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Serving the Greater Lowcountry Area
Serving the Greater Lowcountry Area
Water Problems
What's in your water, Charleston? Common problems we help fix.
Water Quality in Charleston
Water quality issues can vary across Charleston, but a few are especially common. Many homes and businesses deal with hard water, unpleasant chlorine taste or odor, sediment and growing concerns about contaminants like PFAS.
Learn what’s in your water with a free water test with expert guidance from Kinetico.
Hard Water
Hard water is one of the most common water quality issues — and it does more damage than you might think. From soap scum on your shower door to lifeless laundry, hard water leaves its mark in frustrating and costly ways.
With a zero-cost water test from Kinetico® Advanced Water Systems, our team will assess your home’s water quality by checking for hardness mineral levels, including iron, as well as more complex contaminants.
Signs of Hard Water Include:
- White spots or mineral deposits on glassware, faucets and fixtures
- Dingy, faded clothing
- Soap and detergent that won’t lather properly
- Reduced efficiency and lifespan of appliances
PFAS Forever Chemicals
In recent years, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been revealed to be highly dangerous water contaminants, even at low levels. At Kinetico, we use reverse osmosis processes recognized by the State of North Carolina, The Water Quality Association and the Centers for Disease Control to combat these forever chemicals.
Our K5 Drinking Water Station® uses industry-leading technology to provide cleaner, safer water by targeting PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS which have been detected in Charleston water.
Chlorine, Chloramine and Disinfection Byproducts
Charleston Water uses chlorine dioxide and chloramine as part of the treatment process for municipal water, and those disinfectants can affect taste, odor and your health.
As the chlorine and chloramine interact with natural organic matter in the water, they can create byproducts such as TTHMs and HAA5 — harmful, endocrine-disrupting chemicals at elevated levels.
For many properties, whole-home chemical filtration helps reduce chlorine and chloramine taste and odor, while reverse osmosis provides an added layer of purification for cleaner drinking water at the tap.
Well Water, Sediment and Coastal Groundwater Issues
For private or shared wells, water quality can be unpredictable. In the Charleston area, coastal groundwater conditions may contribute to sediment, sulfur odors, turbidity and related issues that require targeted testing to detect.
Saltwater intrusion is also a known concern in parts of coastal South Carolina, where increased salt levels can hurt drinking water quality.
With targeted water testing, Kinetico® Advanced Water Systems can help identify the issue and recommend the right solution for your water.
Other Common Water Issues
Cloudy or Murky Water
Often caused by suspended particles or air bubbles.
Chlorine Taste or Smell
Common with municipal water; affects taste and dries out skin and hair.
Drinking Water Concerns
Bad taste, odor or suspicion of contaminants (such as unexplained illness).
Iron & Manganese Staining
Causes orange or brown staining on sinks, tubs and laundry.
Blue-Green Stains
Usually caused by low pH or copper corrosion.
Bacteria & Viruses
Invisible but potentially harmful, especially in well water.
Radon in Water
A less common but serious radioactive gas that can enter through groundwater.
Silica
Leaves difficult-to-remove film on glass and fixtures.
Emerging Contaminants
Includes PFAS, GenX and other "forever chemicals" not always usually by standard filters.
Not sure what’s affecting your water?
Request a free water test and get real answers from the water experts at Kinetico.