Common Water Contaminants in Virginia, Maryland & Pennsylvania

Water contamination can have numerous causes. Some of these contaminants naturally occur in the environment, and some are inorganic. Other causes are the residual waste of farming, commercial or industrial waste. We pride ourselves on understanding the root causes of water problems, so we can quickly diagnose and resolve any water. Learn more by viewing the EPA’s Water Contamination Chart.

At Carroll Water, we test free water samples right in your home or business. Results are immediate, so your water consultant can design a plan of action during your appointment. We will provide expert advice on all Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania water treatment options.

Your local water supplier publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that lists regulated contaminants found in the public water supply. A professional water test can accurately identify issues such as hard minerals, chlorine, copper, lead, PFAS, or other common water contaminants that are entering your home or business.

Common signs of hard water can include white scale buildup, dry skin, stiff laundry, spotty dishes and glassware, soap that doesn’t lather well, and reduced appliance efficiency. A professional water test can measure hardness levels and determine if a water softener is recommended.

Hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium dissolve into groundwater as it moves through rock and soil. A water softener or conditioner can remove these minerals before they reach your plumbing system.

A rotten egg smell is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, and sometimes sulfur bacteria in the water. Your water heater may also be the cause if the anode rod needs replacing. The odor may be stronger in hot water or after the water has been sitting in pipes. Water testing can identify the source so our experts can recommend the right treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause. Common solutions include aeration systems, oxidation filters, chemical treatment, activated carbon filters, or specialty filtration.

Sulfur and methane gases can occur naturally in groundwater. Sulfur causes a rotten egg odor, while methane may create bubbling water and sputtering faucets. Treatment often includes aeration, venting, oxidation, or specialized filtration systems.

Alkaline water is water that contains higher levels of mineral compounds that are low in acidity, such as calcium, magnesium, nickel, iron, zinc and sodium. These minerals lower the potential Hydrogen level (or pH level), meaning your body needs to absorb these minerals and contaminants. Water is typically best for people when it has the lowest levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in water.

As a naturally occurring chemical compound, arsenic is found in most bodies of natural water in the form of salt. Though this is typically found in very small concentrations in nature, this compound is also a byproduct of industrial and agricultural pollution. Continually drinking water that contains arsenic can have a severe impact on a person’s health, especially on the cardiovascular system. Arsenic exposure has even been demonstrated to lead to cancer if large enough quantities are taken for a prolonged period of time.

Bacteria can enter well water through flooding, damaged wells, septic system problems, and other sources. Common bacteria include total coliform bacteria and E. coli. While total coliform bacteria may not always pose health risks, they can indicate that other contaminants have entered your water supply.

UV water purification systems, chlorination, reverse osmosis (RO), and other treatment methods can eliminate bacteria after testing confirms contamination.

Chlorine is a disinfectant used by many municipal water systems to control bacteria and keep municipal supply lines clean. Some people notice its taste or smell, which is often compared to a swimming pool. Activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, water refiners, and conditioners can help reduce chlorine.

Activated carbon filtration is one of the most effective ways to reduce chlorine. Whole-home filtration systems, reverse osmosis, water refiners, and other systems can also improve the taste and odor of water.

Chromium-6 is a form of chromium that can enter drinking water from industrial pollution or natural deposits. Professional water testing can determine if it is present. Reverse osmosis systems are commonly used to reduce chromium-6.

Cloudy water is often caused by tiny air bubbles that clear within a few minutes. It can also be caused by sediment or suspended particles. If the problem continues, a water test from Carroll Water can identify the cause.

Sediment may come from dirt, sand, silt, rust, aging pipes, or well water. It can make water appear cloudy and damage plumbing fixtures. Sediment filters are commonly used to remove these particles.

A metallic taste may be caused by iron, manganese, copper, or even low-pH acidic water. Water testing can identify the source. Treatment depends on the contaminant and may include filtration or pH correction.

Iron in water is a common issue that can stain sinks, tubs, and laundry. Some homes also have iron bacteria, which can cause slimy buildup and odors. Iron filters, oxidation systems, and specialty treatment systems can remove iron.

Nitrates are contaminants that can enter groundwater from fertilizer, septic systems, animal waste, and other sources. High nitrate levels can pose health risks, especially for infants and pregnant women. Water testing is the only way to detect nitrates.

Reverse osmosis systems, ion exchange systems, and other specialty treatment systems can reduce nitrates in drinking water.

PFAS are man-made chemicals sometimes called “forever chemicals,” including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). They can enter groundwater through industrial activities, firefighting foam, pollution, manufacturing, and other sources. Reverse osmosis, activated carbon filtration, and some ion exchange systems can help reduce these contaminants.

Radon is a radioactive gas that is created through the natural decay of uranium, which is found in nearly all soils. This radioactive gas is cancer-causing and is not detectable by sight, smell or taste. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for nearly 20,000 deaths annually. Radon can enter a building through cracks and holes in a foundation or through the water supply, specifically through well water. Drinking water with radon has been shown to increase a person’s risk for stomach cancer.

While utilizing a “point of use” treatment system is effective at removing radon from drinking water, it will not reduce exposure to radon released into the air from all the other sources of water that are used in the home. Therefore, Carroll Water recommends the use of point-of-entry radon treatment systems for most residential applications.

Turbidity occurs when dirt, sand, or other organic material mixes and dissolves in the water supply. This can occur in both well and public water. If the water contains dirt or is brown when it pours out of a fixture, then turbidity may be an issue you are experiencing. Turbidity can lead to clogged pipes and can increase unnecessary wear on valves, seals, and washers.

Methyl tertiary-butyl ether, or MTBE, is an additive that is mixed with gasoline to improve flammability and reduce the amount of carbon monoxide which is put into the air by automobile engines. Unfortunately, MTBE dissolves very quickly in water and some studies have shown that exposure to boiling water that contains MTBE has shown a higher occurrence of malignancy. The overall evaluation by studies focused on the carcinogenic risks of simply drinking water with MTBE is inconclusive. This has led a number of national and international health and environmental agencies to leave MTBE off of lists of known carcinogens, though some of these agencies have admitted that, though there is insufficient evidence at this time, there is indeed a likelihood that MTBE may contribute to occurrences of cancer.

Generally, in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, the most common water quality issues we come across include:

• High levels of chlorine
• High levels of TDS
• Ferrous or ferric iron
• Acidic water (often accompanies high copper levels, because acidic water can corrode pipes and leach copper into the water)
• Nitrates
• Hard water