+What are those white or grey particles in my faucet’s aerator?

Those particles, which can cause reduced or low water pressure at your taps, could be coming from your hot water heater. You may have a defective dip tube in your hot water heater. A dip tube is often made of polypropylene, a nontoxic plastic material. This material can break down inside the tank and disintegrate into tiny chips of plastic which then flow with the water into the plumbing. These particles then collect in your faucet’s aerator. If the particles cannot be dissolved in vinegar, you may need to have the dip tube replaced, your hot water tank drained and all screens, and aerators connected to your hot water plumbing cleaned. If the particles dissolve, you could have mineral deposits such as calcium and manganese. 

+Will using a home water treatment device make my water safer or healthier?

Not necessarily. Some people use home water filters to improve the taste, smell and/or appearance of their tap water, but it may not make the water safer or healthier to drink. Since the water you are receiving from Rutland Waterworks meets federal and drinking water standards, it is not necessary to use a home water treatment device. However, the decision to install a home water treatment device is a personal one. Since there are numerous home water treatment devices available, make sure the device you are thinking of purchasing is the most cost­-effective means of solving your particular problem.

When choosing a home water treatment device, keep in mind that Rutland Waterworks is not responsible for the water quality produced by that treatment device. All home water treatment devices require regular maintenance to ensure proper performance; otherwise, water quality problems can result.

+Can I drink from my garden hose when I’m working outside?

Not recommended, because a standard vinyl garden hose has substances in it to keep the hose flexible. These chemicals, which get into the water as it goes through the hose, are not good for you or your pets. In addition, the hose and/or faucet may be contaminated with pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals you may have used previously in your yard or garden.

+How Are You Affected By Mineralized Water

Staining of dishes, bathroom and kitchen surfaces, silverware, house siding, cars etc. These are common complaints about mineralized water. The spotting and staining is increased by the presence of chlorine which is an oxidant that makes the minerals precipitate out of solution. Heat and evaporation can also cause the minerals to come out of the solution. 

Again, it must be stressed that these minerals are natural and are not injurious to your health in the quantities contained in Rutland water.

+Why does my water appear milky in the winter time?

That milky color is really air bubbles, which are not harmful and will quickly dissipate. When the outside temperature drops, the pipes get cold and so does your drinking water. The temperature of surface water varies with the seasons, unlike ground water which stays at a constant temperature of about 55°F, (13° C) because of the insulation that the ground provides. When you bring that cold water into a warm home, the water warms up and oxygen gas is released into the water in the form of tiny bubbles. If you place the glass of water on your counter, you will see that the air bubbles will rise and the water clears from the bottom of the glass upward.

This phenomenon can also make your ice cubes cloudy because air bubbles are trapped inside the ice cubes causing them to have that ‘milky appearance’. Unlike your household ice, commercially made ice is stirred as it is being frozen, removing any trapped air.