Common Commercial Water Issues & How to Manage the Problem

Commercial water systems can be affected by a number of serious problems that affect water quality and safety. Here are just some of the most common commercial water issues and water treatments that can help resolve them:

• Hard water: Hard water is a relatively common problem in areas where excess amounts of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, exist in the water supply. These minerals can build up inside plumbing pipes and drains, restricting water flow or eventually clogging the lines completely. An ion exchange water softening system can be an effective solution to this problem. These devices use a chemical process to replace the calcium and magnesium in the water with harmless sodium.
• Bad taste: Bad-tasting water can be anything from a nuisance to a health hazard. If your water has an unusual taste, you should have a professional help you determine the source of the problem and what substance is causing it. Certain minerals, such as iron, chlorine, heavy metals, or organic compounds, can affect the taste of water. A filtration system that removes these substances can be the most effective solution. Carbon filters that treat all of the water entering your home are also a good choice, as are other smaller filters you can attach to your faucets. Ask your plumbing professional if a water filtration or purification system that uses reverse osmosis may be a good option for your needs.
• Bad odors: Water can sometimes contain substances that cause bad odors or offensive smells. Even if it’s safe to drink, bad odors can make water unappealing to drink or unusable for cooking or cleaning. Chlorine, for example, can give water a chemical smell, while hydrogen sulfide can create an odor similar to that of rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulfide can also be damaging to metal water pipes. A multistage filtration system may be the best solution for these commercial water issues.
• Iron and manganese contamination: Iron and manganese in your commercial facility’s water supply can cause rusty, brown staining and discoloration on sinks and fixtures. The water itself may be cloudy or rusty and can discolor dishes, cookware, clothing and other items that make contact with the water. A water-softening system can remove some iron and manganese, but an oxidizing filter or colloidal iron filter may be an even better option.
• Sediments: Sediments, particulates and solid matter can sometimes get into commercial water systems and contaminate the water in your building. Cloudy, turbid water or water that contains obvious particulates is unattractive and largely undrinkable. This material can also clog pipes and aerators. Call your plumbing professional or ask your local housing supply store for a sediment filter that can remove these types of solid matter from your water supply.
• Bacteria: Bacterial contamination of your commercial water supply can be a serious health and safety risk. Chlorination may be the best solution for destroying any bacteria in your water supply. Make sure to consult with your local trusted plumbing professional to come up with the best way to handle chlorination and eliminate bacteria.
• Lead contamination: Lead contamination is among the most significant commercial water issues and can be an extremely serious health risk for anyone using your facility’s water. Lead solder used on copper pipes is a significant source of lead contamination. If you believe that the water supply at your commercial facility has been contaminated with lead, contact a plumbing professional for immediate testing and remediation. You should stop using the water in the building until corrections have been made. Your plumbing contractor may install an ion-exchange filtration system, a carbon block filter, or a reverse osmosis system to remove the lead.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about Plumbing, HVACR, Fire Protection, and Alarm Systems in Mechanical, Commercial, and Residential settings. For more information on the identification and management of common commercial water issues, and to view projects we’ve worked on, visit our website!