At Kohley’s, we understand that clean, fresh water is essential for your family’s health and your home’s well-being. To select the right water treatment system, it’s crucial to identify the specific water problems you’re experiencing. Here are a few common water issues in Michigan and how Kohley’s can help solve them.
Hard Water: The Mineral Menace
The Problem: Hard water occurs when your water supply contains excessive amounts of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. While not harmful to health, hard water can cause numerous household issues.
According to Energy.gov, “Before reaching the municipal supply, water absorbs mineral content from rocks and soil. Some of this content, like calcium and magnesium, are hard minerals that not only make soap less effective. They also gradually lead to limescale buildup, which, when it occurs within pipes, reduces water pressure and flow, and only gets worse over time.”
Signs of Hard Water:
- Scale buildup on fixtures and appliances
- Dry, itchy skin after showering
- Spotty dishes and glassware
- Reduced efficiency of water heaters and appliances
- Faded or scratchy laundry
The Kohley’s Solution: Our advanced water softening systems effectively remove excess minerals, leaving you with soft, luxurious water that’s gentler on your skin, clothes, and appliances. These systems use ion exchange technology to replace excess calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions. This process effectively softens the water, resulting in numerous benefits:
- Reduced scale buildup in pipes and appliances, extending their lifespan
- Improved efficiency of water heaters, potentially lowering energy bills
- Softer, smoother skin and hair after bathing
- Brighter, softer laundry with less detergent needed
- Spot-free dishes and glassware
- Easier cleaning of bathroom and kitchen fixtures
Rotten Egg Smell: The Sulfur Situation
The Problem: According to the Minnesota Department of Health, “Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) can give water a “rotten egg” taste or odor. This gas can occur in wells anywhere and be:
- Naturally occurring – a result of decay and chemical reactions with soil and rocks.
- Produced by certain “sulfur bacteria” in the groundwater, well, or plumbing system.
- Produced by sulfur bacteria or chemical reactions inside of water heaters.
- From pollution (this is rare).”
While often not harmful in small amounts, it can be incredibly off-putting and may indicate more serious water quality issues.
Signs to Watch For:
- Strong, sulfuric odor, especially in hot water
- Tarnished silverware
- Yellow or black stains on plumbing fixtures
Kohley’s Solution: We offer specialized filtration systems to remove hydrogen sulfide, eliminate odors and improve water quality. These systems may include:
- Oxidation filters that convert hydrogen sulfide to solid sulfur, which is then filtered out
- Activated carbon filters absorb the odor-causing compounds
These solutions eliminate bad smells, improve water quality, keep silverware shiny, and prevent stains on plumbing fixtures.
Chlorine: The Lingering Sanitizer
The Problem: While chlorine is used to disinfect municipal water supplies from other water contaminants, its presence in your home water can lead to unpleasant tastes, odors, and potential health concerns.
Effects of Excess Chlorine:
- Swimming pool-like smell and taste
- Dry, itchy skin and hair
- Faded clothes after washing
- Potential formation of harmful byproducts
Kohley’s Solution: Our whole-house carbon filtration systems effectively remove chlorine, improving the taste, odor, and overall safety of your water. We also offer point-of-use filters for drinking water taps to ensure chlorine-free water at specific locations in your home.
Fluoride: Balancing Dental Health and Personal Choice
The Problem: Fluoride is a mineral often added to municipal tap water supplies to promote dental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends a level of 0.7 milligrams per Liter (mg/L) of fluoride in your drinking water. This is the level that prevents tooth decay and promotes good oral health.”
While beneficial in recommended amounts, some homeowners prefer to have control over their fluoride intake.
