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Get Informed | Color, Taste, and Odor (Smell)

What are Color, Taste, and Odor? 

The EPA drinking water standards include a group of standards that are known as the secondary drinking water standards. These standards or guidelines are not regulated by the federal, but by state government. The secondary drinking water standards were set for aesthetic and technical reasons and not for specific health standards. In addition, there are specific standards that relate to the color, odor (threshold odor number), and Turbidity of the water. Even though the taste of the water is not regulated, the taste of the water can also indicate a potential problem with your water.

How does Color, Taste, or Odor become a problem? 

The color, taste, and odor of the water are related to various contaminants or conditions of the water that create a nuisance, adversely impact the general use of the water, or create an aesthetic issue that does not encourage the user to drink, use, or bathe/shower in the water. Even though these conditions may only be a nuisance, they may also suggest that a contaminant may be present that can create a health problem.

What are the Health Risks for Color, Taste, or Odor?

Just because the water has a color, taste, or odor, this does not mean that the water is toxic, a health risk, or unsafe to drink; it means there is a nuisance. In some cases, the color, taste, and odor can suggest the presence of something else that is a health concern.

Color - If the water has a bluish-green or green color this could suggest the water is corrosive and may contain elevated levels of copper, lead, zinc, or other trace metals. If the water has a grayish tint the water may contain elevated levels of Aluminum and blackish water could suggest the presence of elevated levels of Copper, Iron, and Manganese sulfides or oxides and sulfate-related/iron or manganese Nuisance Bacteria. If the water looks like tea, this may suggest the presence of elevated levels of tannic and fulvic acids, partially decomposed organic material, or potentially elevated levels of Iron.

Taste - If the water has a metallic taste, the water may be Corrosive and/or contain elevated levels of metals, such as: Iron, Manganese, Copper, Lead, Zinc and other metals.

Odor (Smell) - Phenolic/Strong smell - petrochemicals and volatile organics; Chemical Smell - synthetic organic compounds and industrial chemicals; "methane"- like smell - mercaptans ; Oily Smell - gasoline/petrochemicals/surfactants; Rotten Egg Smell - Sulfur, Hydrogen Sulfide, microbiological contaminants; Perfume Smell - surfactants; Fishy Smell - surfactants, barium, cadmium, high organic matter, algal blooms in surface water sources, or reaction with chloramine/ammonia in water; Musty / Earthy Smell - Iron  Bacteria, mold, fungi, algal blooms in surface water sources, or high bacterial count; Cucumber Smell - may be related to algal blooms and Iron  Bacteria; Chlorine Smell - high levels of chlorine and chlorine by-products.

What are the Standards for Color, Taste, and Odor?

The secondary drinking water standards are as follows:

Color - 15 color units Odor - Threshold

Taste - Foaming Agents - Foaming is usually caused by detergents and similar substances when water has been agitated or aerated as in many faucets. An off-taste, described as oily, fishy, or perfume-like, is commonly associated with foaming, cloudy, and bitter taste. However, these tastes and odors may be due to the breakdown of waste products rather than the detergents themselves. Standard - 0.05 mg/L.

Odor - Number (TON) of 3

Threshold Odor Number (TON) | How is it Determined?

Sample Volume
Diluted to 200 mL
Threshold Odor
Number (TON)
Sample Volume
Diluted to 200 mL
Threshold Odor
Number (TON)
200 1 8.3 24
100 2 5.7 35
70 3 4 50
50 4 2.8 70
35 6 2 100
25 8 1.4 140
17 12 1 200

Source: Civil Engineering Department of Virginia Tech.

TON =  (A + B)/ A
A - Volume of sample with odor
B - Volume of pure water with no odor added

If A was a 100 ml sample and 100 ml of water had to be added to not detect the odor - the TON would be 2.
TON =  (100 + 100)/ 100

Aluminum - 0.05 to 0.2 mg/L; characterized by discolored water (gray, grayish white)

Copper - 1 mg/L; metallic taste, blue-green staining

Corrosivity - should be non-corrosive to avoid corrosion, elevated levels of metals, metallic taste.

Iron - 0.3 mg/L; rusty, discolored water, and staining, sediment, metallic taste.

Manganese - 0.05 mg/L; black to brown water, black staining, bitter metallic taste.

Silver - 0.1 mg/L; gray skin discoloration and graying of the eye.

Sulfate - 250 mg/L; salty taste and laxative effect.

Total Dissolved Solids - 500 mg/L; salty taste, corrosion, scale formation (high hardness), scale-forming water.

