Intestinal disorders.

Contamination of water source. Potential contaminants include fertilizer, pesticides, animal waste, human waste, and industrial chemicals.

Have water tested immediately for suspected contaminants. Disinfect water supply with strong chlorine solution and install automatic chlorinator, if appropriate. Install check valves or other protection at plumbing cross connections and maintain air laps between faucets and any possible source of contamination.

Soap doesn’t lather well.

Hard water due to calcium and magnesium compounds dissolved from rocks and minerals in the earth. The most commonly used description of hard water is: 0-3 grains per gallon= Soft 4-9 grains per gallon= Average over 10 grains per gallon= Hard

Install a water softener or reverse osmosis system for both hot and cold water, bypassing outside water lines. Kitchen cold water line may be bypassed if water softener is selected and sodium in the diet is a concern. Alteratively, soften water in washer, tub and basins by adding non-precipitating water conditioners. Special scale filters may be attached to the cold water supply lines to appliances.

Reddish-brown stains in sinks, toilets, tubs, dishwashers, and dishes.

Dissolved iron in the water that is oxidized by air to form iron oxide, which is insoluble. (Also see iron bacteria.)

After determining type and amount of iron problem, select appropriate iron removal equipment such as chlorinator and sand filter, high capacity water softener or manganese greensand filter. Choice of treatment for iron problems can be complex, depending on the level of iron in the water and the presence of other impurities. Purchase equipment from a reliable dealer who has had training in this area of water treatment.

Reddish slime on walls of toilet flush tank and reduced water flow.

Iron bacteria, which live on iron in the water and eventually harden into scale.

Install a chlorinator to feed into the well near the pump intake and an activated carbon filter to remove excess chlorine and other objectionable tastes or odors.

Corroding water pipes.

Low pH, commonly called acid water; often caused by a high concentration of carbon dioxide.

Depending on the acidity level, use appropriate treatment such as aeration, soda ash feeder, or neutralizing filter.

Rotten egg odor from both hot and cold water pipes.

Hydrogen sulfide, sulfur/sulfate reducing bacteria.

Compounds such as iron sulfide, calcium sulfide, and sodium sulfide can interfere with hydrogen sulfide removal so multiple treatments may be required. Appropriate treatments include chlorination or aeration followed by filtration through a sand filter

Rotten egg odor from hot water pipe only.

Chemical reaction of anti-corrosion magnesium rod in electric water heater.

Remove magnesium rod and replace with chemical solution feeder to protect water heater from corrosion or chlorinate water.

Objectionable taste or odor other than hydrogen sulfide.

Decaying organic matter, pollution from surface drainage, insufficient chlorine being used to disinfect water.

Install activated carbon filter or automatic chlorinator followed by activated carbon filter.

Turbid, cloudy or dirty water. Dingy laundry.

Silt, sediment, small organisms or organic matter, suspended in the water.

Install a fiber or sand filter.

Black stains.

Manganese (often appears with iron).

Iron removal treatment also removes manganese.