Common New Hampshire Water Issues

You See & Smell: Nothing!
 
Problem: Coliform is not considered a very harmful form of bacteria but it can indicate the presence and future presence of more harmful bacteria like E-coli which can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and can sometimes be fatal.
 

You See & Smell: Nothing!
 
Problem: Long term exposure in your drinking water can cause cancer of skin, lungs, bladder, and kidneys.
 

You See & Smell: Nothing!
 
Problem: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind cigarettes. Radon gas can be released into your home anytime you turn on a water source.
 

You See & Smell: Nothing!
 
Problem: Can cause low infant weights, effects on the immune system, cancer and thyroid hormone disruption.
 

You See & Smell:

• White build-up on faucets
• White build-up and/or clogging of shower heads
• White etching or spots on glasses
• White film on dog's dish
• More soap and shampoo required to create lather

Why it's a problem:

• Dries out skin and makes hair brittle
• May cause itchy skin
• Causes white scale buildup in appliances and water heaters
• Low water pressure if pipes are blocked by scale buildup
• Appliances such as furnace, hot water heater and dishwasher operate inefficiently causing more frequent repairs, higher operating costs and premature replacement.

You See & Smell: If you have copper piping, you will see a blueish green staining on and around your appliances.
 
Problem: Water that is below 7 pH is considered acidic. Acidic water can damage piping and cause staining for leached pipe metal.
 

You See & Smell:

• Orange, rust colored staining in toilets, showers, baths, laundry and dishwasher
• Metallic Odor
• Hair that looks "brassy"

 
Problem:

• Clothes may get ruined (heavy iron stains)
• Appliances look dirty (rusty toilet bowl)
• Low water pressure (iron buildup in pipes)
• Increased service cost (extra time to flush pressure tank and clear blockages)
• Reduce the life of appliances and plumbing

 

You Smell: A swimming pool.
 
Problem: Sodium hypochlorite causes your water to leave a "day at the public pool' after taste.
 

You Smell: "Rotten egg" odor.
 
Problem: It's unpleasant! Hydrogen sulfide gas makes your water smell like rotten eggs.
 
Is it harmful?

• Generally, the answer is "no" at the levels experienced in New England.
• The odor can also be caused by iron reducing bacteria, so a water test may be recommended.

 

You See: Sand/dirt particles present in your water.
 
Problem: Sediment can build up and clog filtration systems, and faucets. Sediment also makes for a bad water drinking experience.