Water Problems

Something off about your water? Start by identifying the specific problem, then check whether it's a public-water issue, a private-well issue, or both.

Short answer: Most water problems fall into a handful of categories. Identify your water source first (see Public Water or Private Well?), then match your symptom below.

Choose your problem

Bad Taste or Odor

Metallic, chemical, sulfur, or "off" taste and smell.

Read the guide →

Hard Water and Scale

Scale, soap scum, and spotting.

Read the guide →

Sediment

Grit, particles, or cloudiness that settles.

Read the guide →

Iron and Manganese

Reddish-brown or black staining.

Read the guide →

Lead

Service lines and premise plumbing.

Read the guide →

PFAS

Delaware public-water PFAS monitoring.

Read the guide →

Bacteria in Well Water

Total coliform and E. coli results.

Read the guide →

Nitrate

Agricultural and septic-related nitrate.

Read the guide →

Salty Well Water

Saltwater intrusion in coastal Sussex County.

Read the guide →

Cloudy Water

Trapped air versus sediment versus a supply issue.

Read the guide →

Common mistakes

  • Buying a treatment system before identifying the actual problem
  • Assuming a taste or odor issue means the water is unsafe without checking your CCR or a well test
  • Treating a private-well symptom the same way as a public-water symptom

Educational information only, not medical or laboratory advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-11. Report a correction.

Need help understanding your water?

Get help identifying your water source, understanding a report, choosing a test, or comparing treatment options.