Orange or reddish-brown stains are usually caused by iron in the water. Iron is common in private wells throughout our area. Even small amounts can stain fixtures, laundry, and dishes. Iron can also build up inside plumbing and appliances over time. Unlike hardness, which leaves white scale, iron typically leaves rust-colored stains and may give water a metallic … [Read more...]

Municipal water systems add chlorine to disinfect water and keep it safe as it travels through distribution lines. It plays an important role in public health. However, depending on the time of year or system maintenance, chlorine levels may be more noticeable in taste or odor. While chlorine is effective for sanitation, some homeowners prefer to reduce the smell and … [Read more...]

Nitrates are a common concern in agricultural areas and can enter private wells through fertilizer runoff or natural soil conditions. Unlike iron or hardness, you can’t see, taste, or smell nitrates in water — which makes testing especially important. High nitrate levels are most concerning for infants and pregnant women, as they can interfere with the blood’s ability to … [Read more...]

If you live in our area, hard water is very common. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium that doesn’t rinse away cleanly. That’s what leaves white spots on dishes, buildup on faucets, and film on shower doors. It also makes soap less effective, so you end up using more detergent and still don’t get the results you expect. Over time, those minerals can build up inside … [Read more...]