Q & A
Here are answers to some of the most common questions you may have about your water. For additional information, please contact our office by email or call 912.489.6668.
Why is my tap water warm?
Water pumped from the aquifers can be very warm, especially from the deep wells. Water from these wells is aerated and cooled before entering the distribution system.
Why does water smell like rotten eggs?
The rotten egg odor is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. Although the smell may be unpleasant, the gas is not harmful at the low concentrations found in the District’s water supply. Hydrogen sulfide results from a chemical or biological reaction between naturally occurring sulfur and non-harmful bacteria, which is found in most water supplies, and/or electrons generated from water heater anodes.
Why won't my soap lather?
Water hardness is the result of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, naturally occurring in water supplies. Hardness affects the ability of water to form suds or lather. Hard water requires more soap because the soap first reacts with the calcium and magnesium before it can lather. Water with less than 75 mg/L of calcium carbonate hardness is considered soft and water with 75 mg/L or more is considered hard. Marina's water hardness ranges from 17 to 270 mg/L, or from soft to hard.
Do I need a water softener?
The hardness of water varies with the water’s source. It’s an aesthetic choice to buy a water softener, because hard water isn’t harmful to the health. However, people with low-sodium diets should be aware that many water softeners increase the sodium content in the water.
Why is there sand in my tap water?
Sand naturally occurs in bedrock fractures and sometimes finds it way into the District’s water supply when there has been exceptionally high flows, such as those caused when fire hydrants are used, a main breaks or there is construction on the water system. Periodic flushing of the water mains and the lateral lines leading from your house usually corrects the problem.
Why does my water look cloudy or milky?
Air forced into the distribution system creates the pressure needed to move water through the pipes. This can result in air bubbles that make tap water appear cloudy or milky. However, the bubbles usually dissipate quickly.
What causes color in my water?
Naturally occurring organics and metals, like manganese or iron, usually cause colored water. Such substances typically do not pose a health hazard, but the District requests that you report any instances of colored water so that it can be investigated.
What are the colored particles in my drinking water?
Usually colored particles in drinking water indicate the dip tube in your hot water heater is disintegrating. The majority of water heaters made in the 1990s utilized a dip tube made of plastic, which breaks down. When this happens, the dip tube needs to be replaced. Contact the manufacturer to get the best information on replacement. A plumber can flush the hot water heater and replace the sacrificial anode at the same time.
How much water will I conserve if I change my toilets to 1.3 gallon per flush toilets?
Many homes in Marina have 3.5-gallon toilets. The average toilet is flushed over seven times every day. A 1.3-gallon toilet uses approximately 5,000 gallons less water per year than a 3.5-gallon toilet. For the average single family home, that would be a savings of over 18,000 gallons per year.
Water pumped from the aquifers can be very warm, especially from the deep wells. Water from these wells is aerated and cooled before entering the distribution system.
Why does water smell like rotten eggs?
The rotten egg odor is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. Although the smell may be unpleasant, the gas is not harmful at the low concentrations found in the District’s water supply. Hydrogen sulfide results from a chemical or biological reaction between naturally occurring sulfur and non-harmful bacteria, which is found in most water supplies, and/or electrons generated from water heater anodes.
Why won't my soap lather?
Water hardness is the result of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, naturally occurring in water supplies. Hardness affects the ability of water to form suds or lather. Hard water requires more soap because the soap first reacts with the calcium and magnesium before it can lather. Water with less than 75 mg/L of calcium carbonate hardness is considered soft and water with 75 mg/L or more is considered hard. Marina's water hardness ranges from 17 to 270 mg/L, or from soft to hard.
Do I need a water softener?
The hardness of water varies with the water’s source. It’s an aesthetic choice to buy a water softener, because hard water isn’t harmful to the health. However, people with low-sodium diets should be aware that many water softeners increase the sodium content in the water.
Why is there sand in my tap water?
Sand naturally occurs in bedrock fractures and sometimes finds it way into the District’s water supply when there has been exceptionally high flows, such as those caused when fire hydrants are used, a main breaks or there is construction on the water system. Periodic flushing of the water mains and the lateral lines leading from your house usually corrects the problem.
Why does my water look cloudy or milky?
Air forced into the distribution system creates the pressure needed to move water through the pipes. This can result in air bubbles that make tap water appear cloudy or milky. However, the bubbles usually dissipate quickly.
What causes color in my water?
Naturally occurring organics and metals, like manganese or iron, usually cause colored water. Such substances typically do not pose a health hazard, but the District requests that you report any instances of colored water so that it can be investigated.
What are the colored particles in my drinking water?
Usually colored particles in drinking water indicate the dip tube in your hot water heater is disintegrating. The majority of water heaters made in the 1990s utilized a dip tube made of plastic, which breaks down. When this happens, the dip tube needs to be replaced. Contact the manufacturer to get the best information on replacement. A plumber can flush the hot water heater and replace the sacrificial anode at the same time.
How much water will I conserve if I change my toilets to 1.3 gallon per flush toilets?
Many homes in Marina have 3.5-gallon toilets. The average toilet is flushed over seven times every day. A 1.3-gallon toilet uses approximately 5,000 gallons less water per year than a 3.5-gallon toilet. For the average single family home, that would be a savings of over 18,000 gallons per year.