Odor, Specks and Stains
Odor
There are generally two common types of odors that customers may attribute to the drinking water.
Pool/Chlorine/Chemical Odor
This odor is primarily due to the disinfectant added to the water to help the water remain bacteria free.
The odor may be more pronounced in the spring when one of Loudoun Water’s water suppliers switches disinfectants.
The odor is also more pronounced closer to the water facilities (e.g., near the Loudoun/Fairfax line at Rte. 7 or in the Belmont area).
Loudoun Water cannot affect this odor. However, it will dissipate if left in an open container. Customers can be reassured that the odor generally indicates that bacteria will not be present.
Rotten Egg/Sulfur/Sewage
There are five main causes for this odor. If the odor is isolated to certain areas within a house, then the issue is likely caused by something inside the house. If the issue persists throughout the house, it may be a larger-scale issue requiring Loudoun Water assistance.
The most common cause of the odor is a dirty sink trap. Bacteria can grow in a sink trap (“p” trap) when biodegradable material remains in the drain. The bacteria produce a gas that is released when water goes down it. Put a cup of bleach in the drain and let it sit overnight. If the dirty trap was the cause, the odor should disappear.
Another cause of the odor is when traps (from sinks, tubs/showers, or floor drains) dry out and sewer gases travel back up the drain. This is easily cured by placing a cup of water in the drain/trap.
A third cause is when a water heater’s temperature may be set too low. Water heaters may be set at a low enough temperature for bacteria to grow inside them. If this is the case, temporarily (e.g., for about two hours) turn the temperature of the water heater up to kill the bacteria and then turn the temperature down to approximately 120°F.
If the odor appears in the cold water in all parts of the house, it is likely that the odor is coming from water in Loudoun Water’s distribution system. The most common reason for this is that the house is located in an area where there is not a lot of water use and the water in the system became “stale.” Localized flushing by the Maintenance Department should address the issue.
Occasionally, odor originates with the source water and passes through the treatment process. If this happens, it will be a widespread problem and Loudoun Water will need to contact our suppliers to assure that they are working to address the issue. System flushing will only help after fresh water is introduced into the system.
White (or Bluish or Grey) Specks
Almost exclusively, white specks are caused by a malfunctioning water heater. Between 1992 and 1996, approximately 90 percent of the water heaters sold had a defective dip tube. The dip tube is the plastic pipe through which the cold water enters the water heater. In these defective heaters, the tube deteriorates and pieces of it travel through the hot water pipes and get caught in sink aerators, etc. Sometimes this causes low pressure in the faucets. The water heaters between 1992 and 1996 that had defective dip tubes are Rheem, A.O., Smith, Bradford White, American Water Heater, Lochinvar, and State Industries. Typically, the most effective method to address this issue is by replacing the water heater.
It is possible that the white specks are a calcium precipitate from hardness naturally present in the water. Calcium precipitates are most often found in dishwashers, where water is evaporating and the hardness (calcium precipitate) remains. To test whether it is the dip tube or a calcium precipitate, place the white specks in vinegar. If they float, it is a deteriorating dip tube and you need to replace it. If the specks react by fizzing in the vinegar, it is calcium precipitate.
Pink (or Orange) Stuff/Stain
A pink or orange stain is a naturally occurring airborne bacteria. These bacteria thrive on moisture, dust and phosphates and are harmless to most people, but can cause urinary tract infections, wound infections or pneumonia in some. Often, the pinkish color appears during and after new construction or remodeling activities. The stain can easily be wiped off with a disinfectant. Use care with abrasives that can scratch your fixtures. Keeping the bathroom fixtures wiped down and dry will help minimize the occurrence of this bacteria.