Do you know where your water comes from? Maui residents in the bigger communities and cities get fresh water pumped to their homes through municipal water systems, but those living off in rural areas have private wells that supply them with water. But the qualities of each type of water are different, with some people swearing by one or the other. What is it that makes well water different from city water? Learn about the differences below.
Why Does Well Water Smell and Taste Different?
Water supplied to your home from a well pulls water directly up from underground. Aquifers, the subterranean sources wells draw from, are natural accumulations of water in the ground. Filtered by the topsoil, sand, dirt, gravel and clay above it, water in aquifers carries traces of the elements it passes through. Because of this, well water can carry a sulfur smell, leave rusty marks in toilets and showers, and taste either better or worse than bottled or treated tap water.
Since minerals in the ground determine most of the flavor of water, well water has a more ‘raw’ taste, which some prefer. Not all smells and tastes mean well water is contaminated with harmful pathogens, so don’t jump to conclusions. Water testing is an important part of any well-owning homeowner’s life. A failed septic tank or overflowing cesspool can contaminate well water in the worst way. If you suspect contaminants in your well water, stop using it and test it immediately. Call or schedule service for your septic system or cesspool any time through the Maui Pumping website.
Why does City Water Smell like Chlorine Sometimes?
City water is closely regulated by not only the treatment plant it is processed at, but overseen by county, state, and even federal regulations. But this doesn’t mean city water can’t get contaminated. Floods and other natural disasters can cause contamination and cities will issue boil orders to help protect citizens. To help protect against most pathogens, cities add chlorine to water. Not all cities add the same amount, so you may find water in some places smells more like pool water than regular tap water. It takes far more than common chlorine treatment to make water unhealthy to humans, but if the smell puts you off, you might stick with bottled water, or install a water filter in your home.
