Most people do not realize that water can be “bad,” but the truth is, there are often a number of contaminants in it that cause negative side effects, especially in untreated well water.

Depending on the severity of the contamination, your water could also pose a potential health hazard to you and your family. Some of these contaminants include lead, arsenic, chlorine, fluoride and others.

Signs of bad water

How can you tell if your water is contaminated? Here are a number of signs to look for to determine if you have poor water quality.

—Rust or staining in your toilets, sinks and showers;

—Foul smelling water—described as sulfurous or like rotten eggs;

—Bad tasting water—often a stale or salty taste; and,

—Dry, itchy skin—after prolonged contact with water (e.g., after showering or washing your hands).

What to do

The first thing to do if you suspect your water is contaminated is to confirm that your water is bad through a water analysis test. Water Pro in Gloucester offers free testing to give you a clear picture of exactly what it is you and your family are consuming on a daily basis.

From there, a multitude of filtration and treatment options are available to correct any issues coming from your pipes. Things like reverse-osmosis filtration systems can significantly reduce the number of particulates in your water and water softeners can counteract minerals causing hardness, ensuring that every sip is of the highest quality.

If you have any questions about your water or would like some more information, call Water Pro at 804-693-7294.