Diagnosing Your Water with Water Quality of Phoenix
Water embarks on an extensive journey, beginning at a water treatment facility and winding its way through a labyrinth of pipes until it finally reaches your household faucets. Along this voyage, water encounters various potential contaminants, such as sediment, silt, and microorganisms.
Furthermore, the process isn't without its challenges; pipe corrosion can introduce metals like copper and lead into your water supply. If left unaddressed, these impurities can have adverse consequences, ranging from health concerns to unsightly stains in your sinks and bathtubs, not to mention mineral deposits that can obstruct your plumbing.
Have you ever detected an unsettling "off" quality in your water?
Perhaps it carries a metallic taste, emits a peculiar odor reminiscent of rotten eggs, or leaves behind stubborn spots and stains. These indicators might signal an issue with your water quality. Let's delve into how you can diagnose your water based on the following characteristics:
Soap Scum or Bathtub Rings
If you've noticed these unwelcome additions, your water may suffer from hardness, characterized by excessive levels of calcium and magnesium.
Hardness levels typically fall within the range of 1 to 3.5 grains per gallon (considered hard) or 7 to 10.5 grains per gallon (considered very hard). This condition often results in scale deposits, soapy residue, and dry skin.
To combat these contaminants, Water Quality of Phoenix recommends installing a Water Softener or Scale Control System.
Color Clues
Blue or Green:
The presence of copper in your water supply can cause it to adopt these hues and potentially lead to gastrointestinal issues. For such a concern, consider a Whole House Filter as your solution.
Brown or Black:
A manganese presence can turn your water brown or black, giving it a bitter, metallic taste. Water Quality of Phoenix recommends a Whole House Filter to address this issue.
Red or Orange:
If your water exhibits these shades, it likely contains iron, leading to stains, a metallic taste, or a rusty appearance. An Iron & H2S Filter is the suggested remedy.
Scent Signals
A Swimming Pool:
Chlorine may be lurking in your water, potentially causing dryness in your hair and skin. To counteract this issue, consider a Whole House Filter or Point-of-Use System.
Rotten Eggs:
An unpleasant odor reminiscent of rotten eggs or chemicals often indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide in your water. To address this, Water Quality of Phoenix recommends a Whole House Filter or Iron & H2S Filter.
Sediment Signs
Sediment:
If your water contains dissolved solids, it can result in gastrointestinal distress and foul odors. In this case, a Whole House Filter or Point-of-Use System is the suggested solution.
Fishy Odor:
A fishy scent may be an indicator of barium or cadmium in your water, which could have adverse effects on your circulatory and kidney systems. To tackle this concern, a Whole House Filter is recommended.
Taste Test
Salt:
Water with high chloride or sulfate content can lead to diarrhea and a salty taste. Combat this by opting for a Whole House Filter or Point-of-Use System.
Metallic:
If your water tastes metallic, it might contain iron or zinc. This can be addressed with a Whole House Filter or Point-of-Use System.
Having Your Water Tested
While noticeable changes in taste, odor, or appearance can hint at water contamination, some contaminants remain invisible to the naked eye. To ascertain whether your water is indeed contaminated, it's advisable to have it tested.
If your water supply originates from a municipal public water provider, you should receive an annual drinking water report from the EPA each summer. You can access your drinking water quality report online or request a copy from your water supplier through the EPA website.
For those who rely on private wells or desire testing beyond what the EPA covers, you have the option to send a water sample to a state-certified laboratory. You can find a list of state-certified drinking water laboratories on the EPA laboratory certification page. Water Quality of Phoenix encourages proactive testing to ensure the safety and quality of your water supply.