Common Water Problems
Water issues can show up in frustrating ways — stains that won’t scrub out, dry skin after showering, water that smells odd, or a taste you don’t trust. And in many cases, the cause isn’t obvious until you test.
At Great Water USA, we help homeowners and businesses across Northeast Illinois identify what’s happening in their water and recommend the right solution based on real testing — not assumptions. Below are some of the most common water problems we see in our service area, along with what they typically mean and how they can be treated.
Better Water Starts Here
Water issues can show up in frustrating ways — stains that won’t scrub out, dry skin after showering, water that smells odd, or a taste you don’t trust. And in many cases, the cause isn’t obvious until you test.
At Great Water USA, we help homeowners and businesses across Northeast Illinois identify what’s happening in their water and recommend the right solution based on real testing — not assumptions. Below are some of the most common water problems we see in our service area, along with what they typically mean and how they can be treated.
Water Problems
Services
Service & Support
Hard Water
Hard water is one of the most common water quality issues in Northeast Illinois. It occurs when water contains elevated levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals aren’t usually harmful to drink, but they can cause major problems throughout your home.
Hard water often leads to:
- White, crusty buildup on faucets and fixtures
- Soap that doesn’t lather well
- Dry, irritated skin and hair
- Dingy laundry and stiff towels
- Scale buildup in water heaters and appliances
Over time, hard water can reduce the efficiency of water-using appliances and shorten their lifespan. A properly sized water softener can help protect your plumbing, reduce buildup, and make cleaning easier.
Iron & Rust
Iron is a naturally occurring mineral often found in groundwater and well water. When iron levels are high, they can cause noticeable staining and poor water quality.
Signs of iron in water may include:
- Orange, brown, or reddish stains on sinks and tubs
- Rust-colored water when you run the tap
- Metallic taste in drinking water
- Clogged fixtures or reduced water flow
Iron can also contribute to buildup in plumbing and appliances over time. The right treatment depends on the type of iron present, which is why testing is important. Whole-home filtration and specialized iron removal systems can significantly reduce staining and improve clarity.
Smelly Water
Water that smells unpleasant — especially like rotten eggs — is often caused by sulfur-related compounds or bacteria in the water supply. In some cases, odor issues may originate from plumbing components or the water heater, which is why a professional diagnosis is essential.
Common odor-related complaints include:
- Rotten egg smell (often hydrogen sulfide)
- Musty or earthy smells
- Chlorine smell in city water
- Sewage-like odor (rare, but serious)
Smelly water can affect your drinking water, showers, and laundry — and in some cases, may indicate contamination concerns. Treatment options may include specialized filtration, carbon systems, or additional disinfection methods, depending on the source.
Bad Taste
Bad-tasting water is one of the quickest ways people lose trust in their tap water. Taste issues can come from chlorine, minerals, sediment, or contaminants picked up after water leaves the treatment plant.
Common causes of unpleasant taste include:
- Chlorine or chemical taste
- Metallic taste
- Stale or “flat” tasting water
- Mineral-heavy taste
Even if your water is technically “safe,” taste and odor problems can make it hard to feel comfortable drinking it. Drinking water systems such as reverse osmosis and carbon filtration can greatly improve taste and clarity at the kitchen sink.
Cloudy Water
Cloudy water can be alarming — especially if it looks milky, hazy, or contains visible particles. While some cloudiness is harmless (like tiny air bubbles), persistent cloudiness may indicate sediment, mineral content, or other water quality issues.
Cloudy water can be caused by:
- Sediment or sand in the water line
- Hard water minerals
- Rust or corrosion in plumbing
- Suspended particles from well water
The best way to determine the cause of cloudiness is through testing. Depending on the source, whole-home filtration, sediment filters, or other treatment systems may be recommended.
PFAS
PFAS (sometimes called “forever chemicals”) are a growing concern in many communities across the U.S. These chemicals can persist in the environment and may enter water supplies through industrial sources, runoff, or contamination of groundwater.
While PFAS are not visible, smelly, or tasteable, many homeowners want peace of mind knowing their water is being treated properly.
Depending on your water supply and test results, treatment options may include advanced filtration and point-of-use drinking water systems to reduce PFAS.
Lead
Lead in drinking water is a serious concern, especially in older homes or areas with aging infrastructure. Lead can enter water through old service lines, solder, or plumbing components — often after water leaves the treatment plant.
Important facts about lead:
- It has no taste or smell in water
- You cannot see it
- Testing is the only way to confirm it
If lead is present, treatment solutions such as drinking water filtration systems can help reduce exposure. Great Water USA can help you understand testing options and choose a system that fits your needs.
Emerging Contaminants
Emerging contaminants are substances that may not have been traditionally monitored in the past but are now receiving more attention due to health and safety concerns. These can include pharmaceuticals, industrial compounds, and other trace chemicals that may enter water supplies over time.
Because these contaminants vary widely, the best approach is:
- Testing your water
- Identifying what’s present
- Selecting a targeted treatment solution
Advanced filtration systems may be recommended depending on your water source, household needs, and concerns.
Not Sure What’s in Your Water? Start With Testing.
Many water problems overlap. For example, hard water and iron can both cause buildup, and taste issues may come from multiple sources. The fastest way to stop guessing is to schedule a professional water analysis.
Great Water USA offers free water testing and clear recommendations tailored to your home or business. Whether you’re on city water or well water, we’ll help you understand your results and choose the right next step.