Blake Russell 7/8/26 Blake Russell 7/8/26

What's Really in Your Water? PFAS and Microplastics Explained

When most people think about water quality problems, they picture iron stains, hard water, or the familiar rotten egg smell caused by sulfur. While those issues are common throughout East Texas, two newer concerns have been receiving increasing attention: PFAS and microplastics.

So, what are they? Can they affect well water? And what can homeowners do to reduce their exposure?

Let's take a closer look.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in products designed to resist heat, water, grease, and stains.

They've been found in items such as:

Non-stick cookware
Waterproof clothing
Food packaging
Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
Firefighting foam
Some industrial manufacturing processes

Because these chemicals break down very slowly, they're often called "forever chemicals." Over time, PFAS can move through soil into groundwater or enter lakes and rivers that supply drinking water.

Can PFAS Be Found in Well Water?

Yes—but not every private well contains PFAS.

The likelihood depends on what's nearby. Wells located near industrial facilities, military bases, airports where firefighting foam has been used, landfills, or areas with historical contamination may have a greater chance of PFAS entering groundwater.

Most private wells in East Texas have never been tested for PFAS, so the only way to know for certain is through laboratory testing.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that measure less than five millimeters in size. They form as larger plastic products break down over time or are manufactured at very small sizes.

Scientists have detected microplastics in:

Bottled water
Municipal drinking water
Rivers and lakes
Rainwater
Groundwater
Oceans

Research into their long-term health effects is ongoing, but many homeowners prefer to reduce their exposure whenever practical.

Can Well Water Contain Microplastics?

Although private wells are generally protected from many surface contaminants, microplastics can still find their way into groundwater through runoff, wastewater, degrading plastics, and environmental pollution.

The amount varies greatly depending on local conditions, making testing the best way to understand your specific water quality.

How Can These Contaminants Be Removed?

Not every water filter removes PFAS or microplastics effectively.

Some of the most effective treatment technologies include:

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

A high-quality reverse osmosis system is one of the most effective options for reducing many PFAS compounds while also reducing microplastics and numerous other dissolved contaminants. These systems are commonly installed under the kitchen sink to provide purified drinking and cooking water.

Activated Carbon Filtration

Properly designed activated carbon systems can reduce many PFAS compounds and also help improve taste and odor. Performance depends on the specific PFAS compounds present and the design of the filtration system.

Sediment Filtration

Sediment filters can capture many larger particles, including some microplastics, but they are not designed to remove dissolved PFAS chemicals.

The best treatment solution depends on your water source, water chemistry, and any laboratory test results.

Should You Be Worried?

The good news is that not every water supply contains concerning levels of PFAS or microplastics.

If you're on municipal water, your utility may conduct testing in accordance with applicable regulations and publish water quality reports. If you're on a private well, routine testing is your responsibility, and it's the best way to understand what's in your water.

If you're already treating common issues like iron, sulfur, or hard water, it may also be worth discussing whether additional filtration for drinking water would benefit your household.

Summer Well Water Problems in East Texas: What Homeowners Should Watch For

As temperatures rise across East Texas, your well water system works harder than any other time of year. Increased water usage, heavy rainstorms, and warmer groundwater can all affect your water quality. If you've noticed changes in your water during the summer, you're not alone.

At Russell Custom Water Systems, we help homeowners throughout East Texas identify and solve seasonal well water problems before they become expensive repairs.

1. Rotten Egg Odor Becomes More Noticeable

One of the most common summertime complaints is water that smells like rotten eggs. Warm temperatures can encourage sulfur-reducing bacteria to thrive in wells and plumbing systems, leading to unpleasant odors.

If the smell is only in your hot water, your water heater may be contributing to the problem. If it's present in both hot and cold water, the well itself may require treatment.

2. Iron Staining Gets Worse

Many East Texas wells naturally contain iron. During the summer, increased water usage for irrigation, filling pools, and outdoor activities can place additional demand on your filtration system.

If you begin noticing:

Orange stains in sinks and tubs
Rust-colored laundry
Metallic-tasting water
Reduced filter performance

it may be time to service your iron removal system or replace the filter media.

3. Heavy Rain Can Affect Water Quality

Summer thunderstorms can introduce sediment, bacteria, and organic material into shallow wells or wells with compromised seals.

After periods of heavy rainfall, you may notice:

Cloudy water
Unusual odors
Changes in taste
Increased sediment

If your water changes suddenly after a storm, it's a good idea to have it evaluated before assuming the problem will clear on its own.

4. Higher Water Usage Puts More Stress on Equipment

Summer often means more showers, watering gardens, washing vehicles, and filling pools.

