Questions about the pH levels in your area? See our pH Map of the US.

Questions about the water hardness in your area? See our Water Hardness Map of the US.

Questions about the arsenic levels in your area? See our Arsenic Map of the US

• Musty, Moldy or Wood Smell
• Oil or Gas
• Rotten Egg Odor in Cold Water
• Rotten Egg Odor in Hot Water
• Salty or Brackish Taste
• Carbon Dioxide or Carbonic Acid
• Methane
• Phenol
• Lead
• Total Dissolved Solids
• Volatile Organics
• Chloride
• Foaming Agents
• Manganese
• Silver
• Sulfate
• Zinc
• Turbidity
• Copper
• Mercury

Musty, Moldy, or Wood Smell -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: N/A

Caused by decay of organic matter or non-harmful bacteria. Use a backwashable carbon filter to remove the taste, odor, as well as sediment. In sever cases chlorination of the well and piping system will be necessary. A reverse osmosis system would serve well to clear up drinking water.

Oil or Gas -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: Varied based on compound

Caused by natural elements in underground water or by leakage of oil or gasoline storage tanks. Activated carbon filters have been successful in many cases. However, because of the many constituents which might cause this type of taste and odor, results cannot be guaranteed. If you have water that has absorbed petroleum products, please send a sample to us, we can have it analyzed and prescribe proper treatment.

Rotten Egg Odor in Cold Water -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: N/A

Caused by hydrogen sulfide gas . This gas is very corrosive and will react with iron to form a black sludge of iron sulfide. Most sulfur waters contain from 1 to 5 ppm of hydrogen sulfide. Use a chemical feed pump to feed chlorine (bleach) in to the line ahead of the pressure tank (3 ppm of chlorine is required for each ppm of hydrogen sulfide). Chlorine causes the formation of sulfur particles that can be filtered. Install an activated carbon filter following the pressure tank to remove the sulfur particles as well as any excess chlorine. If it is your desire to have a non-maintenance, non-chemical solution, an aerator (up to 5 ppm of hydrogen sulfide) will solve your problem.

Rotten Egg Odor In Hot Water -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: N/A

Caused by sulfate reducing bacteria. Since a magnesium anode in the water heater creates a condition favoring their growth, remove the magnesium anode. Drain and flush the water heater and chlorinate the water heater. Install a polyphosphate feeder on the cold water inlet to the water heater for corrosion protection.

Salty or Brackish Taste -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: 250 mg/L

Caused by high chloride or sulfate content. When the total of chlorides and sulfates exceeds 65 grains per gallon, the disagreeable taste will be noticed by almost all people. Filtering by Reverse Osmosis is the best way to solve this problem.

Carbon Dioxide or Carbonic Acid -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: N/A

Rain water as it is falling through the sky absorbs Carbon Dioxide to make Carbonic Acid. This acid when it comes into contact with limestone absorbs the calcium from the limestone and this chemical reaction is where hard water comes from. At times, the carbonic acid can't dissolve any substance in the ground, remains acidic, and waits until it gets into a homeowner's house before it begins to dissolve metal pipes and appliances. In certain parts of the country where this problem is prevalent, it is serious. The solutions are several, but probably the most effective is feeding a solution of soda ash sodium carbonate (NA2CO3). The carbonic acid and the sodium carbonate react directly to form sodium bicarbonate. This method of treatment offers the advantage of not adding hardness to the water. If Carbon Dioxide is acute, installing an aerator may be all that is necessary to raise the pH. For less maintenance solutions, passing the water through a calcite feeder effectively neutralizes the carbonic acid and leaves the water slightly hard.
Source - Free carbon dioxide (CO2) exists in varying amounts in most natural water supplies. Most well waters will contain less than 50 ppm. Carbon Dioxide in water yields an acidic condition. Water (H2O) plus carbon dioxide (CO2) yields carbonic acid (H2CO3). The dissociation of carbonic acid yields hydrogen (H+) and bicarbonate alkalinity (HCO3). The pH value will drop as the concentration of carbon dioxide increases, and conversely will increase as the bicarbonate alkalinity content increases.

H2O + CO2 <====> H2CO3 <====> H+ + HCO3-

Water with a pH of 3.5 or below generally, contains mineral acids such as sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. Carbon Dioxide can exist in waters with pH values from 3.6 to 8.4, but will never be present in waters having a pH of 8.5 or above. The pH value is not a measurement of the amount of carbon dioxide in the water, but rather the relationship of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate alkalinity.

Treatment - Free CO2 can be easily dissipated by aeration. A two-column deionizer (consisting of a hydrogen form strong acid cation and a hydroxide form strong base anion) will also remove the carbon dioxide. The cation exchanger adds the hydrogen ion (H+), which shifts the above equation to the left in favor of water and carbon dioxide release. The anion resin removes the carbon dioxide by actually removing the bicarbonate ion. A forced draft degasifier placed between the cation and anion will serve to blow off the CO2 before it reaches the anion bed, thus reducing the capacity requirements for the anion resin. The CO2 can be eliminated by raising the pH to 8.5 or above with a soda ash or caustic soda chemical feed system.

