Solutions To REGIONAL WATER QUALITY ISSUES
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Below is a break down of common regional water problems with descriptions of symptoms and solutions for each. The initial step in determining a course of action is getting a water test. An analysis of this information will identify the contaminants present and at what levels they exist. While there are sometimes more than one approach to solving a water quality issue, a water treatment professional will determine which is best for your specific situation.
Are you experiencing any of these problems below? Click to jump down to that section to read about potential causes and solutions.
Iron
Iron is a naturally occurring mineral that can be present in your water in 2 forms: dissolved (invisible) or suspended as particulates (visible).
Symptoms
- Orange or brown staining in sinks, tubs, faucets, appliances, or laundry
- Metallic taste
- Low water pressure
Water Quality Issues
- Excessive iron can cause plumbing issues and clogging
- Not harmful in low quantities, but iron may carry bacteria that can be harmful
- Shortened lifespan of water appliances
Solutions
- Water softener
- Oxidation & filtration
Manganese
Manganese is another naturally occurring mineral that’s harmless at low levels, although it’s potentially toxic at very high levels.
Symptoms
- Water has brown coloring or unpleasant odor or taste
- Brownish-black staining on fixtures, laundry, or appliances
Water Quality Issues
- Can be a health risk at high enough levels, particularly for children
- Can cause scaling and other plumbing issues
- Will react with chlorine bleach, which intensifies staining
Solutions
- Water softener
- Oxidation & filtration
Scaling is a buildup of calcium and magnesium minerals in your pipes. Left untreated, scale buildup can clog your pipes and hurt your water pressure. It can also shorten the lifespan of your hot water heater and other water-using appliances.
Hard Water
Symptoms
- White scale buildup on pipes and fixtures
- Difficult to make soap suds and clean
Water Quality Issues
- Clogged pipes or low water pressure
- Can significantly reduce lifespan of all water appliances
- Rougher on your skin and hair
Solutions
- Water softener
Low PH
Symptoms
- Green or blue staining on sinks, tubs and fixtures due to dissolved copper from pipes
- Pin-hole leaks in piping distribution system
- Corrosion of water using appliances
Water Quality Issues
- Low pH means your water is more acidic than it should be
- Can leach lead and other metals in the plumbing system into your water
- Shortened life for water appliances
Solutions
- Acid neutralization
- Corrosion inhibitor
- Aeration
Saltwater Intrusion
Symptoms
- Salty tasting water
- Heavy corrosion and salt buildup
Water Quality Issues
- Usually occurs in wells dug near marshy or coastal areas
- Highly corrosive, not drinkable and generally unusable
- Can be purified into a high-quality water supply
Solutions
- Whole-home reverse osmosis
Rotten Egg Odor (Hydrogen Sulfide)
Symptoms
- Smells like rotten eggs
- Silver tarnishes easily
Water Quality Issues
- Usually caused by dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas or sulfide-reducing bacteria
- Can be corrosive at high levels
- If you’ve been in a house with this issue, you likely won’t forget it
Solutions
- Ozonation (for higher levels)
- Activated carbon filtration
- Aeration
Fishy, Musty or Oily Taste or Odor
Symptoms
- Odd taste or odor
- Oily emulsions or “film” on water surface
Water Quality Issues
- Usually caused by volatile organic compounds (think decaying fish or aquatic plant life)
- Can be harmful in higher concentrations
- Sometimes caused by algae buildup in the warmer months
Solutions
- Reverse osmosis
- Activated carbon
- Ozonation
Turbid Water
Symptoms
- Cloudy, discolored water
- Faucet screens may clog frequently
Water Quality Issues
- May contain harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites that attach to suspended particles in the water
- Will also hamper disinfectant solutions mixed with turbid water (e.g., chlorine)
Solutions
- Sediment filtration
- Coagulation
- Reverse osmosis
- Activated carbon
The most common health threat contaminants found in our region are shown below. Arsenic and radon are more likely to be found in private well water. Trihalomethanes are found in public surface water supplies, and PFAS chemicals have been found in both private and public supplies.
Arsenic
Symptoms
- Impossible to detect without certified lab test
- Arsenic is toxic to humans and dangerous at high levels of exposure. Physical symptoms of exposure to high levels of arsenic include the following:
-
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Impaired nerve function (pins & needles, numbness or burning)
- Darkening skin and wart- or corn-like growths
-
Water Quality Issues
- Usually originates from deep wells that tap into bedrock or groundwater containing arsenic
- Can be a serious health threat at higher levels
Solutions
- Arsenic selective ion exchange
- Arsenic selective adsorbent media
- Reverse osmosis
Radon
Symptoms
- Impossible to detect without certified lab test
Water Quality Issues
- The greatest concern is radon gas releasing into your indoor air while showering, doing laundry or washing dishes.
- Prolonged radon gas inhalation carries a very high risk of lung cancer. Radon is the #2 leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.
Solutions
- Aeration
- Activated carbon at low levels
- A radon detector is also a good idea
PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances)
Man-made chemicals now emerging with contaminants being found around the country.
Symptoms
- Impossible to detect without certified lab test
Water Quality Issues
- Negative effects on the immune system.
- Reproductive and developmental disruption
- Potential carcinogen
Solutions
- PFAS removal resin
- Reverse Osmosis
- Activated Carbon
Trihalomethanes (THMs) & Haloacetic Acid
By-products of chlorination mixing with organic material (typically surface water supplies)
Symptoms
- Impossible to detect without certified lab test
Water Quality Issues
- Negative effects on the liver, kidney and central nervous system
- Reproductive disruption
- Potential carcinogen
Solutions
- Activated Carbon
- Reverse Osmosis
