Sheridan’s Trusted Leader for Improving Water Quality

What Is Water Quality? How Is It Determined or Measured?

Essentially, the term “water quality” refers to the overall chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water. Water quality results determine its suitability and safety for a variety of uses such as drinking, cooking, bathing, and irrigation. High-quality water is clean, safe, and free from harmful contaminants, while poor water quality can contain impurities that may affect both health and home systems.

Water quality is determined through comprehensive testing, which measures key factors such as:

• Contaminants: Testing for bacteria (e.g., E. coli), viruses, heavy metals (such as lead and arsenic), nitrates, and pesticides. These substances can pose health risks if present in unsafe levels.
• Hardness: Measuring levels of calcium and magnesium to determine if the water is “hard.” Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances.
• pH levels: Testing the water’s acidity or alkalinity. Water with an imbalanced pH can corrode pipes and affect the taste.
• Turbidity: The clarity of water, which can be affected by sediment, dirt, or organic matter.
• Mineral content: Measuring the presence of iron, manganese, sulfur, and other minerals that can cause discoloration, odors, or metallic tastes.

Professional water testing services analyze these factors to assess the overall water quality and recommend solutions such as water softeners, filtration systems, or reverse osmosis units to address any issues. This testing ensures that your water is clean, safe, and suitable for daily use.

At Water Products & Solutions, our free water test covers the basics and checks your municipal water for the following common concerns:

• Total dissolved solids
• Iron
• Chlorine
• pH
• Hardness
• Hydrogen Sulfide (sulfur)
• Tannins

If your home utilizes an in-ground well, we have better and more comprehensive tests that will tell you all you ever wanted to know about your well’s water quality…as well as solutions to combat whatever we find. Get in touch with our team to learn more!

What Are the Most Common Signs of Bad Water?

Poor water quality can manifest in a variety of ways, impacting both your health and the condition of your home. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms to watch for:

• Strange Tastes or Odors: If your water has a metallic, chlorine, or rotten egg smell, this could indicate the presence of contaminants such as iron, sulfur, or chemical disinfectants.
• Cloudy or Discolored Water: Water that appears cloudy or has a yellow, brown, or reddish tint often signals the presence of sediment, tannins, or rust from old pipes.
• Stains on Fixtures or Laundry: Hard water, rich in calcium and magnesium, can leave behind white, chalky stains on faucets and fixtures, while high levels of iron can cause rust stains on laundry and sinks.
• Dry Skin and Hair: Hard water can make it difficult to fully rinse off soap and shampoo, leading to dry skin, irritation, and brittle hair.
• Low Water Pressure: Scale buildup caused by hard water can clog pipes, reducing water flow and causing low water pressure throughout your home.
• Soap Scum and Poor Lathering: If soap doesn’t lather well and/or leaves behind a sticky residue, this is a common sign of hard water.

What Contaminants Should I Be Most Concerned About?

In Sheridan and the surrounding areas of Northeast Wyoming, certain water contaminants are more common due to the region’s geology and reliance on well water. Here are the primary contaminants residents should be aware of:

• Bacteria and Coliforms: Homes relying on private wells are at risk for contamination from bacteria such as coliform and E. coli – especially after heavy rains or flooding. These microorganisms can cause serious health risks if not properly treated with systems like UV disinfection or chlorination.
• Nitrates: Often from agricultural runoff or septic system leakage, nitrates are a molecular compound that can be another concern for homes relying on well water. High levels of nitrates can be dangerous, particularly for infants, leading to conditions like blue baby syndrome.
• Iron and Manganese: Many homes in our area, especially those with well water, deal with elevated levels of iron and manganese. These minerals can leave rust-colored stains on fixtures, sinks, and laundry, as well as impart a metallic taste to drinking water. Over time, they can also clog pipes and damage water-using appliances.
• Sulfur (Hydrogen Sulfide): Some water sources in Sheridan have issues with sulfur, the chemical element responsible for producing a distinct rotten egg smell. Although it’s not harmful in small amounts, sulfur can cause unpleasant odors and lead to corrosion of plumbing fixtures if untreated.
• Tannins: In certain parts of Sheridan and the surrounding region, tannins – organic matter from decaying vegetation – can cause yellow or brown discoloration in water. While not dangerous to health, they can affect the water’s taste and appearance.
• Hard Water (Calcium and Magnesium): Hard water, a phenomena caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium, is a widespread issue in Sheridan. While not necessarily dangerous to your health, hard water can lead to scale buildup in pipes and appliances, which reduces their efficiency and longevity over time.

Concerned your water might have some of these contaminants? Not to fear; Water Products & Solutions is here to help! As Sheridan locals, we’re well-suited to tackle all the common issues that plague our water supply here in Northeast Wyoming. We’ve been serving homeowners and business owners all throughout the greater Sheridan community for over 30 years and we’d love to serve you, too. Call 307-672-7606 or fill out our appointment request form right here on our website.

How Can I Improve My Water Quality?

Improving your water quality starts with identifying the specific issues present in your water supply. To effectively treat your water, you have to first know if you’re dealing with hard water, dangerous contaminants, unpleasant odor and taste, or something else. Once we’ve tested your water and you have a better understanding of what specific issues you’re looking to eradicate, it’s much easier to narrow down the options and find a product or solution that best meets your needs.

Here are some of the most common solutions to improve water quality in your Sheridan home or business:

• Install a Water Softener: If your water test reveals hard water, installing a water softener is a great solution. A water softener removes calcium and magnesium that cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, helping extend their lifespan and improve efficiency. It also prevents dry skin and soap scum, making your water more pleasant to use.
• Use Filtration Systems for Iron, Sulfur, and Other Contaminants: Iron removal systems can eliminate rust stains and metallic tastes from your water, while sulfur filters get rid of the “rotten egg” odor caused by hydrogen sulfide. For other contaminants like chlorine, lead, or tannins, you may want to consider a whole-house filtration system or targeted point-of-use filters.
• Install a Reverse Osmosis System: A reverse osmosis system is ideal for ensuring your drinking water is free from contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrates, and pesticides. This system filters out impurities at the molecular level, providing high-quality, pure water for drinking and cooking.
• If You Use a Well, Consider UV Disinfection for Bacteria and Viruses: If your water test detects harmful microorganisms like E. coli or coliform bacteria, a UV disinfection system can kill bacteria and viruses without using chemicals.

Trust the Water Products & Solutions Team to Enhance Your Water Quality, Your Way

At Water Products & Solutions, we understand that every home and business has unique water quality challenges, which is why we offer tailored solutions designed specifically for your needs. Whether you’re dealing with hard water, iron, bacteria, or other contaminants, our team will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that ensures the highest quality water for your family or business.

From initial water testing to selecting the best filtration systems, water softeners, or UV disinfection, we’re committed to providing solutions that fit your lifestyle and budget. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches; instead, we offer personalized service to address the specific issues affecting your water supply.

Ready to enjoy cleaner, safer water? Contact us today online or by calling 307-672-7606 to schedule your free water test and let our experts craft the perfect solution for your home’s water quality needs. At Water Products & Solutions, we enhance your water quality – your way.