How To Know If Your Water Is Contaminated

Water contamination is a serious health risk. If your tap water smells funny, tastes off, or looks murky, you might wonder: Is it safe to drink? Knowing how to spot signs of contaminated water and test your water is the first step to staying safe.

Common Sources of Water Contamination

Water contamination can happen at many points between its source and your faucet. Here are some of the most common causes of water contamination.

Natural Sources

Often, natural water contaminants such as the following can seep into groundwater supplies, especially in areas with porous soil or cracked bedrock.

• Heavy metals (like lead or arsenic) from bedrock
• Radon from underground aquifers
• Bacteria or parasites from soil and wildlife

Industrial Runoff

When not properly contained, industrial waste can enter rivers, lakes, or groundwater, introducing toxic chemicals into the water supply.

• Chemicals from factories, mines, or refineries
• Petroleum products
• Solvents and manufacturing byproducts

Agricultural Runoff

Rain can wash these pollutants from fields into nearby water bodies, leading to nutrient overload, bacterial growth, and chemical contamination.

• Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
• Animal waste from livestock operations
• Contaminated irrigation water

Plumbing Issues

Old or damaged plumbing systems can introduce contaminants directly into your home’s tap water, especially if backflow prevention fails.

• Rusty pipes releasing iron or copper into the water
• Foul-smelling or discolored water from corroded fixtures
• Cross-contamination with wastewater or sewage

Wastewater Contamination

Wastewater contamination introduces harmful pathogens and chemicals that can pose serious health risks if ingested or even touched.

• Untreated or partially treated wastewater entering supply lines
• Septic tank leaks
• Stormwater flooding into municipal systems

Signs Your Water May Be Contaminated

While some contaminants are invisible, others show clear warning signs. Here are some of the visible effects of water contamination to keep an eye out for:

Unusual Odors

If your tap water smells like rotten eggs, bleach, or metal, it could signal contamination.

• Rotten egg smell typically indicates hydrogen sulfide or sulfur bacteria, especially in well water.
• Bleach-like odors might mean your water has excessive chlorine, often used to disinfect municipal supplies.
• Metallic smells can point to corroded pipes or mineral buildup.

Discoloration

If your water appears brown, yellow, or reddish, don’t ignore it.

• Brown or red water often indicates rust, either from old pipes or a failing water heater.
• Cloudy or milky water could be caused by air bubbles or sediment but may also signal bacterial contamination.
• Green or blue tint might come from corroded copper pipes.

Strange Taste

Contaminated water can taste metallic, salty, or earthy.

• Salty water could be a sign of high sodium levels, often from water softeners or coastal intrusion in wells.
• Metallic tastes may suggest iron, copper, or lead leaching from pipes.
• Earthy or musty tastes can indicate organic material, algae, or bacterial growth.

Sediment or Particles

Visible particles in your water are never a good sign.

• Black specs could be pieces of deteriorating rubber washers or hoses.
• White flakes might come from calcium or other mineral deposits.
• Sand or grit is more common in well systems and usually signals a problem with the pump or filter.

Illness or Irritation

In some cases, the effects of water contamination are felt rather than seen. You may experience some of the following contaminated water symptoms:

• Unexplained stomach issues, nausea, or diarrhea could point to microbial contamination.
• Skin rashes or irritation may result from exposure to high chlorine levels or other chemical pollutants.

How To Test Your Water

If you suspect something’s off, don’t guess — test. Here’s how to know if your water is contaminated once and for all.

• Use a home water testing kit. These are available online or at hardware stores and can detect pH, bacteria, heavy metals, and more.
• Send a sample to a certified lab. For more detailed analysis, contact your local health department or a state-certified lab.
• Check with your utility provider. Municipal water suppliers are required to publish annual water quality reports.

What To Do If You Suspect Water Contamination

If you’re worried about contaminated drinking water, here are the steps you should take to protect yourself:

• Stop drinking the contaminated water. Switch to bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth.
• Boil water if advised. This can kill bacteria but won’t remove chemicals or heavy metals.
• Call a licensed plumber. A plumber can inspect your home’s plumbing system for internal sources of contamination or corrosion and recommend the next steps.

Prevention Tips for the Future

Wondering how to prevent water contamination for good? Follow these steps:

• Install a filtration or reverse osmosis system. Tailor it to the specific contaminants in your area.
• Flush faucets regularly. Especially if you haven’t used your plumbing in a while.
• Use greywater responsibly. Learn about the benefits of greywater systems.
• Maintain your plumbing. Replace old pipes and corroded fixtures to keep your water system safe and clean.
• Stay informed. Sign up for alerts from your local water utility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my water is contaminated?

Look for warning signs like strange odors, discoloration, sediment, or an unusual taste. Health symptoms like nausea, cramps, or rashes may also be clues.

What are the symptoms of drinking bad water?

Contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal issues, headaches, fatigue, and skin irritation. Long-term exposure to heavy metals or chemicals may cause more serious problems.

How can I test for water contamination?

Use a home water test kit, request a report from your water provider, or send a sample to a certified lab for in-depth analysis.

Can you detect water contamination without a test?

Sometimes. Visible signs (like rust or cloudiness), odd smells, or health symptoms are red flags. However, many contaminants are invisible and require testing to confirm.

Stop the Contamination of Water With a Pro’s Help

Contaminated water can be dangerous to your health, your plumbing system, and your peace of mind. Never brush off the signs of water contamination.

When in doubt, call in the pros. Roto-Rooter’s licensed plumbers can help identify the source of contamination, test your water, and repair the plumbing issues behind it. We’ll get to the bottom of it fast, so you can trust every drop again.

Schedule your water inspection with Roto-Rooter today.