Drinking Water FAQ's

There is a blue-green stain where my water drips into my sink. What causes this?

This stain comes from the corrosion of copper. Copper may be present in your home plumbing and can dissolve into the drinking water. Generally copper levels measured from taps in the distribution system are extremely low. Contact a drinking water laboratory if you would like to test your tap water for copper.

Why does my water sometimes look cloudy?

The cloudy water is caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to the gas bubbles in beer and carbonated soft drinks. It is particularly noticeable in water taken directly from the tap. This type of cloudiness occurs more often in the winter, when water temperature is colder, and does not indicate any problem with the water.

Should I use a home water filter?

Our water meets all drinking water standards and doesn’t require additional treatment beyond what it already receives; however the choice to use a home filtration system is yours to make. If you do decide to install and use a water-filtration system, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance specifications.

There is pink slime in my shower. Is it caused by my water?

No, certain species of airborne bacteria gravitate towards and thrive in a moist environment, such as showers, toilet bowls, sink drains, tiles, and dog dishes. These slimes are naturally occurring and can be unattractive but are generally harmless. The best way to avoid this problem is to keep these surfaces free from the bacterial film through regular cleaning using Lysol or a chlorine-based product.

Why do I have black specks in my water? 

There are several common causes of black specks in the water. Here are a few of them:

WORN-OUT RUBBER PARTS

Collect a few of the black specks in your hands. Do they feel rubbery? If so, they may be from a rubber gasket, rubber washer, or even a flexible water supply hose. Rubber washers, gaskets, and hoses are used to make water-tight connections but the material eventually breaks down over time and needs to be replaced. 

CORRODED WATER HEATER 

If those black specks are in your tub, shower, or sink, and tied specifically to your hot water usage, there is a good chance they are coming from your water heater. You can call an experienced plumber for maintenance if this is the case, or even flush your water heater out on your own. 

YOUR WATER PIPES ARE CORRODED 

When your home's water pipes get old, they may become corroded, releasing small pieces of worn-down piping into your water supply. You will notice these specks especially after you turn on your water supply following a long absence. You should call an experienced plumber for assistance.