Common Water Problems in Nebraska & Iowa

Yellow stains on sinks, tubs, and fixtures are often caused by iron in the water supply. Even small amounts of iron can leave yellow or orange discoloration over time. Homes with well water are especially likely to experience this issue. A water test can confirm the cause and help determine the best treatment option.

Brown stains inside a dishwasher are usually caused by iron, manganese, or calcium in the water. Water treatment systems such as iron filters or water softeners can help reduce staining and protect appliances.

This indicates that the water is corrosive and usually acidic. Acidic water can leach metals from pumps, piping and fixtures. If left alone without treatment it can cause leaks in copper pipes and fixtures. Acidity is measured on a scale of 0-14 with 7 being neutral, less than 7 is acidic and above 7 is basic.

A rotten egg smell in water is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This odor is common in well water. Specialized water treatment systems can help eliminate the smell and improve water quality. Sometimes, sulfur-reducing bacteria are present, which may require chemical disinfection.

Iron is a naturally occurring mineral that can be present in your water in 2 forms: dissolved (invisible) or suspended as particulates (visible). Iron bacteria thrive in pools of water with iron that go undisturbed for periods of time. This could be your water heater, washer, or toilet. Symptoms of iron bacteria in water include:

• Orange or brown staining on sinks, tubs, faucets, appliances, the toilet tank, or laundry
• A metallic taste to your water
• Low water pressure

Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound that is formed in the soil when nitrogen and oxygen combine. Small amounts of nitrate are normal, but excess amounts can pollute supplies of groundwater.

Nitrates can come from fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste, and decaying organic matter. Rain and groundwater can carry nitrates into wells and underground water supplies.

Nitrate can enter well water through runoff from farms, lawns, septic systems, and other nearby sources. Shallow wells and older wells may be more vulnerable to contamination. Regular well water testing can help detect nitrate problems early.

For most people, consuming small amounts of nitrate is not harmful. Nitrate can cause health problems for infants, especially those six months of age and younger. Nitrate interferes with their blood’s ability to transport oxygen. This causes an oxygen deficiency, which results in a dangerous condition called methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome.” The most common symptom of nitrate poisoning is bluish skin coloring, especially around the eyes and mouth. Infants six months of age and younger and pregnant and nursing women should avoid consumption of water high in nitrate. Cattle, horses, sheep, and baby pigs, are also susceptible to nitrate poisoning.

Water ‘hardness’ is caused by the minerals calcium and magnesium in ground and surface water. If either or both minerals are present in your drinking water in high concentrations, the water is considered ‘hard.’ These minerals come from sedimentary rock such as limestone that dissolves into our water. The result of hard water is difficulty making lather or suds for washing and a build-up of minerals on taps and on other fixtures. Water containing low concentrations of calcium or magnesium is called ‘soft’ water.

Water becomes hard when it contains high levels of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. These minerals are picked up naturally as groundwater moves through rock and soil.

There are two types of water problems: Primary problems — the dangerous sort of problem and Aesthetic problems — things that affect the taste, look or smell of the water. Strange as it may seem, you could have an aesthetic problem (such as iron or manganese) that will not pose an actual health risk.