This increased demand can:

Reduce contact time in filtration systems
Cause filters to reach capacity sooner
Increase salt usage in water softeners
Reveal existing equipment problems

Routine maintenance before peak summer usage can help prevent unexpected breakdowns.

5. Bacteria Growth Is More Likely

Warmer conditions create a more favorable environment for bacteria, especially if a well has not been disinfected in years or has experienced flooding.

If your well has recently flooded or if you've noticed changes in water quality, testing for bacteria is strongly recommended.

6. Filter Media May Be Near the End of Its Life

Many filtration systems perform well for years before gradually losing effectiveness. Summer often exposes aging media because of increased water demand.

Signs your filter may need attention include:

Iron or sulfur returning
Reduced water pressure
Frequent regenerations or backwashing
Water quality declining after years of good performance

Replacing exhausted media can often restore system performance without replacing the entire unit.

How to Prevent Summer Water Problems

A few simple maintenance steps can help keep your water system operating at its best:

Test your well water regularly.
Inspect your filtration equipment for leaks or unusual operation.
Keep salt levels maintained in your water softener.
Replace filters and UV lamps on schedule.
Schedule preventive maintenance before problems become emergencies.

Why Does My Well Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

“What’s that smell?”

One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is, "Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?" If you've noticed an unpleasant sulfur odor coming from your faucets, shower, or hot water, you're not alone. This is a common issue in East Texas well water, and the good news is that it can usually be corrected with the right treatment.

At Russell Custom Water Systems, we help homeowners identify the source of sulfur odors and recommend customized solutions that restore clean, fresh-smelling water.

What Causes the Rotten Egg Smell?

The odor is most commonly caused by hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S) in your water. Even small amounts can produce a noticeable smell, especially when you first turn on a faucet or use hot water.

Hydrogen sulfide forms naturally underground as organic matter breaks down or when groundwater comes into contact with sulfur-containing rock formations. In some cases, sulfur-reducing bacteria can also contribute to the odor.

How to Tell If Sulfur Is the Problem

Common signs include:

A rotten egg smell when using water
Odors that are stronger in hot water
Smells that are worse after the water has been sitting in the plumbing
Unpleasant-tasting drinking water
Occasional black staining on fixtures or silverware when sulfur is present with other minerals

The smell may be constant or only noticeable at certain faucets, depending on the source.

Is Sulfur Water Safe?

Hydrogen sulfide is generally more of a nuisance than a health concern at the concentrations found in most residential wells. However, it can make water unpleasant to drink, affect the taste of food and beverages, and create persistent odors throughout your home.

In some situations, a sulfur odor may indicate the presence of bacteria or other water quality issues that should be investigated, making proper water testing an important first step.

Could It Be Your Water Heater?

If the smell is only present when using hot water, the problem may not be your well.

Certain water heaters can create hydrogen sulfide odors when naturally occurring sulfate in the water reacts with the magnesium anode rod inside the tank. Determining whether the smell occurs in both hot and cold water can help identify the source.

Why Water Testing Matters

Not every rotten egg smell has the same cause.

Your water may contain:

Hydrogen sulfide gas
Sulfur bacteria
Iron bacteria
Iron
Manganese
Other naturally occurring minerals

Because these issues often occur together, selecting a treatment system without testing can lead to disappointing results.

A professional water analysis helps determine exactly what's causing the odor so the proper solution can be recommended.

How Is Sulfur Odor Removed?

The best treatment depends on your water chemistry and the source of the odor.

Depending on your water analysis, treatment may involve:

Oxidation followed by filtration
Specialized filtration media
Chemical-free air injection systems
Disinfection when bacteria are present
Multi-stage treatment for homes with both sulfur and iron

The right solution is based on your specific water conditions—not simply the odor itself.

Don't Ignore Persistent Odors

While sulfur odors are often considered a nuisance, they can affect your everyday life in many ways:

Drinking water becomes unpleasant.
Coffee, tea, and ice can develop off tastes.
Bathrooms and kitchens may have lingering odors.
Guests may notice the smell before you do.
Other underlying water quality problems may go undetected.

Addressing the issue early can improve both your water quality and your confidence in the water your family uses every day.

Serving Homeowners Throughout East Texas

Sulfur odors are one of the most common well water complaints we encounter across East Texas. Every well is unique, which is why we take a customized approach to diagnosing and treating water problems.

Russell Custom Water Systems designs water treatment solutions based on your water analysis, household water usage, and long-term performance goals. Whether your water has a mild sulfur odor or a strong rotten egg smell throughout your home, we'll help you identify the cause and recommend the right treatment.

Ready to Enjoy Fresh-Smelling Water Again?

