What’s in Your Water? Understanding Sediment, Minerals, and Contaminants

You use your tap water every day—for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. But have you ever stopped to wonder what’s really in it? Even though water utilities in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati work hard to treat and deliver safe water, many homes still experience water quality issues that affect taste, comfort, and even plumbing performance.

From harmless minerals to concerning contaminants, here’s what you should know about what’s in your water—and how to protect your family and your home.

Sediment: The Grit You Don’t Want

Sediment in water usually comes from soil erosion, rusting pipes, or buildup in aging water mains. While most sediment is filtered out by municipal systems, some particles can still make their way into your tap water.

Signs you may have sediment in your home’s water supply:

• Cloudy or gritty water.
• Visible particles at the bottom of glasses or pitchers.
• Clogged faucets or showerheads.

Sediment isn’t always harmful to your health, but it can wear down plumbing fixtures and shorten the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.

Minerals: The Cause of Hard Water

In Greater Cincinnati and NKY, water is naturally hard—meaning it contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals aren’t dangerous to drink, but they can cause a variety of headaches around the home:

• White spots or film on dishes and glassware.
• Soap that doesn’t lather well, leaving skin and hair dry.
• Scale buildup inside pipes and water heaters.
• Appliances wearing out faster than expected.

Installing a water softener or conditioner is often the best solution for managing mineral-heavy water. These systems remove or neutralize the minerals, protecting your plumbing while making water easier to use.

Contaminants: The Hidden Concerns

While your water supply is regularly tested to meet safety standards, trace contaminants can still be present. Common concerns in our region include:

• Chlorine and disinfection byproducts – Used to kill bacteria but can affect taste and smell.
• PFAS (“forever chemicals”) – Persistent industrial compounds linked to health risks, found in water sources across the U.S.
• Lead – A risk in older homes with lead pipes, service lines, or plumbing fixtures.
• Pesticides and fertilizers – Can enter water supplies from agricultural runoff.

Even when levels fall within legal limits, some families prefer added protection through whole-home water treatment systems or point-of-use filters.

Why Water Quality Matters for Your Home and Family

Poor water quality doesn’t just affect your health—it impacts your comfort and your budget, too. Consider these long-term effects:

• Higher utility bills from scale buildup in water heaters.
• More frequent plumbing repairs caused by mineral deposits or corrosion.
• Shorter appliance lifespans, from coffee makers to washing machines.
• Frustration with cloudy water, bad taste, or lingering odors.

Improving your home’s water quality can lead to healthier living, lower maintenance costs, and better peace of mind.

How A+ Services Can Help

At A+ Services, we understand that every home is different—and so is every water supply. That’s why we offer:

• Water quality testing to identify sediment, minerals, and contaminants.
• Water softeners and conditioners to fight hard water problems.
• Whole-home water treatment systems for cleaner, safer water from every tap.
• Professional plumbing inspections to check for lead pipes or hidden issues.

Our team proudly serves homeowners across Covington, Florence, Independence, and Greater Cincinnati, delivering honest recommendations and lasting solutions.

Water that looks clean may still carry sediment, minerals, and trace contaminants that affect your health, comfort, and plumbing system. Understanding what’s in your water is the first step toward protecting your home and family.

If you’ve noticed cloudy water, strange tastes, or signs of hard water, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Contact A+ Services today to schedule your water quality consultation and explore the right treatment options for your home.