In West Michigan, water quality can vary a lot from home to home, especially for those who rely on well water. Whether you’ve noticed strange smells, cloudy water, or buildup around your faucets, these are often signs of common water problems. And you’re not alone. Michigan water contamination and other Michigan water issues affect many local families.
At Kohley’s Superior Water & Propane, we help our neighbors solve these problems every day with simple, effective solutions. Let’s take a closer look at the common water contaminants in our area, what they mean, and what you can do about them.
Why Water Quality Matters
When your water isn’t clean, it affects more than just taste. It can damage appliances, irritate your skin, stain your laundry, and increase the risk of health problems in some cases. Knowing what’s in your water is the first step toward improving it—and protecting your home.
Common Water Contaminants Found in Michigan
Across West Michigan, we see a few water problems come up repeatedly. These common water contaminants can make your water unpleasant—or even unsafe—to use.
1. Hard Water
This is one of the most common water problems in Michigan. Hard water means there’s too much calcium and magnesium in your water.
Signs you may have hard water:
- White scale formation on plumbing fixtures
- Spots on your dishes
- Dry or itchy skin after bathing
- Dingy laundry
- High soap or detergent use
- Excessive hot water heating costs
- Bathtub ring
- Unmanageable hair
- Premature plumbing fixture failure
- High maintenance costs on washing machines, dishwashers, etc.
Solution: A water softener can reduce minerals in your water. This will help protect your plumbing and make everyday tasks easier and more comfortable.
2. Iron and Manganese
If your water leaves orange, brown, or black stains in sinks, tubs, or laundry, the cause may be high levels of iron or manganese. This is another common water problem in Michigan well water.
Other signs include:
- Metallic taste
- Clogged plumbing
- Sludgy buildup in appliances
- Red, brown, or black stains on fixtures and plumbing
Solution: We offer iron filtration systems designed to remove iron and manganese before they cause damage to your home. Installing a water softener can also help.
3. Sulfur (Rotten Egg Smell)
One of the most unpleasant well water problems is that telltale rotten egg smell. It’s usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas.
You may notice:
- Strong odor, especially when running hot water
- Stains on fixtures
- Corroded pipes over time
Solution: Our specialized systems filter out sulfur compounds and eliminate odors at the source. This will give you fresh-smelling water again.
4. Cloudy Water: What’s Causing the Haze?
If your water looks milky or cloudy, it’s often due to tiny air bubbles or suspended particles like sediment or minerals. While air bubbles usually aren’t harmful, cloudy water can still raise concerns.
Common issues with cloudy water include:
- It looks unclean and uninviting
- It may contain hidden contaminants
- It can leave stains on your fixtures or laundry
Solution: We offer water filtration systems that clear up cloudy water at the source. Whether it’s a simple sediment filter or a more advanced setup, we’ll help you get crystal-clear water back in your home.
5. Chlorine and Other Chemicals
Even city water can have its issues. Many municipal supplies contain chlorine and other disinfectants that affect water quality and taste.
Watch for:
- Chemical or bleach-like odor
- Dry hair and skin
- Faded clothing
- Possible health concerns
Solution: A whole-house carbon filter removes excess chlorine, leaving your water cleaner and better-tasting.
6. Bacteria and Other Organic Pollution
Some common water contaminants in drinking water, especially from private wells, can include bacteria like coliform or E. coli. While bacteria and other organic contaminants are sometimes unnoticeable, there are some signs to watch out for.
Potential signs or causes:
- Water that looks cloudy or slimy
- Gastrointestinal illness in your household
- Nearby farming or septic systems
Solution: UV purification, reverse osmosis, and carbon filtration systems help kill harmful bacteria and improve water safety.
7. High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measures the amount of inorganic and organic matter dissolved in water. It essentially represents the total weight of dissolved substances, including minerals, salts, metals, and other impurities.
Signs of high TDS include:
- Corrosion
- Bad taste
- Possible health concerns
Solution: A reverse osmosis water treatment system can prevent dissolved solids from entering you water supply
Michigan Water Issues Are Unique—But Fixable
When confronting Michigan water problems, especially with well systems, the challenges can vary by town or even by street. From manganese stains in Muskegon to hard water in Holland, Kohley’s has seen it all.
Our team has decades of experience working with Michigan water quality concerns. We’ll test your water, explain your results in plain language, and recommend the right fix for your needs. We also offer commercial water treatment systems to address industry-specific problems.
What You Can Do Today
If you suspect water contamination, you don’t need to wait. A professional water test can quickly identify if your water contains common water contaminants.
Here’s how we can help:
- Free water testing for West Michigan homes
- Honest, no-pressure recommendations
- Custom solutions for your budget and needs
- Installation and maintenance by local experts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I test my well water?
A: At least once a year. If you’ve had recent flooding or plumbing issues, test sooner.
Q: Is it safe to drink water that smells like sulfur?
A: While not always dangerous, it’s best to get it checked. That smell could mean sulfur bacteria or other water contaminants are present.
Q: Can hard water damage my appliances?
A: Yes. Over time, mineral buildup can reduce the life of dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.
Q: I’m on city water—do I still need filtration?
A: Possibly. Give us a call to schedule a free in-home water evaluation and consultation to explore your options for cleaner, softer water.
Don’t Settle for Problem Water
No one should have to deal with smelly, stained, or unsafe water. Whether you’re facing common water contaminants or just want peace of mind, Kohley’s is here to help.
We are your neighbors. For over 50 years, we have helped families in West Michigan enjoy cleaner, healthier water. Let’s make your water better—together.
Call Kohley’s Today for a Free Water Test
Have questions or want to get started? Call us toll-free at 800-686-3224 or contact us online to schedule your free water testing. After you’ve done that, Kohley’s will handle the rest.
