Common Water Problems and Solutions in Michigan
Every Michigan homeowner deserves cleaner, safer water, but many properties across Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and surrounding areas face specific water quality challenges. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common issues in our region and the professional solutions available to resolve them.
If you need more help, contact Besco Water Treatment for expert advice on Michigan water issues and a personalized water test.
Hard Water
One of the most common water problems in Michigan is hard water. It occurs when water contains high levels of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Side Effects Of Hard Water Include:
- Soap scum on shower doors and glassware
- Scale in pipes and on fixtures
- Stiff or dull laundry
- Dry, itchy skin
- Dry, brittle hair
- Premature appliance failure
- Excessive soap/detergent use
- Rings in toilets and bathtubs
Treatment: Water Softener
Water softeners remove hardness minerals through ion exchange, using sodium or potassium chloride. This system helps eliminate scale buildup, protects plumbing and appliances, improves soap efficiency, and enhances overall water quality throughout your home.
High Iron Levels in Water/Iron Bacteria
High iron levels are a common well water problem, and the solutions are diverse. Iron in water, or iron bacteria, can leave rust-colored stains and cause slimy buildup in pipes and appliances.
Side Effects:
- Stained laundry, sinks, and tubs
- Water that is reddish or brown-tinged
- Metallic taste or odor
- Sediment or slime in water
Treatment: Water Softener, Water Filter (Birm or Sediment Filter), Chemical Treatment
You can install a sediment filter to remove small iron particles. Installing a Birm filter will remove iron that has been dissolved. Installing a water softener can be beneficial as well. If you’re dealing with iron bacteria, you will benefit from chemical water treatment, which neutralizes bacteria and clears slime buildup.
Acidic Water
Highly acidic water is not uncommon in parts of Michigan with older pipes or shallow wells.
Side Effects:
- Sinks and showers have blue/green stains
- Metallic taste
- Water contains particles
- Corrosion of pipes and plumbing components
Treatment: Acid Neutralizer or Chemical Feed Pump (Soda Ash)
An acid neutralizer raises pH levels by running water through a mineral media bed. A chemical feed pump injects soda ash to neutralize acidity, preventing plumbing corrosion and improving taste.
Manganese
Manganese in the groundwater is a common Michigan water problem. At high levels, it can stain plumbing fixtures and make water unsafe to drink.
Side Effects:
- Gray or black stains on laundry and plumbing fixtures
- Discolored water
- Metallic taste
- Water is filled with sediment
Treatment: Birm Filter & Water Softener
Water softeners can handle low manganese levels. For higher concentrations, a Birm filter works alongside a softener to eliminate manganese from the water supply.
Cloudy Water (Turbidity)
Cloudy water can result from fine sediment, rust, or organic materials, often present in Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and some well systems.
Side Effects:
- Water appears cloudy
- Water tastes or smells bad
- Suspended particles
- Appliance malfunctions
Treatment: Reverse Osmosis (RO), Sediment Filtration, Microfiltration
Sediment and microfiltration systems remove larger and finer particles from your water supply. RO units use specialized membranes to capture contaminants for crystal-clear, great-tasting water.
Chloride
In certain areas of Michigan, chloride is a common water contaminant in drinking water. It can cause salty-tasting water and corrode plumbing. Sources include road salt runoff and groundwater intrusion.
Side Effects:
- Salty flavor
- Damaged/corroded pipes, fixtures, and pumps
- Well pump or water heater damage
Treatment: Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane, which blocks chloride ions and delivers fresh-tasting water to every tap.
Rotten Egg Odor (Hydrogen Sulfide Gas)
Rotten egg smell is a common well water issue in many parts of Michigan. It is caused by naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide gas.
Side Effects:
- Foul odor and taste
- Sulfur-smelling laundry
- Dirty silverware
Treatment: Whole-House Iron Filter + Aeration, or Activated Carbon
A whole-house iron filter with aeration releases hydrogen sulfide gas from water before it has the chance to enter your plumbing system. Activated carbon filters can also absorb this gas, improving taste and odor.
Fishy/Earty/Musty Smell
Algae growth in source water (common in Michigan’s warmer months) can cause earthy, musty, or fishy water odors.
