Common Water Problems

Tap water can become contaminated with high enough levels of chemicals and germs that it can make you sick. It’s good to be informed about common water problems, whether you use public water or have a private well. Although public water is regulated, it sometimes contains contaminants that exceed the limits for quality drinking water. The good news is that there are solutions for common water problems, including those offered by Atlantic Coast Water Clinic. Below, learn more about troublesome issues with drinking water and how to recognize them as well as causes of and solutions for common water problems.

Hard Water

One of the most common water problems is hardness. The cause of hard water is the presence of calcium and magnesium that dissolved in bedrock. The water in your home may be hard if you see these symptoms, to name a few:

• A grayish-white film on dishes and in tubs and sinks
• Scale in coffee pots
• Frequent failure of water heater elements
• Soap scum buildup

A Bad Odor

A common cause of an unpleasant odor in water is the presence of hydrogen sulfide. It produces a smell like rotten eggs. In residential areas, sulfur water is a common thing because sulfates are naturally present in groundwater. The presence of sulfur in the water can cause yellow staining on plumbing fixtures, appliances, and laundry. It can also cause the corrosion of metal pipes.

Fluoride

The presence of an excess amount of fluoride in drinking water can cause many different health problems. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that fluoride ions in water can cause the following health conditions:

• Bone damage
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Muscular damage
• Joint-related issues

Ground Water Contamination

Groundwater sources can become contaminated with viruses, parasites, chemicals, and bacteria. Germs commonly identified in groundwater outbreaks include Hepatitis A, salmonella, norovirus, and giardia. Due to our high water table in Florida, there is a heightened susceptibility to groundwater contamination. Pollutants such as chemicals, pesticides, and gasoline from industrial facilities often leak into the soil.

What Causes Common Water Problems?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists chemicals such as fertilizers as the causes of common water problems. They can get into distribution systems after the water has been treated. The following are among the sources of harmful germs and chemicals that can contaminate drinking water:

• Concentrated feeding operations
• Distribution system problems, such as cracks in water pipes
• Soil and rocks that naturally contain minerals and chemicals such as arsenic, uranium, and radon
• Overflowing sewers
• Stormwater
• Wildlife

Solutions for Common Water Problems

You could have your water tested today, but that doesn’t guarantee that your water distribution system won’t be contaminated tomorrow.

There are many solutions you can opt for that can address this important concern. Water filtration systems, water softeners, and reverse osmosis filtration systems can remove impurities and ensure that your drinking water is free of elevated levels of dissolved minerals, impurities, and contaminants. Atlantic Coast Water Clinic offers these solutions for common water problems to homeowners and businesses in south Florida.

Give us a call today at 772-283-4767 or contact us online to schedule an appointment and gain peace of mind about your drinking water supply.