{"id":1266,"date":"2024-09-19T18:27:57","date_gmt":"2024-09-19T18:27:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.www.unitedairtemp.com\/baltimore-md-area\/?p=1266"},"modified":"2025-06-04T13:47:02","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T13:47:02","slug":"do-i-need-home-water-treatment-in-baltimore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unitedairtemp.com\/baltimore-md-area\/blog\/do-i-need-home-water-treatment-in-baltimore\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need Home Water Treatment in Baltimore?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Gloved<\/p>\r\n

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 However, the area’s old and outdated water lines contribute to poor water quality and may even be exposed to dangerous contaminants.<\/p>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

Is Baltimore Tap Water Safe?<\/h2>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

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 In addition, homeowners often notice discolored water and have concerns of lead contamination from outdated piping.<\/p>\r\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Signs You Have Hard Water<\/h2>\r\n

Baltimore has hard water with 185 PPM. However, surrounding areas like Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Annapolis have moderately hard water with 70 to 99 PPM.<\/p>\r\n

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<\/a>, appliances, and more. That’s why homeowners with any of these signs of hard water should consider a water softener.<\/p>\r\n

Limescale<\/h3>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

Over time, this can reduce water flow in your dishwasher and fixtures, reducing the efficiency of your entire plumbing system.<\/p>\r\n

Soap Scum<\/h3>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

It can even accumulate in your drains, leading to serious drain clogs<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\r\n

Stiff Laundry<\/h3>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

Signs You Have Contaminated Water<\/h2>\r\n

The aging water infrastructure in Baltimore can lead to contamination of your home’s water supply. This is often dangerous for your health.<\/p>\r\n

At the first sign of these issues, homeowners should consider a water treatment system from a professional plumber.<\/p>\r\n

Metallic Taste<\/h3>\r\n

If you notice a slight metallic taste in your water, it could be due to lead contamination from corroded pipes.<\/p>\r\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Sewage Odors<\/h3>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

Discolored Water<\/h3>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

Regardless of the root cause, any change to your water’s color, taste, or smell should be addressed immediately.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Benefits of Water Treatment<\/h2>\r\n

Water treatment and purification is an excellent way to improve the water in your home with benefits including:<\/p>\r\n