Zinc - 5 mg/L, metallic taste.

Get Tested | Color, Taste, Odor, and More

This group of conditions, in most cases, can be used by the user to help identify a problem, but may not always readily identify the specific condition or problem.

Level 1 | Observational Self-Testing

Notes on Level 1 Testing for Color, Taste and Odor (Smell)

Our eyes, nose, and taste buds are very good sensors that are difficult to replace. They can warn us of potential problems with the water, but these senses can be adversely impacted by smoking, disease, color blindness, or failing eyesight.

Observations for Color, Taste, and Odor (Smell)

We recommend using our Self-Test Web App below and those three senses. The app is designed to ask a series of questions that ask, "Are you experiencing a particular nuisance and how would you describe the nuisance?"

Try Our Level 1 Drinking Water Self-Diagnostic Tool
Have water issues? Answer our self-diagnosis questionnaire from your observations to get an initial diagnosis. Then follow our recommended steps to remediate your issue.
Self-Diagnostic Tool

Level 2 | Do-It-Yourself Water Testing

Level 2 Testing is Do-It-Yourself testing that can be done in your own home using a Testing Kit. After you’ve done Level 1 Testing, Level 2 Testing can confirm if your observations are correct. If your test results reveal the presence of a contaminant that is cause for concern, you can either proceed to determine the best treatment (see below) or continue to Level 3 Testing.

Notes on Level 2 Testing for Color, Taste, and Odor (Smell)

There are a number of low-cost screening tests for evaluating the drinking water parameters associated with aesthetic problems with your drinking water, but few tests replace your senses.

There are a number of low-cost screening tools to evaluate the general Corrosion potential of your water.

Recommended Level 2 Tests
Problem Check (Iron and IRB)

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Biological Odors / CO2 / Sulfur-Like Odors</div>

WaterCheck® Standard

<div class="product-note in-L4-sulfur-treatment">Note: Use in combination with Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Test</div>

L3-TASC-T-02
Tap Score
Total Microbiological Test

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Carbon Dioxide, Sewage Odors</div>

L3-TASC-M-02
Tap Score
Mold and Fungus

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Carbon Dioxide, Musty, Foul Odors</div>

ST-FILT-B-01
Filter Water
Brondell Cypress Countertop Water Filtration System (Code A27AC)

<div class="product-note in-L6-mtbe-methyl-tert-butyl-ether">Note: If the concentration is < 0.07 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-tetrachloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-trichloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.004 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-toluene">Note: If the concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L</div>

LT-CRYS-G-01
Crystal Quest
GAC Carbon Commercial Water Filter System

<div class="product-note in-L6-benzene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-chloroform-trichloromethane">Note: If the concentration is < 0.080 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-ethylbenzene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.03 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-methylene-chloride-dichloromethane-dcm">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-mtbe-methyl-tert-butyl-ether">Note: If the concentration is < 0.07 mg/L</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-tetrachloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-trichloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.004 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-toluene">Note: If the concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-xylenes">Note: If the concentration is < 1 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-atrazine">Note: If the concentration is < 0.001 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-alachlor">Note: If the concentration is < 0.002 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-glyphosate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.7 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-2-4-d">Note: If the concentration is < 0.03 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-bis-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.006 mg/L (POE Device System Component</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-bromate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.01 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L4-methyl-tertiary">Note: Concentrations < 40 ppb</div>

LT-CRYS-A-02
Crystal Quest
Acid-Neutralizing Whole-House Filter

<div class="product-note in-L6-alkalinity">Note: For Low Hardness / Alkalinity/ Low pH</div>

LT-CRYS-W-03
Crystal Quest
Water Softeners & Salt Free Water Conditioners

<div class="product-note in-L6-alkalinity">Note: For High Hardness / Alkalinity</div>

LT-CRYS-U-02
Crystal Quest
Ultraviolet Water Sterilizer System, 6-12 GPM

<div class="product-note in-L6-color-taste-odor">Note: Requires a prefiltration system</div>

Recommended Products
National Testing LabsL3-NATE-P-1 | Problem Check (Iron and IRB)

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Biological Odors / CO2 / Sulfur-Like Odors</div>

View
National Testing LabsL3-NATE-W-4 | WaterCheck® Standard

<div class="product-note in-L4-sulfur-treatment">Note: Use in combination with Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Test</div>

View
Tap ScoreL3-TASC-T-02 | Total Microbiological Test

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Carbon Dioxide, Sewage Odors</div>

