# Diagnosing Your Water - Link: https://kenaiwater.com/diagnosing-your-water/ - Published: 2022-03-17T10:26:28+00:00 - Author: Kenai Water Water travels on a long journey from a water treatment facility to your household pipes. Along the way, water can pick up numerous contaminants, including sediment, silt, and microorganisms. Additionally, pipe corrosion may add copper, lead, and other metals to your water. If left untreated, these water impurities may lead to illness, stains in sinks and bathtubs, and mineral deposits that clog your pipes. Do you notice that your water seems “off”? If your water tastes metallic, smells like rotten eggs, or leaves spots and stains, you may have a water quality problem. Learn how to diagnose your water based on the characteristics below: ## Does your water leave deposits? ### Soap scum or bathtub rings: You may have hard water. This means your water has excessive levels of calcium and magnesium. Water from 1 to 3.5 grains per gallon is considered hard, and 7 to 10.5 grains per gallon is considered very hard. This can lead to scale deposits, soap residue, and dry skin. A [Water Softener](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/water-softening/) or [Scale Control System ](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/whole-house-water-filtration/) is recommended for these contaminants. ## What color is your water? ### Blue or green You may have copper in your water supply. This can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses. A [Whole House Filter](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/whole-house-filters/) is recommended for this contaminant. ### Brown or black You may have manganese in your water supply. This can lead to a bitter, metallic taste. A [Whole House Filter ](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/whole-house-water-filtration/) is recommended for this contaminant. ### Red or orange You may have iron in your water supply. This can lead to stains, a metallic taste, or a rusty color. An [Iron & H2S Filter ](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/whole-house-water-filtration/) is recommended for this contaminant. ## What does your water smell like? ### A swimming pool You may have chlorine in your water supply. This can dry out hair and skin. A [Whole House Filter ](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/whole-house-water-filtration/) or [Point-of-Use System ](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/reverse-osmosis/) is recommended for this contaminant. ### Rotten eggs You may have hydrogen sulfide in your water supply. This can lead to a rotten egg or chemical smell. A [Whole House Filter ](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/whole-house-water-filtration/) is recommended for this contaminant. ### Sediment You may have dissolved solids in your water supply. This can lead to gastrointestinal illness and foul odors. A [Whole House Filter ](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/whole-house-water-filtration/) or [Point-of-Use System](https://kenaiwater.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-reverse-osmosis-ro-system/) is recommended for this contaminant. ### Fish You may have barium or cadmium in your water supply. This can affect the circulatory and renal systems. A [Whole House Filter ](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/reverse-osmosis/) is recommended for these contaminants. ## What does your water taste like? ### Salt You may have chloride or sulfate in your water supply. This can lead to diarrhea and a salty taste. A [Whole House Filter ](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/reverse-osmosis/) or [Point-of-Use System](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/reverse-osmosis/) is recommended for these contaminants. ### Metal You may have iron or zinc in your water supply. This can lead to a metallic taste. A [Whole House Filter ](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/whole-house-water-filtration/) or [Point-of-Use System](https://kenaiwater.com/water-treatment-solutions/reverse-osmosis/) is recommended for these contaminants. ## Have Your Water Tested Whereas foul water taste, odor, and appearance can hint at water contamination, invisible contaminants can be difficult to detect. The best way to determine whether your water is contaminated is to have it tested. If your water comes from a municipal public water supplier, you should receive an annual drinking water report from the EPA every summer. You can see your drinking water quality report online or contact your water supplier to get a copy from the [EPA website](http://water.epa.gov/drink/local/). If you are a private well owner or get your water from a public water source but wish to test for contaminants not covered by the EPA, you can send a water sample to a state-certified laboratory. Visit the [EPA laboratory certification page ](http://water.epa.gov/scitech/drinkingwater/labcert/statecertification.cfm) for a list of state-certified drinking water laboratories. [more on water & your health](https://betterwatertoday.org/) ## 󠀁[Ready to Locate a Charger Water Dealer?](https://betterwatertoday.org/)󠁿 and let us know that you would like to locate a Charger Water Dealer, and we will provide you with a list of dealers in your area. Our representatives will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.