Iron & Rust Staining
Symptoms:
- Reddish-brown or orange stains in sinks, tubs, toilets, and on laundry
- Metallic taste in drinking water
- Clogged pipes or reduced water pressure
Causes:
- Dissolved iron naturally occurring in groundwater
- Iron bacteria causing sludge buildup
- Corroding iron pipes in older plumbing systems
Solutions:
- Oxidizing Iron Filters – Removes dissolved iron by converting it into solid particles
- Chemical Injection Systems – Used for severe iron or iron bacteria cases
- Sediment Prefilters – Capture particles before they damage fixtures or appliances
Benefit:
Cleaner water, no staining, and longer appliance life.
Smelly Water (Sulfur)
Symptoms:
- Rotten egg odor, especially from hot water taps
- Unpleasant smell in showers or while washing hands
- Water that tastes foul or sulfuric
Causes:
- Hydrogen sulfide gas, commonly from decaying organic matter in well systems
- Sulfate-reducing bacteria in water heaters or plumbing
Solutions:
- Aeration Systems – Safely vent hydrogen sulfide out of the water
- Carbon Filtration – Absorbs odor-causing compounds
- Chlorination & Filtration – Disinfects water and removes bacteria
Benefit:
Odor-free water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
Lead Contaminants
Symptoms:
- Often invisible—lead has no taste, color, or odor
- Health effects include developmental delays, fatigue, headaches
Causes:
- Lead solder in older copper pipes
- Corrosion of lead plumbing in homes or municipal systems
- Brass fixtures with lead content
Solutions:
- Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis Systems – Highly effective for drinking water
- Whole-Home Lead Filters – Protect every tap
- pH Adjustment – Prevents lead leaching from pipes
Benefit:
Peace of mind with water that’s safe for the whole family, especially children.
PFAS / PFOS (Forever Chemicals)
Symptoms:
- No immediate symptoms; long-term health concerns include cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system impacts
- Found through lab testing
Causes:
- Industrial waste, firefighting foams, and consumer product runoff
- Contaminated municipal or well water
Solutions:
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Systems – Industry-standard for PFAS removal
- Reverse Osmosis Systems – Remove 90–99% of PFAS from drinking water
- Certified NSF/ANSI Systems – Ensure compliance and verified results
Benefit:
Protection from invisible, long-lasting toxins.
Chlorine
Symptoms:
- Bleach-like smell or taste
- Dry or irritated skin after showers
- Brittle hair and itchy eyes
Causes:
- Used by cities for water disinfection
- Excess residual chlorine from over-treatment
Solutions:
- Whole-Home Carbon Filtration – Removes chlorine at the entry point
- Point-of-Use Carbon Filters – Improve taste and odor from faucets
- Shower Filters – Protect hair and skin from chlorine damage
Benefit:
Better taste, improved skin and hair health, and safer bathing.
Bad Tasting Water
Symptoms:
- Metallic, bitter, or earthy flavors
- Flat or chemical-like aftertaste
Causes:
- High mineral content (iron, manganese, etc.)
- Organic matter, chlorine, or sulfur
- Contaminants not visible to the eye
Solutions:
- Reverse Osmosis Systems – Clean, crisp drinking water
- Carbon Filters – Remove odors and flavor-altering chemicals
- Mineral Balancing – Adjusts pH and improves palatability
Benefit:
Enjoy water that tastes fresh and encourages hydration.
Blue-Green Stains
Symptoms:
- Stains on faucets, fixtures, and sinks
- Pinhole leaks in copper plumbing
Causes:
- Acidic water (low pH) corroding copper pipes
- Dissolved copper being released into household water
Solutions:
- Acid Neutralizer Systems – Use calcite or magnesium to raise pH
- pH Monitoring & Adjustment – Prevents future corrosion
- Pipe Inspection & Replacement – If corrosion damage is advanced
Benefit:
Stops damage to pipes, fixtures, and water heaters—saves money on repairs.
Hard Water
Symptoms:
- Soap doesn’t lather well
- White scale buildup on showerheads and faucets
- Dry skin and dull hair
- Spots on dishes and glassware
Causes:
- High levels of calcium and magnesium in water
- Common in both well and municipal systems in the Northeast
Solutions:
- Salt-Based Water Softeners – Replace hardness minerals with sodium or potassium
- Salt-Free Conditioners – Reduce scale without chemicals
- Pre-Filtration – Removes iron or sediment before softening
Benefit:
Softer water, reduced wear on plumbing, better skin and hair, and sparkling dishes.
Sediment
Symptoms:
- Cloudy water
- Grit or sand at the bottom of glasses
- Clogged showerheads or appliance filters
Causes:
- Sand, silt, or rust entering from a well or deteriorating pipes
- Unfiltered municipal water lines
Solutions:
- Spin-Down Filters – Remove larger particles before entering home plumbing
- Cartridge Sediment Filters – Trap fine sediment
- Whole-Home Filtration Systems – Ensure clear, clean water at every tap
Benefit:
Protects fixtures and appliances from damage and extends system life
Don’t Just Live With Water Problems. Solve Them.
MA Water Services provides expert diagnostics, customized water treatment systems, and ongoing support to keep your water safe, clean, and clear.