- Common Water Problems
- Well Water
- Background Information
- Ground Water Contaminants
- Common Problems
- Swimming Pool Water
- Background Information
- Swimming Pool Contaminants
- Common Problems
- Water Treatment Process
- Pond Water
- Background Information
- Pond Water Contaminants
- Common Problems
- Hard Water
- Drinking Water
- Home Water Treatment Systems
- Water Filters
- Reverse Osmosis
- Water Softners
- Water Conditoners
- Water Treatment Chemicals
Drinking Water Problems
Drinking water in the UK is usually of very high standards; occasionally however, drinking water is not up to standard and can cause health problems. Examine your drinking water, it should appear clear and bright. If it is discoloured, cloudy or has an unwanted taste or smell you should contact your local water company and have your water tested.
The following table highlights some common problems with metals and minerals in drinking water and suggests a suitable form of water treatment. For problems with contaminents of an organic nature (viruses, bacteria) please check here.
| Problem | Effect on Water | Suggested Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| pH | Low alkalinity water tends to dissolve minerals and metals. Water with high alkalinity tend to precipitate minerals and metals | Use Soda Ash to raise, Use white vinegar or citric acid to lower |
| Aluminum | Discolored water | Reverse Osmosis Distillation |
| Chloride | Salty taste | Reverse Osmosis Distillation |
| Color | Visible tint | Reverse Osmosis Distillation Activated Carbon Filtration |
| Copper | Blue-green coloration, metallic taste | Reverse Osmosis Distillation |
| Corrosion | Metallic Taste Corrosion Fixture Staining | Calcite Filter Soda Ash Chemical Feed Polyphosphate Feed Sodium Silicate Feed |
| Fluoride | Spotting and mottling of teeth | Reverse Osmosis Distillation |
| Foaming Agents (MBAS) | Suds, Bitter Taste, Odor | Chlorination Activated Carbon Reverse Osmosis Distillation |
| Hard Water | Limescale deposits in plumbing and water appliances, Reduced heating efficiency, Lowers lifespan of boiler units, Requires more soap | Water Conditioner Water Softener |
| Iron | Rusty color Sediment Reddish or orange stains Metallic tase | Oxidizing Filter Chlorination -> AC Filter |
| Manganese | Dark brown / Black stains Bitter, metallic taste | Oxidizing Filter Chlorination -> AC Filter |
| MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) | Sweet solvent odor Possbile carcinogen | Activated Carbon Filter |
| Odor | Rotten egg Musty Garlic Chemical Smell | Activated Carbon Filter |
| Silver | Skin discoloration Grey tint in white part of eye | Activated Carbon Filtration Reverse Osmosis Distillation |
| Sulfate | Medicinal taste Acts as a laxative | Reverse Osmosis Distillation |
| Total Dissolved Solids | Hard Water Deposits on glass and fixtures | Reverse Osmosis Distillation Water Conditioner Water Softener |
| Zinc | Metallic taste | Reverse Osmosis Distillation |
What Can You Do?
Occasionally you may encounter problems with your drinking water. In such a case, contacts for your local water company, water enquiries and emergencies are available in your phone book under ‘water’. Alternatively, you can also contact other companies who will help you solve any problems regarding drinking water:
- Contact your local Consumer Council for water companies listed in your telephone directory under ‘consumer organisation’
- You could also contact the environmental health department of your local council.
- Drinking Water Inspectorate who will investigate your problem:
Drinking Water Inspectorate
55 Whitehall
C/O 3-8 Whitehall Place
London
SW1A 2HH
Telephone: 020 7082 8024
Facsimile: 020 7082 8028
E-mail: dwi.enquiries@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.dwi.gov.uk"