Common Water Problems in Michigan & Water Issue Solutions

Water Problem: Hard Water

Hard water is a common issue in Michigan. It happens when your water picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium as it flows through rock and soil.

These minerals cause buildup on shower doors and fixtures, white film on dishes, staining, and make your skin and hair feel dry. Hard water also reduces the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. Over time, it can even damage laundry, water heaters, clog pipes, and wear out your appliances.

Solution: WaterMax Series Softener

Our WaterMax Series Softener is a powerful and efficient solution for hard water. It removes hardness minerals along with contaminants like radium and barium. Many customers report using up to 50% less salt compared to other systems.

Contact Pure Water Works for a free in-home water test and personalized quote for water softener installation.

Water Problem: Iron in Water

Iron is another common Michigan water quality issue, especially in well water. It can leave behind reddish-brown stains in sinks, tubs, and on laundry, plus make water smell and taste metallic. Iron can also build up in pipes and appliances, leading to clogs and costly damage.

Solution: Iron Curtain

The Iron Curtain System from Pure Water Works is designed to remove up to 15 parts per million (ppm) of clear water iron. This is more than most other systems on the market. It eliminates stains, metallic smells, and unpleasant tastes, restoring clean, fresh water to your home. In many cases, it can handle triple the iron levels compared to competing products.

To book a free water test and estimate, contact us now.

Water Problem: Chlorine

Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect public water supplies, but it can leave behind an unpleasant taste and smell. It may also dry out your skin and hair. Many Michigan homeowners want to remove chlorine from their drinking water for a better experience.

Solution: Carbon Filter and Pure Water Works Reverse Osmosis

For total chlorine removal, our advanced RO and carbon filter system is highly effective. The Pure Water Works Reverse Osmosis System delivers quality, chlorine-free water from your tap for drinking and cooking.

Book a water test to find out if chlorine is affecting your water quality and how we can help you fix it. Contact us today!

Water Problem: Nitrates and Bacteria

Nitrates and bacteria are serious concerns, especially for homes with private wells. Nitrates often come from fertilizers and can seep into groundwater after rain or irrigation. Bacteria can enter your water through cracks in well systems or contaminated runoff. Both pose health risks, especially for infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

Solution: WaterMax Series, Reverse Osmosis (RO), & UV Treatment

The Hague WaterMax system with specialty resin is a reliable whole-home solution for removing nitrates and bacteria. This unit regenerates with salt (like a conventional water softener). RO also offers a reliable layer of defense with effective, advanced filtration.

UV water treatment systems effectively disinfect drinking water, without adding chemicals, although they don’t remove nitrates.

To schedule your water test with Pure Water Works, contact us today.

Water Problem: Tannins

Tannins are natural organic materials that come from decaying leaves and vegetation. They can give water a yellow or brownish tint and cause stains on laundry, sinks, and toilets. Tannins are especially common in well water and can make your water look murky or unclean, even if it’s safe to drink.

Solution: WaterMax Series

Our WaterMax system with specialty resin works like a standard water softener but is customized to target tannins. The result is clear water that won’t cause staining.

Contact Pure Water Works today for a water test and see if tannins are affecting your water quality.

Water Problem: Sulphur & Methane Gases

Dissolved gases can cause cloudiness and bad odors in water.  It can also cause pipes to hammer and spitting of gas and water when a faucet is opened.  Methane gas is odorless and occurs naturally in some underground water wells.  Hydrogen sulfide gas smells like rotten eggs and is occasionally present in underground aquifers.  Dissolved gases in water can be aggressive to piping systems and cause wear on valves, seats and washers.

Solution: Sentry Open-Air | Sanitizer Series

If you have a rotten egg odor in your water you may not need any equipment at all. Should the odor be noticed only when using hot water, the problem may be simply fixed by servicing the water heater. If your cold and hot water, however, is found to have a trace of hydrogen sulfide gas, our Sanitizer Series may be the solution for you. In severe cases of hydrogen sulfide and methane gas, or multiple water problems, Pure Water Works also offers the Sentry Open-Air, a system that is like your own private water treatment plant, offering pristine, crystal clear water without leaving unwanted chlorine or other trace chemical that may be found in municipal water systems.  To learn more and get a FREE in home water test and estimate, contact us today.

Water Problem: Arsenic

Arsenic is an odorless, tasteless heavy metal.  It is naturally occurring in the environment and is a by-product of agricultural and industrial activities.  It can be in two forms: arsenic III and arsenic V. Human exposure to arsenic can cause both short and long term health effects. Short or acute effects can occur within hours or days of exposure.  Long term exposure has been linked to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidneys, nasal passages, liver and prostate.