Methane -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: N/A

Wells that contain methane are generally located in areas where gas and oil wells are common sights. When water contains methane gas it is important to aerate it prior to use for either industrial or household purposes.

Phenol -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: N/A

An industrial waste. In concentrations as low as 1 part per billion, this can cause an objectionable taste in chlorinated water due to the formation of chlorophenols. This may be removed by a backwashable carbon filter.

Lead -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: 0.015 mg/L

At one time it was not generally known that Lead could be poisonous. Unfortunately, this was a time when many of our cities were beginning to provide underground plumbing to many neighborhoods. Lead was used as a soldering agent to fix pipes together. Lead can be extremely dangerous to small children and should be a priority to eliminate. Certain carbon filters are good lead deterrents as well as a mixed bed de-ionizer.
Source - Lead (Pb+2) found in fresh water usually indicates contamination from metallurgical wastes or from lead-containing industrial poisons. Lead in drinking water is primarily from the corrosion of the lead solder used to put together the copper piping. Lead in the body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells. The US EPA considers lead to be a highly toxic metal and a major health threat. The current level of lead allowable in drinking water is 0.05 mg/l.

Treatment - Lead can be reduced considerably with a water softener. Activated carbon filtration can also reduce lead to a certain extent. Reverse Osmosis can remove 94 to 98 % of the lead in drinking water at the point-of-use. Distillation will also remove the lead from drinking water.

Total Dissolved Solids -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: 500 mg/L

Pure water is a good conductor of electricity, true or false? The answer might suprise you. Pure water is a very poor conductor of electricity, in fact, it is highly resistant to electrical impulses. Its the other stuff in the water that make it a good conductor of electricity, and the more stuff, the better conductor of electricity water is. The primary inorganic ions that make up TDS is Calcium Ca++, Magnesium Mg++, Sodium Na+, Iron Fe++, Manganese Mn++, Bicarbonate HCO3-, Chloride Cl-, Sulfate SO4--, Nitrate NO3-, Carbonate CO3--. Reverse Osmosis is the best way to eliminate these wide varieties of total dissolved solids.

Source - Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) consist mainly of carbonates, DISSOLVEDbicarbonates, chlorides, sulfates, phosphates, nitrates, calcium, magnesium, SOLIDSsodium, potassium, iron, manganese, and a few others. They do not include gases, colloids, or sediment. The TDS can be estimated by measuring the specific conductance of the water. Dissolved solids in natural waters range from less than 10 mg/l for rain to more than 100,000 mg/l for brines. Since TDS is the sum of all materials dissolved in the water, it has many different mineral Sources. The chart below indicates the TDS from various Sources.
High levels of total dissolved solids can adversely industrial applications requiring the use of water such as cooling tower operations, boiler feed water, food and beverage industries, and electronics manufacturers. High levels of chloride and sulfate will accelerate corrosion of metals. The US EPA has a suggested level of 500 mg/l listed in the Secondary Drinking Water Standards.
Treatment - TDS reduction is accomplished by reducing the total amount in the water. This is done during the process of deionization or with Reverse Osmosis. Electrodialysis will also reduce the TDS.

Volatile Organics

Algae, Diatoms, Fungus, Molds, Bacteria, Viruses, 30 micron worms, Protozoa, Nematodes, need we say more, nasty stuff. Disinfection methods include distillation, Reverse Osmosis, UV Light, Chemical disinfectants.

Chloride -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: 250 mg/L

A natural forming mineral in seawater and sedimentary rock. The main problems with chlorides have to do with taste, corrosion to pipes, and chlorides is well known for being toxic to plants. The best way to get rid of chlorides is through Reverse Osmosis.
Source- Chloride (Cl-1) is one of the major anions found in water and are generally combined with calcium, magnesium, or sodium. Since almost all chloride salts are highly soluble in water, the chloride content ranges from 10 to 100 mg/l. Sea water contains over 30,000 mg/l as NaCl. Chloride is associated with the corrosion of piping because of the compounds formed with it; for example, magnesium chloride can generate hydrochloric acid when heated. Corrosion rates and the iron dissolved into the water from piping increases as the sodium chloride content of the water is increased. The chloride ion is instrumental in breaking down passivating films that protect ferrous metals and alloys from corrosion, and is one of the main causes for the pitting corrosion of stainless steel. The SMCL (suggested maximum contaminant level) for chloride is 250 mg/l which is due strictly to the objectionable salty taste produced in drinking water.

Treatment - Reverse Osmosis will remove 90 - 95% of the chlorides because of it's salt rejection capabilities. Electro-dialysis and distillation are two more processes that can be used to reduce the chloride content of water. Strong base Anion Exchanger that is the later portion of a two-column deionizer does an excellent job at removing chlorides for industrial applications.

