Water Quality
What causes some water to be discolored?
Color in water is usually caused by naturally occurring organic matter, minerals, or mineral build-up in the pipes. At Washington Water, we flush our water systems regularly to clean mineral build-up and other sediment from the pipes. If you receive discolored water, you should let your faucets run until the water is clear. Such substances typically do not pose a health hazard; however, we ask that you please Contact Us about any instances of discolored water so that we may investigate.
What causes odor in hot water?
The most common cause of odor in hot water is the water heater. If your cold water smells fine, check your water heater to ensure that the temperature setting is correct. Water heaters also need to be maintained (see manufacturer’s instructions). Please Contact Us or call our 24-hour customer service number if the odor persists or if it is present in both the hot and cold water.
What should I do if my coffee looks oily?
Clean your coffee maker with vinegar and water as directed by the manufacturer.
Should I buy a home filtration unit?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, home treatment units are rarely necessary for health reasons. Most often, water treatment units are used to remove substances that affect the aesthetic qualities of the water. If you do choose to install a home treatment unit, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, because improperly maintained units can actually cause water quality problems.
Should I buy a water softener?
The hardness of water varies with the water’s source. 0-75 ppm hardness is generally considered “soft” water, 75-150 ppm is “moderately hard,” 150-300 ppm is “hard,” and > 300 ppm is “very hard.” The choice to buy a softener is an aesthetic one, since hard water is not harmful to health. However, water softeners typically increase the sodium content of the water, a factor that should be considered by people on low-sodium diets.
What causes the spots on my dishes?
Spots are caused by water hardness minerals (mainly calcium and magnesium), which remain after the water has evaporated. Spots can be eliminated through use of a dishwasher rinse agent.
Why does my water appear milky or cloudy?
A milky or cloudy appearance is usually caused by air bubbles in the water, which pose no health risk. If the water is allowed to sit, the air will dissipate and the water will clear. If the cloudiness does not disappear, please Contact Us so that we may investigate.
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