Spokane Water Quality Facts and Drinking Water Problems

 

Before water reaches your tap, it is sourced from a complex system of surface water and groundwater from around Washington that includes lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs, wells, and more. After water is pumped from these sources, it is purified, cleaned, and tested at a water treatment plant before being distributed throughout the state.

While the quality of Washington’s water varies significantly depending on the region, residents of The Evergreen State often report their water being hard, which contributes to cloudy dishes and glassware, limescale or white scale buildup, and soap scum residue in bathroom areas.

Hard, Poor-Quality Water

Dissolved iron and other hard minerals are absorbed during the filtration and treatment process, as well as along water’s journey from source to tap. These absorbed minerals and metals cause the water to become hard and its quality depleted. Some household headaches associated with using hard water include:

• Clogged appliances that lead to water-flow issues
• Hard-to-clean residue and buildup on appliances, hardware, and surfaces
• Soap scum on showers, bathtubs, and sinks
• Prematurely aged clothing and linens that are rough to the touch

Lime or White Scale Buildup

Limescale is the hard, off-white deposit that creates buildup on many household items as a result of using hard water around the house. Some examples of this include:

• Pesky sediment and scum buildup on bathroom and kitchen appliances
• Underperforming appliances that result in added household costs
• Off-white buildup that causes faucets and showerheads to clog
• Difficult-to-clean surfaces

Soap Scum and Sediment

As a result of hard water, soap scum can make even simple cleaning projects a pain. Evidence of soap scum around the house includes:

• Buildup on household appliances and faucets
• Cloudy dishes and glassware
• Uncomfortable film on skin and hair

Ready for Better Water in Your Home?