Find what you need to know about common problems associated with water quality. Have any questions? Be sure to leave them in the comments below and we’ll assist you with any issues you are having!
Here is a quick description of some of the most common issues with drinking water:
Poor Taste/ Bad Odor:
During the water treatment process, chemicals present, such as iron, copper or zinc, or microbiological contaminants present, such as blue-green algae, can cause drinking water to smell and taste bad. Also disinfecting by-products formed when Chlorine combines with naturally occurring organic matter can cause an unpleasant taste.
Lead:
Commonly entering tap water through corroded pipes, lead can cause great harm to your health. According to some studies, lead in drinking water can be especially dangerous to children and pregnant mothers. Studies through the years have also shown that lead poisoning can cause developmental delays and learning disorders. Learn about how to know if your water is contains lead.
Cryptosporidium and Giardia:
Many point to these common types of protozoa for the cause of gastrointestinal diseases. These contaminants will almost certainly end up in the water system when there has been a sanitation breakdown.
Chlorine:
Perhaps the most controversial of the water contaminants, it also could be the most prevalent chemical found in the water system. It is commonly used for sanitation purposes to kill off any harmful bacteria in the water supply. However, according to healthguidance.org, it has recently been linked to some cancers such as breast cancer, bladder cancer and rectal cancers.
Chloramines:
Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia that is used to disinfect tap water. The EPA reported that chloraminated drinking water had the highest levels of an unregulated chemical family known as iodoacids. One of which, iodoacetic acid, is thought to be the most toxic of all disinfection byproducts (DBPs). This is due to its DNA damaging potential in cell tests. Learn more about chloramines and how to remove them from you water.
Pesticides /Herbicides:
Chemical runoff from these toxic products used in agricultural applications end up in our lakes and rivers eventually contaminating our municipal drinking water supply. In laboratory testing, over time and with repeat exposure, these chemicals are shown to cause long-term negative health effects that can lead to cancer and organ damage.
National Water Resources:
- American Water Resources Association (AWRA)
- American Water Works Association (AWWA)
- EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
- National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
- National Water Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA)
- The History of Water Filters
- US EPA “Surf Your Watershed”
- USGS Water Resources of the United States
- Water Encyclopedia – Science & Issues
- Water Quality Association (WQA)
Katie says
Hi Alicia,
Thank you for reaching out to us. You mention you have a whole house filtration system. Most whole house systems will include a sediment filter. This should prevent sand, silt, or rust from passing through. If you have a sediment filter in place we would recommend considering a lower micron. This will remove smaller particles. 5 micron is most common for this type of application. Besides this, we would recommend seeking a certified installer in your area to evaluate the system, test the water, and provide a solution.
Alicia M Luttrell says
We have a lot of lime in our water I guess that is what you would call it. I have a tankless hot water heater for the whole house and love it, put it is a pain with the water we have. I have little rocks that come out of the faucets and by the way I have a filter system on the whole house. Is there anything else yall can tell me to do that would make it easier to take care of things. Thank You Seen your add on TV and will be ordering some filters was so glad to find YALL
Kory says
Hi Anthony, for the water filters in your kitchen, are these undersink filters? What system do you have? What are the model numbers for the filters?
Anthony Milone says
I would like prices and availability of air filters for two openings size 20″X30″.
I also have water filters for my kitchen. two filters aproximately 2″ wide X 12″ long installed vertical, one filter approximately 2″ wide X 12 inches long installed Horizontally, and one smaller filter approximately 1 1/2″ X 6″ long installed horizontally.
Please send me information and prices. I will then get exact sizes and respond.
Kory says
Getting clear ice can be tricky. What causes the cloudiness is contaminants in the water. It is best to do a water test to see exactly what is in the water before moving any further. The white powder residue you are describing is hard water minerals being deposited from your water. Some sort of softening resin is needed for ion exchange to remove the hardness minerals. It is highly advised to test the water before treating it. No need for stabbing in the dark. https://www.filtersfast.com/search/go?w=water+test+kits&asug=&view=list&submit1.x=0&submit1.y=0
Alversa Hsle. says
What filter do I buy for clear ice. For inline refrigator. Also what causes the white powder residue in ice bin.
Kory says
Hi Neva, we have great vendors ranging from Brita to Whirlpool to Frigidaire that allow us to offer their filters on a site. We do manufacture our own FiltersFast-brand air filters right here in the United States.
Neva Souza says
Where are your water filters manufactured?