In Western New York, we often field many questions from residents concerned that they may have a water problem. And often, they’re wondering if they need water testing to determine if they have a legitimate problem. But if you’re seeing one of these issues below, you’re likely experiencing a water issue that requires prompt attention from a water expert.

Your Water Smells

Whether you can detect a slight earthy or musty smell or your water smells like rotten eggs, odd smelling water is a big indicator of a larger issue. Other smells that could signal a problem are a fish-like smell or the smell of a wet animal. Some of the causes of these smells can include:

  • Iron bacteria
  • Barium, cadmium, chloramines
  • Bacteria in pipes
  • Hydrogen sulfide

Your Water Tastes Off

At the same time, taste is another mark of water problems in your home water and can show a need for professional water testing. These tastes can range from a taste similar to the water in a swimming pool to a more metallic flavor to your water. Or you may also notice a sweet tast, but means there is likely contaminates in your water. This is also true for bitter or medicine-like flavors. There are a handful of the causes of these tastes:

  • Chlorine
  • High iron or calcium
  • Iron or calcium
  • Iron or magnesium
  • Copper

Your Water May Have an Odd Color

While oddly colored water is difficult to ignore, you may still have wondered what causes water to have cloudy appearance. There are even particulates that can cause greenish or bluish tints to your water. There’s even some that can cause your water to look orange! Here are 4 that could be causing your situation if you’re seeing something off about your water:

  • Corrosion
  • Copper
  • High turbidity
  • Algae

Your Water is Causing Issues at Home

You may also be wondering if an issue around the house is related to your water quality and this has you thinking about water testing. For many people, especially residents in Western New York, hard water is one of these constant worries and can produce a variety of problems. Some of these problems include:

  • Soap scum
  • Dry skin
  • Faded laundry
  • Broken appliances

Undetectable Problems that Require Water Testing

Still, there are a several water problems that absolutely require water testing by a professional. In the water industry, we consider these problems to be silent issues, because they don’t always produce symptoms that are immediately detectable. Yet, each of them is a major concern. The ones that are most concerning in the United States are:

  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Nitrates
  • Chromium

Having professional administered water testing is the best way to identify which specific reason is causing your water problems. But it also lets you know which solution is right for you and your family. From reverse osmosis systems to UV light treatments, there are a number of options available to you. Experiencing one of the issues above?