About Water

Below you will find a list of water problems that are common to the Mid-Atlantic region. While all of these issues may not be present in your water, the first step in understanding your water quality begins with having it professionally tested. Through a detailed water evaluation, you can find out which water treatment solutions you require. Martin Water Conditioning offers certified water testing and has a variety of solutions to these and other problems.

Hard Water is the result of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, in one's water supply. Water Hardness levels can greatly fluctuate and higher levels of this type of water hardness can produce more dramatic and pronounced scaling symptoms. Dealing with hard water in the home can be a nuisance, and often has an effect on everything from personal grooming to your laundry. It is also likely to increase energy costs within a household as hard water will clog pipes, which reduces water flow and ultimately requires expensive repairs or pipe replacements.

Corrosion is the deterioration of plumbing and / or fixtures associated with water quality. Corrosion is primarily caused by corrosive [acidic] chemical and physical reactions between the water passing through the plumbing material. Corrosion can create negative effects within one's home such as failed water heating systems, discoloration to your laundry, and in some cases even leaving blonde hair a bluish-green hue.

Iron and manganese are both metals that can be present in tap water or untreated water, and can be traced either to the groundwater and / or water distribution system. These metals can either be dissolved in the water (ferrous) or exist as solid particles (ferric). Reddish-brown and black staining on clothes and home fixtures can be attributed to iron and manganese, which can ultimately lead to costly re-glazing of household sinks and baths.

Should water have flavor? The answer is no. Any taste and / or odor in a water supply can make the water objectionable for use. Some common descriptions of tastes and odors include chlorine, metallic, swampy, musty, salty, fishy or rotten eggs. These arduous odors are most often caused by the presence of sulfates or hydrogen sulfide in the water, which in some cases can cause nausea or have a laxative effect. Home water is used in a variety of areas in your life, when your water is used in cooking or for drinking, you want it as clean and pure as possible.