PFAS Chemicals Found in Water Are an “Every Person” Issue
PFAS, or forever chemicals, are in drinking water sources across the country. Here’s what you need to know about PFAS and their prevalence in MD, VA, & PA.
Common Water Contaminants in Virginia, Maryland & Pennsylvania
Water Quality Issues in Local Wells & Municipal Water
Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia water issues can include the presence of natural or chemical substances in water. Contamination can affect both municipal and well water systems. Some of the most common water contaminants in drinking water stem from natural sources, while others come from pollution. Some sources include agricultural runoff, landfills, industrial pollution, and septic systems.
Many issues are easily fixed with water treatment systems. Some contaminants, such as radon or PFAS, may require specialty filtration. If you’re facing drinking water contamination in VA, MD, or PA, or just want to know what’s in your water, contact us at Carroll Water. Our team is ready to help you achieve cleaner, great-tasting water!
What Are the Most Common Water Problems?
Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania water issues often include:
- Hard Water >>
- Acidic Water >>
- Iron in Water >>
- Nitrates in Water >>
- Bacteria in Water >>
- Chloramines in Municipal Water >>
- PFAS Contamination >>
- Taste and Odor Issues >>
Other Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland water problems can include things like lead, copper, radon, mercury, etc. If you’re concerned about your home’s water quality, reach out to Carroll Water now to schedule a free water test. Our experts use advanced testing to identify issues in your tap water, even contaminants you can’t see or smell.
If you have specific questions, visit our water FAQs page or call (800) 978-5100 to speak with a team member! We have over 130 years of combined experience providing water testing and treatment services.
What's in Your Water?
We’re committed to providing you with the highest quality water. Our experts use testing to find municipal and well water problems and solutions for your water supply. We can even detect contaminants that are too small to see or smell.
Detect Virginia, Pennsylvania & Maryland Water Issues
Trusting your drinking water is essential. There are certain contaminants that easily go undetected, but there are many indicators that can point to a problem. Our water treatment specialists can help pinpoint the type of contamination affecting your water supply.
Hard Water
Hard water is one of the most common water issues in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. It contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.
Excess minerals can leave spots on dishes, dry out skin, and cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Soap may not lather well, and laundry may feel stiff. Hard water can also lower the efficiency of water heaters and other appliances.
A water softener is the most common and best solution for hard water. It removes minerals before they enter your plumbing system. This helps protect pipes, fixtures, appliances, and clothing.
Acidic (Low pH) Water
Acidic water is common in some well water systems. Water with a low pH can slowly damage pipes, fixtures, and even appliances. Signs may include blue-green stains, metallic-tasting water, or pinhole leaks in copper pipes.
Acid neutralizers and chemical feed systems can fix acidic water. These systems help raise the pH level and reduce corrosion. Water testing can identify the problem early.
High Iron Levels
Iron is one of the most common water contaminants in private wells. It can leave red, orange, or brown stains on sinks, tubs, toilets, and laundry. Iron may also cause metallic-tasting water. Some homes have iron bacteria, as well, which can create slimy buildup and bad odors in pipes and fixtures.
Iron filtration systems remove excess iron from water. Treatment may also include sediment filters, oxidation systems, or chemical treatment for iron bacteria. Water testing can help determine the best solution.
Nitrates
Nitrates are a common water contaminant in rural parts of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and farm waste are common causes. Nitrates usually do not change the taste, smell, or color of water, so annual testing is important.
High nitrate levels can be harmful, especially for infants and young children. Reverse osmosis systems and specialty filtration systems can help reduce nitrates in drinking water.
Bacteria
Bacteria can enter private wells through flooding, heavy rain, well damage, or septic system problems. Signs may include cloudy water, bad odors, or unexplained stomach illness. However, in many cases, bacteria cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.
Laboratory testing is the best way to check for bacteria in your water. Treatment may include UV water treatment, chlorination, water filtration installation, and/or well repairs.
Chloramines in Municipal Water
Many municipal water systems use chloramines to disinfect drinking water. As a result, some homeowners notice a chemical taste or odor. Chloramines may also cause dry skin or irritation after bathing.
Activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems can help reduce chloramines in drinking water. Whole-house water filters can also improve water taste and odor throughout the home.
PFAS Contamination
PFAS are often called “forever chemicals.” They have become a growing water quality concern across the country. PFAS can enter groundwater from industrial sites, firefighting foam, and contaminated runoff.
PFAS cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted in water. Specialized water testing is often needed to identify them. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters are common treatment options for reducing PFAS in drinking water.
Taste & Odor Issues
Taste and odor problems are common in both well water and municipal water. Water may smell metallic, earthy, musty, or like chemicals. Some well water contains hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes a strong rotten egg smell.
Treatment depends on the source of the problem. Solutions may include carbon filters, aeration systems, chemical treatment, or water softeners. Water testing can help identify the cause and recommend the right treatment system.
When To Test Your Water for Contamination
Regular water testing is your first line of defense against contamination. Our comprehensive services help identify what’s in your water so you can choose the right treatment solution.
Water quality concerns affect homes across Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to test your water for potential issues:
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Health & Safety Concerns
- Family members experiencing recurrent gastrointestinal illness or other health effects
- Home plumbing contains lead pipes or fixtures
- The public water system you rely on contains lead pipes
- High radon levels in your indoor air or in your region
- Water appears cloudy, frothy, or discolored
- Bad taste or smell in your tap water
- Your water tastes unusually salty
- Water has an oily or gasoline odor or taste
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Plumbing, Appliance & Household Issues
- Limescale buildup on fixtures and in pipes
- Soaps and detergents don’t lather properly
- Stained plumbing fixtures, sinks, tubs, toilets, or laundry
- Stiff, dingy clothing
- Tarnished silverware
- Spots or white residue on clean dishes
- Pipes showing signs of corrosion or deterioration
- Rapid wear of water treatment equipment
- Need for frequent water softener maintenance
- Slime buildup in pipes, aerators, or the toilet tank
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Environmental Risk Factors
- Property located near farmland or agricultural operations
- Coal mining or other extraction operations in your region
- Gas drilling or fracking operations nearby (a common cause of Pennsylvania water problems)
- Proximity to gas stations or buried fuel tanks
- Home located near junkyards, landfills, factories, or dry-cleaning businesses
- Nearby wells have tested positive for high levels of PFAS, nitrates, or other contaminants
How Frequently Should I Test My Water?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing your well water once a year. This is especially important if you’ve installed a new well or have replaced or fixed pipes, pumps, or the well casing. Other circumstances may also prompt you to test immediately:
- Someone in your household is pregnant
- There is a newborn or young child in your home
- Household members are experiencing unexplained health problems
- You have experienced changes in water taste, smell, color, or clarity
- A chemical or fuel spill occurred near your water supply
- Your neighbor had a septic tank issue that caused waste contamination in the soil
- Your public water supply was contaminated or not properly disinfected
- You live near a firehouse, military base, or other organization that uses cleaning or fire agents, like firefighting foam
- Recent flooding occurred in your area
Your Path To Better Water Quality in Virginia, Maryland & Pennsylvania
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Water Testing: - Expert Recommendations:
- Custom Solutions:
- Professional Installation:
- Ongoing Support:
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Enjoy Safer Water, Free from Contaminants Today