FAQ: What’s wrong with my drinking water?

After water crises emerged in United States cities such as Flint, Michigan, it’s become more apparent that more needs to be done in terms of water shortages and safety. At Finken, we’re committed to providing clean, safe drinking water to our local communities and educating them about water scarcity.Who is responsible? When it comes to drinking public water, the United States Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for testing and making sure public water supplies are safe. In smaller, more rural communities, families often are sourcing their water from private wells. These private sources are not monitored or maintained by the government. The responsibility, therefore, falls onto the homeowners. The first step to finding out whether your well water is safe to drink, use one of Finken’s complimentary water tests. Our tests are completed by our water analysts who will help you determine exactly how to make your drinking water safe and taste better.How often should you test your drinking water? The CDC recommends that homeowners have their wells tested at least once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels. If you suspect that you have problems with your drinking water, contact your local water supplier with your concerns. In addition, Finken offers home water testing for free to help diagnose common water problems.Common water problems There’s nothing worse than having cloudy, discolored or water with a pungent odor. Many of these common water problems can easily be fixed, it’s simply a matter of properly diagnosing what is causing the problem.Cloudy water Cloudy water is water that is often white or grey. This cloudy look is often caused by too much air is released into the water, usually a sign of high water pressure. The cloudy look of the water usually dissipates in a few moments. If water continues to appear cloudy, this could be a sign of hard water.Hard waterHard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved calcium, magnesium and iron. Hard water does not cause any bodily harm other than drying out a person’s skin and hair. Hard water can also shorten the longevity of water-using appliances due to the mineral build-up and cause cosmetic damage to clothing and glassware.Smells and tastes of Chlorine Similar to hard water, water that smells and tastes of chlorine is not harmful to the body. Chlorine was used in the past to help clean and maintain city water lines. Traces of chlorine in water is normal and can cause skin and hair to dry out, like hard water. Water filters can help you eliminate the smell and taste of chlorine.Fixing your water issues A simple water test can help diagnosis your current water problems and help deter future water problems from happening. By testing regularly, you can eliminate the build-up of minerals and compounds that can negatively impact the taste, smell and appearance of your drinking water. Consult one of our expert water analysts today to determine your home’s water needs.