If your well water smells like rotten eggs, don't settle for unpleasant water every day. The first step is understanding what's causing the odor.

Contact Russell Custom Water Systems to discuss your water concerns and learn about customized treatment solutions designed specifically for your home's water.

Fresh, clean water starts with the right diagnosis—and the right treatment.

Blake Russell 7/1/26 Blake Russell 7/1/26

Iron in Your Well Water? Here's What Every East Texas Homeowner Should Know

Tired of rust stains?

If you've noticed orange stains in your sinks, rusty water, metallic-tasting drinking water, or reddish-brown buildup on your fixtures, there's a good chance your well water contains iron. Iron is one of the most common water quality concerns we see throughout East Texas, and while it isn't usually considered a health risk at typical residential levels, it can create ongoing frustration for homeowners.

At Russell Custom Water Systems, we've helped families throughout East Texas diagnose and solve iron problems for decades. Understanding what's causing the issue is the first step toward finding the right solution.

Common Signs of Iron in Well Water

Iron often makes itself known long before you ever have your water tested. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Orange, red, or brown stains in sinks, tubs, toilets, and showers
Rust-colored streaks on sidewalks, driveways, or around sprinkler systems
Metallic taste in drinking water
Reddish or brown water, especially after the water has been sitting in pipes
Staining on white laundry
Iron buildup inside plumbing fixtures and appliances
Reduced water flow caused by mineral deposits

If you're experiencing one or more of these problems, it's time to have your water evaluated.

Where Does Iron Come From?

Iron occurs naturally in many underground aquifers throughout East Texas. As groundwater moves through soil and rock formations, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals before entering your well.

Because every well is different, two neighboring homes can have completely different iron levels. That's why a professional water analysis is so important before selecting treatment equipment.

Different Types of Iron

Not all iron behaves the same way, and identifying the type of iron present is critical to choosing the correct treatment system.

Clear Water Iron (Ferrous Iron)

This form of iron is dissolved in the water and is invisible when first drawn from the faucet. After exposure to air, it oxidizes and turns the water yellow, orange, or brown.

Red Water Iron (Ferric Iron)

Ferric iron has already oxidized before it reaches your home. It often appears as visible rust particles or sediment and can clog filters and plumbing fixtures.

Iron Bacteria

Iron bacteria feed on iron naturally present in groundwater and produce a slimy buildup inside plumbing, pressure tanks, and water treatment equipment. They may also contribute to unpleasant odors and recurring maintenance problems.

Each type of iron requires a different treatment strategy, making proper diagnosis essential.

Why Ignoring Iron Can Be Costly

Many homeowners assume iron staining is simply a cosmetic issue, but untreated iron can cause much larger problems over time.

High iron levels can:

Shorten the lifespan of water heaters
Reduce appliance efficiency
Clog plumbing fixtures
Restrict water flow inside pipes
Damage washing machines and dishwashers
Increase maintenance costs
Leave permanent stains on fixtures and clothing

Treating the problem early can help protect both your plumbing system and your investment in your home.

How Iron Is Removed

The best treatment depends entirely on your water chemistry.

Factors such as:

Iron concentration
Manganese levels
pH
Hydrogen sulfide (sulfur odor)
Dissolved oxygen
Water usage
Presence of bacteria

all influence which treatment system will provide the best long-term results.

Depending on your water analysis, treatment may include oxidation followed by filtration, specialized iron filtration media, or multiple stages of treatment designed specifically for your water conditions.

Installing the wrong equipment can lead to poor performance, excessive maintenance, and unnecessary expense, which is why professional testing is so important.

Why Professional Water Testing Matters

Many water treatment systems look similar, but they are not designed to solve every water problem.

A proper water analysis helps determine:

Iron concentration
Manganese
Hardness
pH
Sulfur
Sediment
Total dissolved solids
Other water quality concerns that may affect system performance

With accurate information, a treatment system can be designed specifically for your home rather than relying on guesswork.

Serving Homeowners Across East Texas

Well water conditions vary throughout East Texas, but iron remains one of the most common issues we encounter. Whether your water is leaving rust stains, affecting the taste of your drinking water, or causing buildup inside your plumbing, the right treatment system can make a significant difference.

Russell Custom Water Systems designs and installs customized water treatment solutions based on your water—not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is to help you enjoy cleaner water, protect your plumbing, and reduce maintenance for years to come.

Ready to Solve Your Iron Problem?

If you're tired of rust stains, metallic-tasting water, or constant cleaning, we'd be happy to help. Contact Russell Custom Water Systems to discuss your water concerns and learn about treatment options designed specifically for your home's water quality.

Clean water starts with understanding what's in your water—and choosing a solution that's built for it.