What Is National Water Quality Month?
Every August, National Water Quality Month reminds us how vital clean water is. It’s easy to take water for granted. However, whether you use a municipal supply or a private well, water quality affects many parts of your life. This includes your health, plumbing, garden, livestock, and property value.
At Petersheim Brothers, we have helped families, farmers, and businesses protect their water for over 100 years. For us, this month is more than just awareness. It is a commitment to the communities we serve in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Why Water Quality Matters
Clean water is the foundation of a safe home. You use it for drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing, and watering plants. When water is contaminated, problems can build slowly and cause damage. This damage can be costly and hard to fix.
According to the EPA, almost 40 percent of U.S. waterways are too polluted for safe use. Many problems come from industrial waste, chemical runoff, or aging infrastructure. Here, well owners face a unique challenge. If you do not monitor your water quality, no one else will.
Even water that looks clean can have minerals or bacteria that affect your health or damage your system.
What Could Be in Your Water?
Knowing what might be in your water is the first step to protecting it. We often help customers with the following issues:
Iron and Sediment
These can cause red stains on sinks and clothes. They also make water taste metallic. Over time, they may reduce water flow and damage appliances.
Bacteria and Viruses
Contamination by bacteria like coliform can cause serious health risks. This is especially true for children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems. These germs are often not detected until illness occurs or water is tested.
Agricultural Runoff
If you live near farms, fertilizers and pesticides can enter your groundwater. Rain can wash these chemicals into your well without any smell or color.
Old Infrastructure
Old wells, cracked casings, or rusty tanks allow contaminants to enter your water. Even small leaks underground can cause problems if ignored.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Water
You don’t need a full system overhaul to improve water quality. Many effective actions are simple and affordable. You can add them to your regular maintenance routine:
- Test Your Water Annually
Testing is the easiest and most important step, especially if you have a well. A basic test checks for bacteria, iron, and other common issues. - Avoid Flushing Harmful Substances
Do not flush cleaners, paint, medications, or wipes. These items can pollute water sources and harm septic systems. - Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Choose biodegradable and chemical-free cleaners. This helps prevent harmful substances from reaching groundwater. - Clean Up After Pets
Pet waste is a common source of bacterial pollution in runoff. Picking it up keeps your soil and water healthier. - Maintain Your Septic and Well Systems
Have your septic system inspected every few years. Check your wellhead for cracks or damage. Preventive care saves money and trouble later.
How Petersheim Brothers Can Help
For more than 100 years, Petersheim Brothers has served homeowners in Chester, Berks, and Lancaster Counties. We specialize in finding and fixing water problems at their source. Our services include:
- Well Drilling and Pump Installation
We build efficient, reliable systems for new construction and upgrades. - Water Testing and Analysis
We test for iron, sediment, bacteria, hardness, and more. Our team explains results clearly and recommends solutions. - Filtration and Treatment Systems
From whole-home filtration to UV disinfection, we design custom setups to fit your water and budget. - Trenching and Water Line Replacement
We repair leaks, frozen pipes, and clogs quickly and correctly.
If you notice stains, odors, or low water pressure—or haven’t tested your water recently—now is the time to act.
Now Is the Time to Act
National Water Quality Month is a great time to check your water system. If you suspect an issue or have not tested your water lately, don’t wait. Contact Petersheim Brothers for expert testing, advice, and service.
From Our Family to Yours
Since 1916, Petersheim Brothers has stood behind every well and system we install. We have built our business on trust, hard work, and quality service. In a world where clean water is more important than ever, we are proud to be a name you can rely on.
Water Quality Month comes once a year, but for us, water quality is a daily priority.