Home water treatment guides for the US and Canada
Start from what you see at home or from your water test. Every guide cites its sources, shows official limits, and works in US or Canadian units.
Start from the problem
| What you notice | Likely cause | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Orange or brown stains, metallic taste | Iron in well water | Well Water |
| Rotten egg smell from the tap | Hydrogen sulfide | Well Water |
| Positive coliform or E. coli test | Bacteria in the well | Well Water |
| Black stains on sinks and laundry | Manganese | Well Water |
| Blue-green stains, pinhole leaks | Acidic (low pH) water | Well Water |
| Sand or grit in the water | Sediment, or a well problem | Well Water |
| White scale on faucets, spotty dishes | Hard water | Well Water |
No test yet? Most of these problems need numbers before you buy anything. Start with a certified lab or a test kit.
How these guides are made
- Official limits from the U.S. EPA and Health Canada.
- Certifications checked in the NSF/ANSI listings, model by model.
- Manufacturer specifications, with the date we checked them.
- No lab tests of our own, and we say so on every buying guide. How we research