View
Tap ScoreL3-TASC-M-02 | Mold and Fungus

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Carbon Dioxide, Musty, Foul Odors</div>

View
Filter WaterST-FILT-B-01 | Brondell Cypress Countertop Water Filtration System

<div class="product-note in-L6-mtbe-methyl-tert-butyl-ether">Note: If the concentration is < 0.07 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-tetrachloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-trichloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.004 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-toluene">Note: If the concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L</div>

View
Crystal QuestLT-CRYS-G-01 | GAC Carbon Commercial Water Filter System

<div class="product-note in-L6-benzene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-chloroform-trichloromethane">Note: If the concentration is < 0.080 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-ethylbenzene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.03 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-methylene-chloride-dichloromethane-dcm">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-mtbe-methyl-tert-butyl-ether">Note: If the concentration is < 0.07 mg/L</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-tetrachloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-trichloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.004 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-toluene">Note: If the concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-xylenes">Note: If the concentration is < 1 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-atrazine">Note: If the concentration is < 0.001 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-alachlor">Note: If the concentration is < 0.002 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-glyphosate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.7 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-2-4-d">Note: If the concentration is < 0.03 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-bis-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.006 mg/L (POE Device System Component</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-bromate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.01 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L4-methyl-tertiary">Note: Concentrations < 40 ppb</div>

View
Crystal QuestLT-CRYS-A-02 | Acid-Neutralizing Whole-House Filter

<div class="product-note in-L6-alkalinity">Note: For Low Hardness / Alkalinity/ Low pH</div>

View
Crystal QuestLT-CRYS-W-03 | Water Softeners & Salt-Free Water Conditioners

<div class="product-note in-L6-alkalinity">Note: For High Hardness / Alkalinity</div>

View
Crystal QuestLT-CRYS-U-02 | Ultraviolet Water Sterilizer System, 6-12 GPM

<div class="product-note in-L6-color-taste-odor">Note: Requires a prefiltration system</div>

View

Level 3 | Informational Water Testing

Level 3 Testing is done through an accredited Water Testing Laboratory. With Level 3 Testing, you can order a testing kit that is used to prepare your sample and submit it to the lab. By utilizing a lab, you have the assurance that a certified water expert had analyzed your water sample. If your test results reveal the presence of a contaminant that is cause for concern, you can either proceed to determine the best treatment options (see below) or continue to Level 4 Testing - Certified Testing.

Notes on Level 3 Testing for Color, Taste, and Odor (Smell)

This type of nuisance is common in city water and very common in untreated drinking water sources like well water and spring water. Because nuisance colors, odors, or tastes can be caused by a variety of contaminants like microbiological agents (fungi/mold), Bacteria, tannins, organic compounds, insufficient chlorine, excess chlorine and Disinfection Byproducts, and even trace metals, we suggest completing a diagnostic analysis to attempt to isolate the likely causes and conduct a comprehensive assessment to rule out any potential contaminants.

If you suspect the cause of the nuisance is related to a Microbiological agent, we would recommend the Tap Score Total Microbiological Test and the Mold / Fungus kit.

Recommended Level 3 Tests
Problem Check (Iron and IRB)

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Biological Odors / CO2 / Sulfur-Like Odors</div>

WaterCheck® Standard

<div class="product-note in-L4-sulfur-treatment">Note: Use in combination with Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Test</div>

L3-TASC-T-02
Tap Score
Total Microbiological Test

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Carbon Dioxide, Sewage Odors</div>

L3-TASC-M-02
Tap Score
Mold and Fungus

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Carbon Dioxide, Musty, Foul Odors</div>

ST-FILT-B-01
Filter Water
Brondell Cypress Countertop Water Filtration System (Code A27AC)

<div class="product-note in-L6-mtbe-methyl-tert-butyl-ether">Note: If the concentration is < 0.07 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-tetrachloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-trichloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.004 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-toluene">Note: If the concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L</div>

LT-CRYS-G-01
Crystal Quest
GAC Carbon Commercial Water Filter System

<div class="product-note in-L6-benzene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-chloroform-trichloromethane">Note: If the concentration is < 0.080 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-ethylbenzene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.03 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-methylene-chloride-dichloromethane-dcm">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-mtbe-methyl-tert-butyl-ether">Note: If the concentration is < 0.07 mg/L</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-tetrachloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-trichloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.004 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-toluene">Note: If the concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-xylenes">Note: If the concentration is < 1 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-atrazine">Note: If the concentration is < 0.001 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-alachlor">Note: If the concentration is < 0.002 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-glyphosate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.7 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-2-4-d">Note: If the concentration is < 0.03 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-bis-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.006 mg/L (POE Device System Component</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-bromate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.01 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L4-methyl-tertiary">Note: Concentrations < 40 ppb</div>

