Protecting Your Water Starts with Knowing What’s In It
Clean water isn’t something we should take for granted—especially in Pennsylvania, where geology, land use, and aging infrastructure all affect water quality. Whether you’re relying on a private well or public supply, knowing what contaminants might be in your water is the first step toward protecting your health and your home.
At Petersheim, we regularly work with homeowners and property developers across the state who want to understand and improve their water systems. We’ve seen firsthand how common water issues—like high levels of iron, bacteria, or nitrates—can impact plumbing, staining, taste, and most importantly, safety.
Why Water Quality in Pennsylvania Is a Concern
Pennsylvania’s diverse terrain includes everything from rural farmland to urban centers, each with unique water quality challenges. Agriculture, mining, and industrial activity have left a long-term footprint on groundwater and surface water. Meanwhile, private wells—used by over 3 million residents—aren’t regulated the same way public systems are, leaving testing and treatment up to individual homeowners.
In many cases, contamination isn’t visible. Water may look and smell fine, while still carrying harmful levels of bacteria or chemicals. That’s why regular testing and proper filtration matter.
The Most Common Contaminants We See
Water issues vary by location, but several contaminants appear frequently across Pennsylvania. Here are a few of the most common ones:
1. Iron and Manganese
Found naturally in Pennsylvania’s soil and rock, these minerals often show up in well water. While not considered dangerous at low levels, they can stain sinks and toilets, damage appliances, and give water a metallic taste. High concentrations may also encourage bacterial growth in plumbing.
2. Bacteria (Coliform and E. coli)
Coliform bacteria are common in the environment and often used as indicators of water safety. If coliform is present, it could mean harmful bacteria like E. coli are also in your system. These pathogens can enter through cracked well casings, surface water runoff, or nearby septic systems—especially after heavy rain.
3. Nitrates and Nitrites
Often linked to fertilizer runoff, septic leakage, or animal waste, nitrates can pose serious health risks, particularly for infants. Levels tend to spike in agricultural areas. While odorless and tasteless, they’re dangerous in large quantities and must be treated quickly if detected.
4. Lead
Older homes with aging plumbing systems may still contain lead pipes or solder. When water sits in contact with lead plumbing, it can leach into your drinking water. This is especially concerning for families with young children, as lead exposure can cause developmental and neurological issues.
5. Hardness (Calcium and Magnesium)
Hard water isn’t a health risk, but it’s one of the most common complaints we hear from property owners. High calcium and magnesium levels leave spots on dishes, make it harder to lather soap, and can cause scale buildup in plumbing and water heaters.
6. Sulfur (Hydrogen Sulfide)
If your water smells like rotten eggs, sulfur is likely the culprit. It’s not uncommon in Pennsylvania wells and typically results from natural underground sources or certain types of bacteria. While not usually harmful, it can be unpleasant and corrosive to pipes.
What You Can Do About It
The first step in managing water quality is testing. For well users, we recommend annual water testing—especially after heavy rains or if you notice changes in taste, smell, or appearance. Public water customers can request water quality reports from their provider but may still want to test for in-home plumbing issues like lead or sediment.
Once you understand what’s in your water, solutions can range from simple to complex:
- Sediment Filters – remove particles like sand, rust, and clay
- Carbon Filters – reduce taste, odor, and some chemicals
- UV Disinfection – eliminates bacteria and viruses
- Reverse Osmosis Systems – filter out nitrates, lead, and other harmful contaminants
- Water Softeners – address hardness caused by calcium and magnesium
At Petersheim, we help our clients choose and install the right treatment systems based on their test results and household needs. In some cases, that might mean a basic filtration setup. In others, it might involve well repairs, shock chlorination, or multi-stage purification systems.
Why It Matters
Clean water isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your family’s health, extending the life of your plumbing, and ensuring peace of mind. Contaminants like bacteria or lead can pose serious health risks, while minerals and metals can reduce the lifespan of appliances and fixtures.
Ignoring water quality issues often leads to bigger problems down the road, from costly plumbing repairs to health-related concerns. Being proactive makes all the difference.
Let’s Make Sure Your Water Is Safe
At Petersheim, we’ve spent years helping Pennsylvania homeowners and builders protect their water systems from the ground up. Whether you’re installing a new well, maintaining an old one, or upgrading your home’s filtration, our team brings the knowledge and experience to get it right.
If you’re unsure about what’s in your water—or how to fix it—contact us. We’ll walk you through the testing process, explain your options, and help you find a long-term solution that fits your budget and your home.