Most dangerous contaminants — like lead, arsenic, or bacteria — have no taste, color, or smell. Only a certified lab test can detect them and confirm your water is safe. But there are some simple tests that we can do to find out right away if we should do more testing.

Iron bacteria, sulfur (rotten egg smell), hardness (calcium/magnesium), iron, manganese, and coliform bacteria are all common. In some areas, nitrates, arsenic, or PFAS (forever) chemicals may also be a concern.

Iron itself is not usually harmful to health, but it can cause red stains, clog plumbing, and feed iron bacteria, which create slime and foul odors. It's also a sign your water may need filtration or disinfection or your existing system may need replacement. Iron bacteria are microorganisms that feed on iron in water. They are what makes the orange slime and biofilm in pipes and tanks. They aren’t known to cause disease, but they can damage equipment, clog filters, and produce foul smells. Treatment is recommended.

A UV system uses ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It's a chemical-free final safeguard to ensure your water is microbiologically safe, especially after filtration or softening.

Chlorine is used to disinfect water, especially when bacteria (like coliform or iron bacteria) are present. It can also help oxidize iron, making it easier to filter out. Proper dosing and retention time are essential for effectiveness. Quality equipment that properly treats the water can be costly and you don't want to leave the chlorine in the water after it kills the bacteria, so further treatment is needed to remove the chlorine.

Hard water has high levels of calcium and magnesium. It’s not harmful to drink, but it can cause scale buildup, reduce soap effectiveness, and shorten the life of appliances. That's what a water softener will handle.

You might be surprised to know that it can be a life and death matter. Continued production and use of various chemicals have found their way into our water supplies and are definitely impacting us.

Start with getting your water tested. Find out more about the risks. And then explore the solutions that are right for you and your family. The only way to know which is the right treatment is to test your water first. The type and level of contaminants determine whether you need softening, disinfection, carbon filtration, or a combination of these.