Common Contaminants in Michigan Water Supplies
Your water could contain arsenic, iron, minerals, bacteria, or other unwanted substances.
Your Michigan water can contain a range of various contaminants, such as arsenic, chloride, coliform bacteria, and other substances. Water quality issues vary by region, so understanding the specific water quality challenges in your region is important. For residents of Howell, Michigan, and nearby areas, this article offers in-depth information on local water contaminants and treatment solutions.
Learn more about your water quality with a water test from Advanced Water Treatment. Our experts can take a water sample to identify impurities and recommend the right water treatment system for your needs. Contact us now to schedule your water test!
Call Advanced Water Treatment at 810-231-2332.
Arsenic in Water
Arsenic is a naturally occurring but toxic element found in soil and bedrock throughout Michigan. Ingestion in high amounts can increase the risk of serious health problems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the maximum contaminant level for arsenic in drinking water at 10 ppb. Advanced Water Treatment offers comprehensive testing to accurately detect arsenic levels in your water supply. Our water filtration systems can reduce arsenic and other contaminants, providing pure water for your home.
Chloride in Water
Excess chloride in water can give it a salty taste and may corrode pipes, plumbing fixtures, and well pump components over time. Higher levels of chloride may indicate road salt or fertilizer runoff, septic waste contamination, or a faulty water softener. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective at removing chloride from water, as well as other impurities like nitrates.
Coliform Bacteria in Water
Coliform bacteria are a primary indicator of the presence of disease-causing organisms in water. These bacteria are a natural part of the microbiology of soils, insects, and warm-blooded animals. While most coliforms are harmless, their presence in drinking water may point to potential contamination by harmful pathogens. Potential side effects include gastrointestinal illness and a higher risk of contracting waterborne diseases. UV water treatment and chemical disinfection are effective ways to eliminate coliform bacteria and other organisms.
Fluoride in Water
Fluoride naturally occurs in rocks and soil, and it can seep into groundwater as it moves through mineral deposits. While fluoride is often added to municipal water supplies to promote dental health, naturally high concentrations can pose health risks. Potential side effects of excess fluoride in drinking water can include dental fluorosis (discoloration and pitting of teeth) and bone issues. Reverse osmosis systems are effective at reducing excess fluoride.
Hard Water
Hard water is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. Laundry washed in hard water may come out looking dull, feeling rough, and wear out more quickly. Dishes and glassware often dry with white spots or a cloudy residue, and you may see soap scum on shower doors.
After showering or bathing, hard water can leave hair feeling heavy and dull, and skin feeling dry. Hard water deposits can also build up in plumbing, water heaters, water-using appliances, and on plumbing fixtures. This reduces their efficiency and potentially shortens their lifespan. Advanced Water Treatment offers water softeners to eliminate hard water issues.
Hydrogen Sulfide in Water
Hydrogen sulfide gas is a common issue in well water, causing a rotten egg smell and unpleasant taste. It can also make laundry smell like sulfur and tarnish silverware. Carbon filtration and aeration systems can effectively remove hydrogen sulfide and eliminate odors.
Iron in Water
Iron in water isn’t a health hazard, but when levels exceed 0.3 mg/L, it can cause noticeable problems. You might see red, brown, or orange stains on laundry, sinks, tubs, toilets, and fixtures. Water may also develop a metallic taste and smell.
Over time, iron buildup can clog pipes and plumbing fixtures, reducing water flow and efficiency. You may even see flecks of rust in your water or evidence of iron bacteria. Iron bacteria can lead to slime in water and an unpleasant odor.
At Advanced Water Treatment, we have specialty iron filter systems to get rid of excess iron in water.
Lead in Water
Lead can enter your water supply through aging pipes and plumbing materials, especially in homes built before 1986. As pipes corrode, they can release lead, a toxic metal, into water. Even small amounts of lead can pose serious health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women.
While lead can be removed from water with specific types of water filtration equipment, the best way to protect your water supply is by replacing old pipes.
Manganese in Water
Manganese is a naturally occurring metal commonly found in drinking water sources. While low levels are harmless, high concentrations can be dangerous. You may also see black or grayish staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes.
Water contaminated with manganese can also have a metallic taste or smell, and visible particles. Advanced Water Treatment offers effective filtration systems to remove high levels of manganese.
Nitrates in Water
Nitrates are tasteless, odorless, and invisible contaminants that can pose serious health risks, especially for pregnant women and infants. Common sources of nitrate contamination include fertilizer runoff, industrial waste, and decaying organic matter.
Boiling water is not effective at eliminating nitrates and may increase concentration. Reverse osmosis is one of the most reliable ways to remove nitrates from your tap water.
Sulfates in Water
Sulfates are naturally occurring minerals that can enter water supplies through soil and rock erosion. While they’re not typically harmful in small amounts, high levels of sulfates can give water a bitter taste and cause digestive issues. They can have a laxative effect and, over time, may lead to scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange technology can remove sulfates and leave your water clean and pure.
Protect Your Water Quality With Advanced Water Treatment
Since 1977, Advanced Water Treatment has been delivering tailored water treatment solutions backed by years of local expertise. We understand that every water problem is unique, which is why we provide custom solutions. Our reputation for integrity, high-quality products, and exceptional service is built on years of helping Michigan residents restore trust in their water. Reach out today to discover the best solution for your water concerns!