Solution: WaterMax Series

The classification of the form of arsenic and its relative level determines the methodology to solving the problem. To learn more and get a FREE in home water test and estimate, contact us today.

Water Problem: Toxic Chemicals

These chemicals are more commonly referred to as Volatile Organic Contaminants (VOC).  But there is nothing organically good about them.  They are very dangerous man-made chemicals like TCE, PCB, THM, PCE, benzene, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, etc.  They commonly enter the drinking water from leaking underground storage tanks, industrial run off, leaking landfills, toxic dumping/spills or were used in farming before they were known to be harmful.  Many of these man-made toxins are known to cause cancer when humans come into contact with them.  These dangerous chemicals can be ingested in your drinking water, inhaled in the shower, or absorbed through your skin when bathing.

Solution: Pure Water Works Reverse Osmosis

The Pure Water Works Central Water System is the whole house solution for the removal of toxic chemicals. For the best drinking water solution a Reverse Osmosis System is the recommended solution while chemicals alone may be removed by a cartridge filter.  To learn more and get a FREE in home water test and estimate, contact us today.

Water Problem: Acidic Water

Acidic water has a low pH, which means it can slowly eat away at your plumbing. This can lead to blue-green stains in sinks and tubs, pinhole leaks in pipes, and a metallic taste in your drinking water. Acidic water can also corrode appliance components and fixtures over time.

Solution: Acid Neutralizer

Acid neutralizers raise the pH level of your water, making it more balanced and less acidic. They protect pipes and help extend the life of your appliances.
Schedule an in-home water test to find out if your water is too acidic and get expert help from Pure Water Works.

Water Problem: Cloudy Water

Cloudy or murky water often results from sediment like sand, silt, or rust particles. It can make water look unclean, clog faucets and appliances, and affect taste and smell. This is especially common in well water or following plumbing work or flooding.

Sediment Filter and Reverse Osmosis (RO)

A whole-home sediment filter removes visible particles and restores water clarity. For drinking and cooking, RO adds a second layer of purification to give you crystal-clear water at the tap.

Schedule a free in-home water test to find out what’s causing your cloudy water and how to fix it fast.

Water Problem: Earthy, Musty, or Fishy Odors

If your water smells like dirt, fish, or mildew, it’s likely due to naturally occurring organic compounds like algae, bacteria, or decaying vegetation. These odors may not signal anything harmful, but they can be unpleasant.

Solution: Carbon Filtration, Reverse Osmosis (RO), and Chemical Treatment

A high-quality carbon filtration system will remove most organic odors and improve overall taste. For added protection, RO or chemical treatment can target persistent growths and bacteria.

Let Pure Water Works test your water and recommend the best odor removal system for your home. Schedule your test today.

Water Problem: PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals. They’ve been used in products like nonstick pans, firefighting foam, and waterproof materials for decades. They don’t break down in nature and have been found in drinking water supplies across the United States. PFAS exposure may increase cancer risk and cause other health problems.

Solution: Reverse Osmosis (RO) or The Pioneer™ Filtration System

RO systems can remove PFAS at the point of use or point of entry. Our Pioneer™ Whole-House Filtration System filters select PFAS and offers full property protection.

Check for PFAS in your water with a lab test from Pure Water Works. Contact us to schedule an appointment!

Water Problem: Lead in Water

Lead can enter your water from old pipes or plumbing fixtures. It’s invisible, tasteless, and odorless, but extremely toxic, especially to young children and pregnant women.

Solution: Reverse Osmosis (RO) and The Pioneer™ Filtration System

Reverse osmosis filtration helps reduce lead in drinking water. The Pioneer™ System provides whole-home protection by filtering lead before it reaches any tap. It effectively removes both soluble and particulate forms of lead.

Don’t take chances with lead— schedule a water analysis from Pure Water Works today.

Water Problem: Gas / Oil Taste or Odor

A gasoline or oil smell in your water is a serious issue. It can be caused by petroleum-based contaminants from nearby spills, leaking tanks, or runoff. This water should never be consumed or used until properly treated.

Solution: Carbon Filtration and Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Activated carbon filtration is the first line of defense to remove chemical odors and toxins. For additional filtration, RO offers a second level of purification to ensure clean, quality water.

If your water smells or tastes like fuel or oil, contact Pure Water Works immediately for a test and expert solutions.