Side Effects:
- Bad taste or smell
- Stomach discomfort
- Eye and skin irritation
- Breathing problems
Treatment: Carbon Filtration or Chemical Treatment
Carbon filtration traps organic compounds responsible for musty or fishy odors. Chemical treatment (like chlorination) can neutralize bacteria and algae at the source.
Nitrates
Nitrates in water are invisible, flavorless, and odorless. However, they can cause serious health problems when introduced into your body. Pregnant women and infants in particular need to limit their exposure to nitrates. In Michigan, nitrate contamination often comes from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, or decaying organic material entering the groundwater.
Side Effects:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Infant methemoglobinemia, AKA blue baby syndrome
- A variety of other health issues
Treatment: Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis systems are equipped with a special membrane that filters out nitrates. We carry both whole-house and point-of-use RO systems, and will recommend the best one for your needs.
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Recent water events across parts of Michigan have raised awareness about elevated arsenic levels in some private wells and municipal sources. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can seep into groundwater through rock and soil, and it may also enter supplies through industrial runoff. Long-term exposure is linked to serious health issues, including skin changes and certain cancers, making professional testing and treatment essential.
Treatment: Reverse Osmosis (RO) or Specialized Arsenic Filtration
High-quality reverse osmosis systems and point-of-entry filters with iron-oxide media are among the most effective solutions for arsenic removal. Besco Water Treatment can test your supply and recommend the right system to reduce arsenic and keep your household safe.
Bacteria Causing Stomach Issues and Illness
Pathogenic bacteria in water can cause a range of gastrointestinal issues — something Michigan well owners should watch for. If you suspect contamination, stop drinking your water immediately and call us to schedule a free in-home analysis. Well water should always be tested annually to ensure it’s safe.
Side Effects:
- Diarrhea, vomiting
- Cloudy water
- Bad taste or odor
Treatment: Ultraviolet (UV) Light Treatment
UV systems use high-powered light to disrupt bacteria’s DNA, rendering pathogens harmless without adding chemicals to your potable water.
Chlorine Odor & Taste
Municipal water systems throughout Michigan use chlorine for disinfection. This often leaves an unpleasant chlorine aftertaste.
Side Effects:
- Chlorine odor and taste
Treatment: Reverse Osmosis (RO) or Carbon Filtration
Carbon filters adsorb chlorine molecules, improving flavor and smell. RO membranes add another layer of purification for ultra-fresh water.
Gas or Oil Taste & Odor
If your Michigan well water tastes or smells like gasoline, this could indicate contamination from industrial runoff or fuel tanks leaking underground.
Side Effects:
- Gasoline-like smell or taste
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Potential long-term health risks
Treatment: Activated Carbon Filtration (plus UV treatment where required)
The porous surface of activated carbon filters captures and absorbs these contaminants. Coconut shell carbon is especially effective at removing gases and oils from water. In some areas, UV light treatment may also be required after carbon filtration to ensure complete protection.
Lead
Older homes across Michigan, especially those built before 1988, may have lead plumbing or plumbing components, which can leach toxic lead into the water supply.
Side Effects:
- Delayed child development
- Kidney issues
- Memory and learning issues
- Pregnancy issues
Treatment: Reverse Osmosis (RO), Activated Carbon, Acid Neutralizer
Activated carbon binds lead particles, while RO membranes provide another layer of protection. If acidity is contributing to lead leaching, an acid neutralizer helps stabilize your plumbing.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
PFAS contamination is a growing concern in Michigan. These man-made chemicals are thought to contribute to serious health problems. However, they are tough to detect without professional testing.
Side Effects:
- Many health risks
Treatment: Reverse Osmosis (RO), Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange
A layered treatment approach — typically combining RO, activated carbon, and ion exchange media — provides the most effective PFAS reduction available.
Contact Besco for Michigan Water Quality Solutions
If you’re experiencing water quality problems, get your water tested by Besco Water Treatment! We provide expert Michigan water contamination solutions, including solutions for:
- Battle Creek Water Contamination
- Grand Rapids Water Contamination
- Lansing Water Contamination
- Kalamazoo Water Contamination
Call us today to schedule your water test and take the first step toward cleaner, healthier water.