LT-CRYS-A-02
Crystal Quest
Acid-Neutralizing Whole-House Filter

<div class="product-note in-L6-alkalinity">Note: For Low Hardness / Alkalinity/ Low pH</div>

LT-CRYS-W-03
Crystal Quest
Water Softeners & Salt Free Water Conditioners

<div class="product-note in-L6-alkalinity">Note: For High Hardness / Alkalinity</div>

LT-CRYS-U-02
Crystal Quest
Ultraviolet Water Sterilizer System, 6-12 GPM

<div class="product-note in-L6-color-taste-odor">Note: Requires a prefiltration system</div>

Contact a KnowYourH2O Recommended Professional

Submit a Request for Consultation with the KnowYourH20 Team. Contact Us

Level 4 | Certified Water Testing

A Level 4 Certified Test Test uses chain-of-custody with a water professional coming to your home to prepare the water sample and then works with an accredited laboratory in order to certify your test results. This type of testing not only gives you the highest level of assurance in the accuracy of your test results, but can also be used as a document in legal cases. For Baseline Testing, we recommend that you use Certified Testing.

Notes on Level 4 Testing for Color, Taste and Odor (Smell)

Before conducting certified testing for a nuisance issue, it is critical to understand the nature of the nuisance and identify the reasons why it may be occurring. The first step in this process would be to complete the diagnostic analysis and schedule a consultation with our team. This approach will help to ensure that the testing plan will be efficient and cost effective. We recommend private water system owners order a Neighborhood Environmental Report and that city water users review a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report.

Get Treatment | Color, Taste, and Odor

There are many factors that contribute to a nuisance problem with the water that can impact the color, taste, and odor. In most cases, these problems are associated with Contaminants that are identified as Secondary Drinking Water Standards or parameters that have No Standard, but in a number of cases this condition can be caused by a contaminant associated with a Primary Drinking Water Standard and there could be a health risk or concern. In general, the most common water treatment systems used to address these nuisance issues include disinfection, granular-activated-Carbon Filtration, oxidation filtration systems, and, in cases of salt contamination, Reverse Osmosis systems.

Short-Term Treatment

In the short term, the first course of action is to complete a diagnostic analysis of the water and necessary water testing to attempt to identify the contaminants that are contributing to the nuisance issues and to determine if any of these contaminants pose a health concern. If the nuisance does not appear to be associated with a petrochemical, disease-causing organism or Waterborne Pathogen, or other contaminant that poses a health risk, it may be possible to use Shock Disinfection and flush the system and consider the installation of a point-of-entry or point-of-use Carbon Filtration system. This approach could be used if the problem were associated with a Nuisance Bacteria, elevated levels of chlorine by-products, or high Turbidity. If the problem appears to be associated with a contaminant that poses a health risk, the primary recommendation is to learn more about that specific parameter and to use an alternative water source. If the problem appears to be bacterial related, we recommend a Shock Disinfection of the system and flushing.

Recommended Short-Term Water Treatments

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Biological Odors / CO2 / Sulfur-Like Odors</div>

<div class="product-note in-L4-sulfur-treatment">Note: Use in combination with Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Test</div>

L3-TASC-T-02
Tap Score

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Carbon Dioxide, Sewage Odors</div>

L3-TASC-M-02
Tap Score

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Carbon Dioxide, Musty, Foul Odors</div>

ST-FILT-B-01
Filter Water

<div class="product-note in-L6-mtbe-methyl-tert-butyl-ether">Note: If the concentration is < 0.07 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-tetrachloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-trichloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.004 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-toluene">Note: If the concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L</div>

LT-CRYS-G-01
Crystal Quest

<div class="product-note in-L6-benzene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-chloroform-trichloromethane">Note: If the concentration is < 0.080 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-ethylbenzene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.03 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-methylene-chloride-dichloromethane-dcm">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-mtbe-methyl-tert-butyl-ether">Note: If the concentration is < 0.07 mg/L</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-tetrachloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-trichloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.004 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-toluene">Note: If the concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-xylenes">Note: If the concentration is < 1 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-atrazine">Note: If the concentration is < 0.001 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-alachlor">Note: If the concentration is < 0.002 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-glyphosate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.7 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-2-4-d">Note: If the concentration is < 0.03 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-bis-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.006 mg/L (POE Device System Component</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-bromate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.01 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L4-methyl-tertiary">Note: Concentrations < 40 ppb</div>

