What it is – Iron can come in a couple of different forms including dissolved and non-dissolved. Both of these can leave red/orange stains on your sinks, tubs, and toilets and can be extremely hard to remove. Iron can also cause bacteria to grow and let off an unpleasant smell.

What it is – Chlorine is a chemical used by municipal & local water treatment plants to reduce harmful bacteria in the water supply. While this sounds good, chlorine and chloramines can cause a bacteria of their own to grow called trihalomethanes (TTHM) which is quite unsafe to drink or bathe in.

Treatment – The most efficient Chlorine reduction filter is Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Catalytic Carbon. Due to the high level of chlorine added to water by cities, you will really appreciate your water with chlorine reduction.

What it is – dirt & sediment is just as it sounds. This is typically most common in well water or surface water that hasn’t gone through a treatment facility.

Treatment – Dirt and sediment are found in almost all water supplies and will decrease the efficiency and lifespan of your appliances. For example, sediment in a water heater can prevent the heat from transferring to the water in the tank once sediment has built up in the bottom.

There are typically two water contaminants that can cause your water to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs, one is Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) and the other is iron or sulfates.

H₂S is a mineral that is released from the earth and finds its way into groundwater. It’s especially common in well water located near shale, sandstone, coal, peat, or oil.

Occasionally, a rotten-egg smell in your water could also be caused by a water heater or by sewage pollution in your water. If you’re on city water, the most likely explanation is your water heater.

The most important thing to note is that it is ALWAYS worthwhile to get your water tested as H₂S poses a serious potential health risk including nausea, vomiting, and other serious health effects.

Water in our area has frequently been positive for lead, cysts, and PFOA/PFOS. These chemicals have been found to exceed the levels set forth by health advisory organizations and may cause health problems.

The chemicals Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also known as C8, and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic acid (PFOS) are bio-permanent, resistant to direct oxidation, and do not break down naturally in the environment or the human body. Studies suggest that exposure to these chemicals may lead to cancer.

A new study by the Environmental Working Group reports that local drinking water contains hexavalent chromium, a toxic metal that has been linked to cancer. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not require the testing for the metal, the survey found that levels in our local water were pushing the levels proposed as a safety limit by authorities. This contaminant has been proven to cause cancer. You can search your zip code to see the amount in your municipal water supply here: https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/2016-chromium6-lower-48.php#.WXYljtPyu-l

Arsenic is a common water issue in Washington, however, it can be easily and affordably removed with an under-sink filter from United Water Services.

According to the CDC, “Arsenic can enter the water supply from natural deposits in the earth or from industrial and agricultural pollution. It is widely believed that naturally occurring arsenic dissolves out of certain rock formations when groundwater levels drop significantly. Some industries in the United States release thousands of pounds of arsenic into the environment every year. Once released, arsenic remains in the environment for a long time. Arsenic is removed from the air by rain, snow, and gradual settling. Once on the ground or in surface water, arsenic can slowly enter groundwater. High arsenic levels in private wells may come from certain arsenic-containing fertilizers used in the past or industrial waste.”

What they are – common contaminants in our area can include nitrates, lead, arsenic, pharmaceuticals, and more. These are not included in the free water test, however, we do offer full laboratory testing at an affordable price.

Treatment – Protecting the water in your home is important, however ensuring the purity of the water you are putting in your body is even more crucial. Our Reverse Osmosis drinking water system will give you peace of mind that your drinking water is healthy, and you are going to fall in love with this drinking water system that can provide up to 50 gallons per day of delicious water.