Considerations for Fluoride:
- Proven benefits for dental health when consumed at optimal levels
- Excess fluoride consumption can lead to dental fluorosis (cosmetic discoloring of teeth)
- Some individuals have concerns about the long-term effects of fluoride ingestion
- Personal preferences vary regarding fluoride in drinking water
Kohley’s Solution: We respect your right to choose the composition of your water. For those looking to reduce or remove fluoride, we offer:
- Reverse osmosis systems that significantly reduce fluoride levels
- Activated alumina filters specifically designed for fluoride removal
- Water testing to determine current fluoride levels in your water
Our experts can help you choose the best option based on your preferences and the water in your area. “We ensure you have control over your water’s fluoride content while maintaining overall water quality and safety,” states Manager Paul Johnson.
Cloudy Water: The Clarity Conundrum
The Problem: Suspended particles like sediment, minerals, or air bubbles in your water supply can cause cloudy or turbid water. According to the City of Cocoa, Florida, “If your tap water looks milky or cloudy it is normally caused by air that enters the pipes and then escapes in your tap water in the form of oxygen bubbles. Air bubbles do not present a health risk.”
Concerns with Cloudy Water:
- Unappealing appearance
- The potential presence of contaminants
- Possible staining of fixtures and laundry
The Kohley’s Solution: We offer a range of filtration options, from sediment filters to more advanced systems, designed to clarify your water and remove potential contaminants.
Iron and Manganese: The Rust Creator
The Problem: Excess iron in water can lead to staining, metallic tastes, and damage to plumbing and appliances. However, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, “Iron is not hazardous to health, but it is considered a secondary or aesthetic contaminant.”
- Rusty or orange stains on fixtures and laundry
- Metallic taste in water
- Clogged pipes and reduced water pressure
Kohley’s Solution: Iron removal systems are made to handle high iron levels, keeping your home safe and improving water quality. These may include:
- Ion exchange systems that are similar to water softeners but optimized for iron removal
- Combination systems that address iron along with other water issues.
Manager Paul Johnson says, “These solutions protect plumbing and appliances from iron damage, remove stains, and enhance water taste.”
Earthy Taste and Odor: The Algae and Tannin Effect
The Problem: An earthy or musty taste and smell in water can result from multiple sources:
- Algae can make water taste earthy or musty because of the geosmin and MIB compounds they produce.
- Tannins are organic compounds that can seep into water sources, especially in areas with rotting plants or peaty soils. According to ATS Environmental, “Tannins as a contaminant are not regulated by a governmental agency however there is a secondary drinking water standard for color. A secondary drinking water standard is not federally enforced.”
Impact on Your Water:
- Unpleasant earthy, musty, or tea-like taste and odor
- Potential slight yellow or brown tint to the water (particularly with tannins)
- Reduced enjoyment of drinking water and beverages made with tap water
Specific Tannin Concerns:
- While not typically harmful to health, tannins can:
- Stain laundry and plumbing fixtures
- Interfere with the productivity and effectiveness of water treatment systems
- Contribute to the formation of biofilm in pipes
Kohley’s Solution: We offer a multi-faceted approach to address both algae-related tastes and tannins:
For Algae-Related Tastes and Odors:
- Advanced carbon filtration systems to remove taste and odor-causing compounds
- UV purification to eliminate algae and bacteria
For Tannins:
- Specialized tannin removal systems using anion-exchange technology
- Reverse osmosis systems for comprehensive filtration
- Combination systems to address multiple water quality issues simultaneously
Our team will test your water to discover why it tastes and looks earthy. Kohley’s Manager Paul Johnson says, “We will recommend and install the best solution to make your water taste and look fresh and clean.”
Take Action for Better Water
Don’t let water problems compromise your home’s comfort and efficiency. At Kohley’s, we offer comprehensive water testing services to diagnose your specific water issues accurately. Manager Paul Johnson says, “Our team of experts will suggest and set up the ideal water treatment solution for you.”
Experience the difference that truly clean, fresh water can make in your daily life. Contact Kohley’s today by filling out our form or calling (800) 686-3224 for a free water analysis and consultation. Let us help you achieve the pure, high-quality water your family deserves.
Remember, better water means a better life – and Kohley’s is here to make that a reality for you!
