Bad-tasting or smelling water can indicate problems beyond just being unpleasant to drink or wash with. Sediments, chemicals, and bacteria can affect the health of your family and even cause damage to your home.

Human-made chemicals such as PFAS and PFOA have found their way into water supplies and into our bodies. Chronic exposure to these chemicals has been linked to liver and kidney problems, hormone disruption, thyroid disease, and more.

Iron is an abundant element in many places, and rainwater that permeates the ground will dissolve it and carry it into the water supply. A bitter taste and rusty appearance can result, as well as clogged pipes and dingy clothes.

Waterborne bacteria and viruses, such as E. coli and norovirus, can sicken people and animals who drink contaminated water. Though more prevalent in rural areas with well water, an outbreak can also happen in municipal water.

Sediment in your water can cause a murky, unappealing appearance. Often, the water may technically be safe to drink, but testing it to identify the suspended solids causing the cloudiness is still recommended.

Stains on your sinks, tubs, toilets, and laundry may have several causes, including high levels of dissolved iron, manganese, or calcium, or a low pH level.

Crusty buildup on your faucets, spots on your clean dishes, and dry skin and hair are all indicators that your home has hard water, typically caused by dissolved minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Acidic, or corrosive, water can erode pipes and appliances, causing leaks inside your home. Green and blue staining in sinks and tubs is a telltale sign that you may need to have the pH of your water adjusted.

Nitrates are most likely to be an issue in homes with well water, as they occur naturally in groundwater. Nitrates are colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can potentially be harmful to susceptible groups like infants and pregnant women.

Chlorine is commonly used to treat municipal water and is generally safe for drinking, cleaning, and bathing. However, it often causes an unpleasant, bleach-like taste or smell.

Lead contamination can often go undetected since it doesn’t have any taste, smell, or appearance. It can occur due to corrosion of older plumbing and may have negative health impacts.