Foaming Agents -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: 0.5 mg/L

Detergents, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides. At small levels, mainly has a negative aesthetic effect.

Manganese -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: 0.05 mg/L

Naturally occurring metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, industrial contaminant. Taste is affected. Staining, scaling, and discoloration of water. Source - Manganese (Mn+4, Mn+2) is present in many soils and sediments as well as in rocks whose structures have been changed by heat and pressure. It is used in the manufacture of steel to improve corrosion resistance and hardness. Manganese is considered essential to plant and animal life and can be derived from such foods as corn, spinach, and whole-wheat products. It is known to be important in building strong bones and may be beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Manganese may be found in deep well waters at concentrations as high as 2 - 3 mg/l. It is hard to treat because of the complexes it can form which are dependent on the oxidation state, pH, bicarbonate-carbonate-OH ratios, and the presence of other minerals, particularly iron. Concentrations higher than 0.05 mg/l cause manganese deposits and staining of clothing and plumbing fixtures. The stains are dark brown to black in nature. The use of chlorine bleach in the laundry will cause the stains to set. The chemistry of manganese in water is similar to that of iron. High levels of manganese in the water produce an unpleasant odor and taste. Organic materials can tie up manganese in the same manner as they do iron, therefore destruction of the organic matter is a necessary part of manganese removal.

Treatment - Removal of manganese can be done by ion exchange (sodium form cation - softener) or chemical oxidation - retention - filtration. Removal with a water softener dictates that the pH be 6.8 or higher and is beneficial to use countercurrent regeneration with brine make-up and backwash utilizing soft water. It takes 1 ppm of oxygen to treat 1.5 ppm of manganese. Greensand filter with potassium will remove up to 10 ppm if pH is above 8.0. Birm filter with air injection will reduce manganese if pH is 8.0 to 8.5. Chemical feed (chlorine, potassium permanganate, or hydrogen peroxide) followed by 20 minutes retention and then filtered with birm, greensand, carbon, or Filter Ag will also remove the manganese.

Mercury

Source - Mercury (Hg) is one of the least abundant elements in the earth's crust. It exists in two forms, an inorganic salt or an organic compound (methyl mercury). Mercury detected in drinking water is of the inorganic type. Organic mercury inters the food chain through fish and comes primarily from industrial chemical manufacturing waste or from the leaching of coal ash. If inorganic mercury inters the body, it usually settles in the kidneys, whereas organic mercury attacks the central nervous system. The MCL (maximum contamination level) for mercury set by the US EPA is 0.002 mg/l.

Treatment - Activated carbon filtration is very effective for the removal of mercury. Reverse osmosis will remove 95 - 97 % of it.

Silver -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: 0.1 mg/L

Natural mineral deposits, battery manufacturing, plating, medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Causes Argyria - discoloration of skin. Source - Silver (Ag) is a white, precious, metallic chemical element found in natural and finished water supplies. Silver oxide can be used as a disinfectant, but usually is not. Chronic exposure to silver results in a blue-gray color of the skin and organs. This is a permanent aesthetic effect. Silver shows no evidence of carcinogenicity. Silver has a suggested level of 0.1 mg/l under the US EPA Secondary Drinking Water Standards.

Treatment - Silver can be reduced by 98% with distillation, up to 60% with activated carbon filtration, up to 90% with cation exchange or anion exchange (dependent on the pH), or up to 90% by Reverse Osmosis.

Sulfate -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: 250 mg/L

Naturally occurring, gypsum, mine and industrial wastes. Gives off bad taste and has laxative effects.

Zinc -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: 5 mg/L

Corrosion of plumbing materials, industrial contamination. Gives off a foul taste.

Turbidity -- EPA Maximum Contaminant level: 0.5 - 1.0 NTU

Turbidity is caused by erosion runoff and discharges. It mainly has to do with measuring the light shining through a container holding water in question. The less the light, the more the turbidity, the more the light, the less the turbidity. Primarily, turbidity inteferes with UV light or Chlorine disinfection. For this reason it needs to be removed. Turbidity can be removed by filtration.

Copper -- EPA Maximum Contaminant Level: 1.3 mg/L

Caused by corrosion of interior household and building pipes. Causes stomach and intestinal distress. Wilson's disease. Source - Copper (Cu+3) in drinking water can be derived from rock weathering, however the principal Sources are the corrosion of brass and copper piping and the addition of copper salts when treating water supplies for algae control. Copper is required by the body for proper nutrition. Insufficient amounts of copper lead to iron deficiency. However, high doses of copper can cause liver damage or anemia. The taste threshold for copper in drinking water is 2 - 5 mg/l. The US EPA has proposed a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 1.3 mg/l for copper.

Treatment - Copper can be reduced or removed with sodium form strong acid cation resin (softener) dependent on the concentration. If the cation resin is regenerated with acid performance will be enhanced. Reverse osmosis or electro-dialysis will remove 97 - 98 % of the copper in the water supply. Activated carbon filtration will also remove copper by adsorption.