizes, typically in the range of 0.0001 microns. The number of contaminants that the system can remove from water is extensive.
I rent an apartment; can I get a water softener?
You would first need permission from your landlord to install a water softener as it will necessitate a connection into the plumbing distribution system. Upon approval, we can look to see if there is an appropriate location to install the water softener.
Does a water softener help me save money?
A water softener will help protect your water using appliances like hot water heaters, dish washers, washing machines and other appliances. For example, hard water can produce a white scale buildup inside these appliances and within your plumbing distribution system. This can reduce the useful life of appliances and damage your piping, potentially requiring replacement. Additionally, you can use much less soap, shampoo, and detergent with soft water. This can save some money as well and reduce the amount going to drain to your septic or sewer system.
How often should I test my water?
If you are on a private well, testing once a year or so is typically fine. However, if there is construction or other “earth shaking” activity in your area which could potentially have an impact on underground aquifer flows, you may consider testing sooner. Also, be aware of any sudden changes in your water quality in terms of taste, smell or look.
I just moved into a house that has water filtration, but I don’t know what it is or when it was last serviced, what do I do?
The best approach if you moved into a home with a system that you don’t know much about is to make a service appointment, even if it is only for evaluation. Upon inspection, the service technician can explain the equipment, what it does and determine if it is time for its periodic maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions about PFAS
Answers to commonly asked questions about PFAS or “forever chemicals” and how they potentially impact your water quality.
What is PFAS and why should I worry about it?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are extremely persistent in the environment and human body, meaning they do not break down and can accumulate over time. The sources include Non-stick cookware (i.e.: Teflon, Water repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, certain food packaging materials, firefighting foams, and industrial processes.
The potential health threats determined by the EPA include certain forms of cancer, hormone disruption, compromise of immune system, liver & kidney damage, developmental disruption, and elevated cholesterol levels.
How does PFAS affect my water?
PFAS has been detected in drinking water around the world, often at levels that exceed health guideline limits set by regulatory agencies. Some countries and states have set limits on PFAS in water.
PFAS can be removed from your water using Ion exchange with specific media designed to remove this chemical. When the media has reached its capacity for removal, the tank must be “swapped out” with another tank containing fresh media. It can also be removed using Carbon filtration and reverse osmosis technology. However, note that Carbon filtration is not recommended on Well Water in areas where Radon in water is present as the carbon adsorbs the radon. Over time, this accumulation of radon can become radioactive. Also, of note reverse osmosis is not recommended for PFAS reduction due to the PFAS being rejected to drain which many states prohibit.
How do I know if water in my home has PFAS?
You cannot see, taste or smell PFAS in your water. Therefore, having a sample taken to a certified laboratory for testing is the only way to know. If you are on a town water supply, your town is required to send you a notification if they exceed the limit set by the state. Also, the town’s annual water quality report typically reveals the PFAS levels tested.
What towns in New England are known to have PFAS in the water?
PFAS has been detected in drinking water around the world, often at levels that exceed health guideline limits set by regulatory agencies. Many States and Countries have set limits on PFAS in water. Having water testing performed is the best way to know for sure if you have PFAS in your drinking water supply. If you have a private well, this is the only way to know. If your water is town supplied, you can also call your town’s water department.
Frequently Asked Questions about hard water and other contaminants
Answers to commonly asked questions about hard water in New England, arsenic, radon, and more.
What is hard water?
Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, primarily consisting of calcium and magnesium ions. These minerals are naturally dissolved in the water as it passes through soil and rock, particularly limestone, chalk, or gypsum, which are rich in calcium and magnesium.
Hard water leaves white or grayish deposits, known as limescale, on faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures. It can reduce the life of water using appliances and damage the piping distribution system.
Hard water also makes it difficult to rinse away soap and shampoo, leaving your hair dry or brittle and your skin dry and potentially irritated. Furthermore, if you have sensitive skin, psoriasis or eczema, hard water can make these conditions worse by exacerbating existing dryness.
How does radon get in my water supply and is there a health risk?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can dissolve into well water and enter water supplies. It is a decay product of Uranium. As Uranium undergoes radioactive decay, it transforms into radium which further decays to form radon gas.
When you turn on the shower, kitchen faucet, run the washing machine or dishwasher, the radon gas escapes the water and enters your home.
Inhalation of radon gas has been directly linked to lung cancer, but long-term exposure can contribute to other forms as well.
Radon in water can be removed with a water filtration system that aerates the gas out of the water and vents it safely outside of the home. It can also be removed with activated carbon; however, the carbon retains the radon gas. This eventually creates a hazardous situation for occupants of the home and service technicians that need to directly service the system. It may also endanger other home service technicians in the vicinity of the carbon tanks as it becomes radioactive over time. Therefore, we do not recommend this approach.
How does arsenic get into my water supply and what are the health risks?
Arsenic is naturally present in the earth’s crust. As groundwater moves through arsenic rich soil and rocks, it can dissolve arsenic compounds into the water. Arsenic containing pesticides and herbicides can lead to soil and water contamination as well. Apple orchard spraying used to be known for this. There are also some industrial processes and wood preservation which can leach arsenic into the environment.
Arsenic is a known carcinogen when ingested. Long term exposure can lead to various forms of cancer, including skin, lung, bladder, and kidney. Acute exposure from high levels of arsenic can cause immediate health effects including nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea and even shock and death in severe cases.
Arsenic in water can be removed with Ion exchange technology using specific resin to remove the arsenic at the point of entry into the home. Also, reverse osmosis is an effective technology for removing arsenic from water. When utilizing reverse osmosis for arsenic removal in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and other states, there are some restrictions. Speak to your water treatment expert for information on this.
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs and how do I remove it?
Rotten egg smell is a common water quality issue in the New England region usually caused by Hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that can exist naturally in groundwater. Sulfur-reducing bacteria present in groundwater use sulfur as an energy source to chemically change sulfates to hydrogen sulfide which releases a rotten egg smell in water. The bacteria use sulfur from decaying plants and other organic matter in oxygen-deficient environments. They can occur in deep or shallow wells and reside in plumbing systems.
Hydrogen sulfide can reveal itself in other ways too. Hot water heaters that have a magnesium rod used for corrosion control can chemically reduce sulfates to Hydrogen sulfide. Replacing the magnesium rod with a different type usually will correct this situation.
Hydrogen sulfide is not typically a health threat unless at very high levels. Other than its off-putting odor, it may be corrosive and leach metals from the plumbing system into the water. The result of this may be a black precipitate on bathroom fixtures & laundry as well as darkened silverware and discolored copper and brass utensils.