Water is one of our most critical resources. From showers to cooking, Baltimore homeowners rely on access to clean, safe water. However, the area’s old and outdated water lines contribute to poor water quality and may even be exposed to dangerous contaminants.

Although it varies from home to home, you may be a good candidate for water treatment in the Baltimore area. In this article, the plumbing experts at United Air Temp discuss the issues impacting Baltimore’s water quality and signs that residents may benefit from water treatment solutions, such as water softeners and purifiers.

Is Baltimore Tap Water Safe?

While the water that leaves Baltimore’s treatment plants is considered safe, it’s exposed to contaminants as it travels through dated and damaged water mains. Unfortunately, Baltimore’s water quality issues are symptoms of a growing national problem as water infrastructure in American cities has deteriorated.

Recent tests of Baltimore’s water show the prevalence of E. coli, thanks to the frequency of sinkholes and sewer backups in the water system. In addition, homeowners often notice discolored water and have concerns of lead contamination from outdated piping.

Many homeowners rely on bottled water for filtered water. However, this is a costly undertaking, especially in addition to monthly water bills, since Baltimore’s water rates have risen faster than the national average. 

Signs You Have Hard Water

Baltimore has hard water with 185 PPM. However, surrounding areas like Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Annapolis have moderately hard water with 70 to 99 PPM.

Excessive calcium and magnesium in the water occurs naturally as it passes through the region’s soil and rock. This hard water can be tough on your plumbing, appliances, and more. That’s why homeowners with any of these signs of hard water should consider a water softener.

Limescale

You likely have hard water if you notice a white, chalky buildup around your plumbing fixtures. This limescale is a buildup of calcium and magnesium and can even lead to spots, streaks, or a film on your dishes and glassware.

Over time, this can reduce water flow in your dishwasher and fixtures, reducing the efficiency of your entire plumbing system.

Soap Scum

You don’t get the traditional lather and suds when soap mixes with hard water. Instead, it forms a white, sticky scum that sticks to your bathroom surfaces, including tubs, sinks, and shower doors.

It can even accumulate in your drains, leading to serious drain clogs. Soap scum makes it more difficult to effectively wash hands, hair, and more. As a result, homeowners will use more soap than necessary, making the issue even worse.

Stiff Laundry

The excess minerals in hard water can be tough on your laundry. Homeowners may notice that their clothes and towels feel stiff and scratchy or that colors are dingy or faded.

In addition to making your laundry less soft, hard water can prevent your washing machine’s detergent from fully dissolving, causing homeowners to use it even more to get cleaner clothes.

Signs You Have Contaminated Water

The aging water infrastructure in Baltimore can lead to contamination of your home’s water supply. This is often dangerous for your health.

At the first sign of these issues, homeowners should consider a water treatment system from a professional plumber.

Metallic Taste

If you notice a slight metallic taste in your water, it could be due to lead contamination from corroded pipes.

This is especially common for older homes and can lead to unsafe levels of lead exposure, which can cause serious health issues for both children and adults. 

Sewage Odors

Your water should never have an unpleasant smell. If you notice sewage odors, you could have a dangerous bacterial contamination likely caused by a sewer backup. These backups often lead to E. coli exposure, which can cause serious gastrointestinal issues and illness.

Discolored Water

If your water is brown or cloudy, it may be contaminated. This can be caused by rust and iron from corroded pipes or dirt from a water main break.

Regardless of the root cause, any change to your water’s color, taste, or smell should be addressed immediately. 

Benefits of Water Treatment

Water treatment and purification is an excellent way to improve the water in your home with benefits including:

• Increased safety: Water treatment removes harmful contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and toxins that can lead to serious health issues.
• Improved taste: Removing chlorine, sediment, iron, and more from our water can make it taste better, smell better, and appear clearer.
• Easier cleaning: Water softeners can ensure that your water is gentle on your pipes, appliances, and more, making cleaning your bathrooms easier.
• Greater energy efficiency: Clean and gentle water can help appliances like dishwashers and washing machines run more efficiently, reducing energy consumption.
• Long-term savings: Water treatment can provide homeowners with long-term savings, as it reduces energy costs and reliance on bottled water. 

Choose United Air Temp for Water Treatment Solutions

If you want to improve the quality of your Baltimore home’s tap water, trust the team at United Air Temp. We offer expert installation of water treatment options to ensure your water is safe and clean.

Our highly trained plumbers are available for same-day service at your convenience. Plus, your satisfaction is guaranteed with our quality work and upfront pricing.

Get water treatment services today with United Air Temp. Call to schedule a water softener or whole-home water filter installation in Baltimore.