LT-CRYS-A-02
Crystal Quest

<div class="product-note in-L6-alkalinity">Note: For Low Hardness / Alkalinity/ Low pH</div>

LT-CRYS-W-03
Crystal Quest

<div class="product-note in-L6-alkalinity">Note: For High Hardness / Alkalinity</div>

LT-CRYS-U-02
Crystal Quest

<div class="product-note in-L6-color-taste-odor">Note: Requires a prefiltration system</div>

Contact a KnowYourH2O Recommended Professional

Not Up for A DIY? Need Help Identifying a Local KnowYourH20 Team Professional? Contact Us

Long-Term Treatment

From our experience long-term solutions normally included not just the installation of a treatment system, but implementation of some form of maintenance or management. For well water systems we have addressed these problems in the following manner:

1) Lined the well to eliminate the entry of shallow groundwater and surface water, Shock Disinfected the system, and installed a Particle Filtration system and a UV Disinfection system.

2) Installed a sanitary well cap, Shock Disinfected the system, and installed a granulated-activated-Carbon Filtration system.

3) Installed a sanitary well cap, Shock Disinfected the system, installed a chlorination system, backwashable carbon filter, water softener, changed the piping in the home to CPVC (NSF Approved), and then polished the drinking water using a Reverse Osmosis unit with a storage system.

For city water, we have found that the long-term solution may require the system to flush the main lines more frequently and in some cases we have Shock Disinfected and flushed the piping in the home and installed point-of-use Carbon Filtration systems. For very large homes and apartment complexes it was necessary to install additional backflow prevention devices and the necessary hardware and systems to regularly flush and shock disinfect/flush the piping in the building.

In some cases, the solution required that the source of the problem or contaminant be identified and remediated and, until this was completed, use an alternative potable water source. In order to develop a long-term solution, detailed water testing is needed. Some system modification or improvements may be needed, and the cause of the nuisance must be identified.

Recommended Long-Term Water Treatments

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Biological Odors / CO2 / Sulfur-Like Odors</div>

<div class="product-note in-L4-sulfur-treatment">Note: Use in combination with Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Test</div>

L3-TASC-T-02
Tap Score

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Carbon Dioxide, Sewage Odors</div>

L3-TASC-M-02
Tap Score

<div class="product-note in-L6-dissolved-gasses">Note: For Carbon Dioxide, Musty, Foul Odors</div>

ST-FILT-B-01
Filter Water

<div class="product-note in-L6-mtbe-methyl-tert-butyl-ether">Note: If the concentration is < 0.07 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-tetrachloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-trichloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.004 mg/L (POU Device)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-toluene">Note: If the concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L</div>

LT-CRYS-G-01
Crystal Quest

<div class="product-note in-L6-benzene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-chloroform-trichloromethane">Note: If the concentration is < 0.080 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-ethylbenzene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.03 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-methylene-chloride-dichloromethane-dcm">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-mtbe-methyl-tert-butyl-ether">Note: If the concentration is < 0.07 mg/L</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-tetrachloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.005 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-trichloroethylene">Note: If the concentration is < 0.004 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-toluene">Note: If the concentration is less than 0.8 mg/L</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-xylenes">Note: If the concentration is < 1 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-atrazine">Note: If the concentration is < 0.001 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-alachlor">Note: If the concentration is < 0.002 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-glyphosate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.7 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-2-4-d">Note: If the concentration is < 0.03 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-bis-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.006 mg/L (POE Device System Component</div>
<div class="product-note in-L6-bromate">Note: If the concentration is < 0.01 mg/L (POE Device System Component)</div>
<div class="product-note in-L4-methyl-tertiary">Note: Concentrations < 40 ppb</div>

LT-CRYS-A-02
Crystal Quest

<div class="product-note in-L6-alkalinity">Note: For Low Hardness / Alkalinity/ Low pH</div>

LT-CRYS-W-03
Crystal Quest

<div class="product-note in-L6-alkalinity">Note: For High Hardness / Alkalinity</div>

LT-CRYS-U-02
Crystal Quest

<div class="product-note in-L6-color-taste-odor">Note: Requires a prefiltration system</div>

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in-L6-color-taste-odor