How do I get rid of black spots in my water?
Oily, smudgy debris in your water is generally a clue that a flexible rubber hose somewhere in your home plumbing system is disintegrating. Chlorine added to water supply as a disinfectant will tend to corrode rubber. The most frequent culprit in this situation is the flex hose leading to your water heater. In these cases, the issue is resolved by replacing the flexible hose. Fortunately, the newer versions are usually protected with a water disinfectant-resistant lining or you can have it replaced by a copper pipe.
Many home water filter systems use granular activated carbon (GAC) as the filtration agent in their cartridges. GAC particles are uniformly shaped, extremely hard, and similar to large coffee grounds in appearance. If you find residue of this type in your tap water, check the system manufacturer’s directions for the steps to take in solving this issue, but most likely the cartridge will need to be replaced.
What do I do if my water has an odor?
First, determine if the odor is actually coming from your water. You can do this by filling a glass with water, walking it away from the faucet, and then smelling it. If there is no odor coming from the water in the glass, then it is most likely coming from the drain.
To clean a sink drain, use a brush and soap or bleach to clean around the drain. Then plug the sink, fill it at least halfway with hot water, add dish soap, and pull the plug. If you have a disposal, turn it on while the sink drains. Use a small amount of soap or bleach and a small brush to clean the pipes right inside your sink drain.
P-traps are the curvy part of the pipe under your sink. These block irritating smells from making their way into your home. It works by holding water at the bottom of the curve to block the smell. If the P-trap is dry, it can cause a sewer smell to emanate from the sink. Irregular use of a sink, particularly during winter when the air is dry, can cause a P-trap to dry out.
If the odor is only arising when you use hot water, there might be bacteria growing in your hot water heater. This can happen if your hot water temperature is too low or left off for an extended period of time (vacation). Fortunately, this should not be harmful to you but to get rid of the odor, you should turn up your hot water heater temperature up for up to 24 hours, as well as running your hot water taps to flush out the pipes. You may also want to flush the water heater using the drain located on at the bottom of most units. Remember to be very careful and proceed with caution if you decide to turn up the temperature on the hot water heater.
What do I do if my water looks brown or yellow?
Over time, corrosion deposits such as rust and minerals can build up in the water lines. These deposits are sometimes disturbed and make their way into your plumbing system. This can be a result of:
- Longstanding water becoming laden with oxidized iron particles
- A surge in water flow through the pipes due to increased demand
- The fire department using hydrants for emergencies
- Resuming water flow after water line repairs
Water in the distribution system undergoes rigorous testing showing it is safe to use. However, it can become discolored by these deposits by the time it reaches your tap. One remedy is to turn on all your faucets to refresh the water within your home’s plumbing.
Why does my water look cloudy?
If you notice the water appears to be cloudy, milky, or even white, let it stand for a minute to see if there are any air bubbles. Air bubbles clearing from the bottom means that air is trapped in your system and will need to be flushed out. You should run the taps to help flush the cloudy water through and repeat the above until your pipes have been completely flushed and the water is clear.
Fluoride FAQs
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, plants, rocks, and
ground water. According to public health agencies, such as Kansas Department of
Health and Environment (KDHE) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), fluoride
works to prevent cavities and known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel.
Fluoride is commonly found in toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, and drinking
water.
Why is fluoride added to City of Olathe water?
As a health measure and publicly voted into ordinance in 1959, the City of Olathe
created an ordinance to add fluoride to drinking water. Currently, Olathe adds
0.45mg/L to drinking water. The added fluoride works to help prevent cavities and
promote good oral health, regardless of socioeconomic status.
The Kansas River, which is the source of Olathe’s water, naturally contains roughly
0.25mg/L of fluoride due to surrounding geology.
The total concentration of fluoride in Olathe’s water is 0.7mg/L.
Who sets the recommended level of fluoride in drinking water?
The United States Public Health Service sets the optimal fluoride concentration in community water systems at 0.7mg/L and the Environmental Protection Agency sets the maximum contaminant limit (MCL) for fluoride concentration at 4.0 mg/L. The total concentration of fluoride in Olathe’s water is 0.7mg/L.
What guidance is the City of Olathe following, regarding fluoridation of
drinking water?
The City of Olathe complies with all requirements of the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water
Act, including sampling and reporting requirements. The total concentration of
fluoride in Olathe’s water is 0.7mg/L and is in accordance with the guidance set
forth by the United States Public Health Service, KDHE Bureau of Oral Health, and
the Centers for Disease Control.
