So how do I fix my water quality problems?

The answer to this question is probably beyond the scope of this discussion. However, if you have determined that the source of your problem does not lie in areas that you could directly fix (for example, by cleaning your drain, or replacing a carbon filter), then the next step could be one of the following:

1) Contact your municipality or water system, if it is a public source. Find out whether the problem you note has been reported by other consumers or your neighbors. There may be some anomalies in the water lines that you have not been aware of (for example, water hydrant flushing, or algae blooms in a reservoir water supply).

2) Have a plumber research the water lines in your house, including the water heater, for signs of corrosion, dead-end lines, or leaking. This may pin-point a problem source, or may eliminate some problem sources. Having qualified assistance with water heater issues, particularly because they involve potentially scalding water and high pressures, is usually a good idea.

3) Ask a water treatment specialist about your particular problem (for example, use the Yellow Pages to seek out a reputable firm that’s been in business for many years). In order to narrow down the possible sources, the specialist will probably perform some quick chemical evaluations on your water…or he may ask that you have a qualified laboratory perform such analyses.

As a result of this evaluation – and particularly if your water source is your own well – some additional form of water treatment (a filtration system, an R.O. system, a water softener) may improve your water quality.

4) Have your water or deposits analyzed by a reputable analytical laboratory. Doing this on your own will require you to know what kind of testing you need in order to help you solve your problem, and it will put the burden of laboratory costs on you. But working with the lab may give you some concrete information in resolving the difficulty.

5) Sometimes the Department of Water Quality in the Utah Department of Health can offer suggestions on how to begin treatment of a water source plagued by a bacterial or chemical problem. If you’re part of a rural community water system, the Utah Rural Water Association has shown to be of exceptional assistance in tracking down water quality problems.

Final Thoughts

Tracking down a problem with water quality can be a long, frustrating process….identifying it is only the first step.

The preceding comments are offered as guidelines for assistance, and, unfortunately, not as the ultimate solutions to your water quality issues. There are many other water quality problems not discussed here, and laboratory analysis may be only a part of the investigative process. Please call us at Chemtech-Ford if we may be of assistance in answering your questions.

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