kettle moraine in washington county

Washington County Water

Washington County Water

Washington County Water Quality & Treatment Solutions

Guthrie & Frey Water Conditioning is proud to serve the residents of Washington County, WI. We understand how the local geology plays a massive role in your water quality. Sand, gravel, silt, and clay deposits have created various groundwater aquifers that supply water to the entire region. Because of this complex landscape, Washington County water can vary significantly from one neighborhood to the next.

For reliable, professional water conditioning services, contact us today!

Common Washington County Water Contamination Issues

Due to the local landscape, limestone is a frequent culprit for water problems. Groundwater flows quickly through limestone layers and into wells. While limestone isn’t a direct health hazard, it results in high mineral content.

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Beyond excess minerals in water, many homeowners contact us because they deal with:

  • Water Drop Icon Persistent odors, like rotten egg or earthy smells

  • Water Drop Icon Staining, such as rust-colored, dark, or white and chalky stains on fixtures, laundry, toilets, sinks, tubs, and dishes

  • Water Drop Icon Bad tastes, such as water with a metallic or bitter flavor

  • Water Drop Icon Discolored water

  • Water Drop Icon Poor appliance efficiency, such as dishwashers or water heaters

  • Water Drop Icon Plumbing issues, like persistent clogs or corrosion

  • Water Drop Icon Unexplained health issues, especially stomach-related

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If you’re concerned about Washington County water contamination or hardness, Guthrie & Frey is your local water quality expert. With over 50 years of experience in water treatment, our Washington County team helps ensure your drinking water stays clean and fresh!

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Guthrie & Frey Water Softener

Other Common Contaminants in Local Water

  • Contaminant

  • About the Contaminant

  • Signs of the Contaminant

  • Contaminant

    About the Contaminant

    Signs of the Contaminant

    Iron

    Iron is found in private wells. It is not usually associated with bacteria unless it is iron reducing bacteria, which are only found in a small percentage of private wells.

    A metallic taste (that carries into your food and beverages)

    Orange/red staining throughout the home

    Accumulation of iron deposits that lead to pipe blockages, resulting in reduced water pressure

  • Contaminant

    About the Contaminant

    Signs of the Contaminant

    Odor

    If your water has an odor, this means there is a contaminant in the water. Odor in well water is typically associated with hydrogen sulfide gas. It isn’t usually harmful in water but smells like rotten eggs.

    Sometimes, organic materials in water can create earthy or fishy smells.

    Gas or oil odors are a sign of dangerous contamination from gasoline, industrial discharge, underground fuel tank leaks, etc.

    Chemical smells like chlorine odor can come from municipal disinfectants or potential chemical contamination.

    Rotten egg smell

    Other strange odors, like a fishy or musty scent

    Oil/gas odors

    Chemical odors, such as chlorine that smells like a pool

  • Contaminant

    About the Contaminant

    Signs of the Contaminant

    Arsenic

    Arsenic has been found in several Washington County water supplies and can negatively affect your health.

    The only way to detect arsenic is to have your water tested, since it carries no taste or odor.

  • Contaminant

    About the Contaminant

    Signs of the Contaminant

    Tannins

    Although tannins are not harmful on their own, if they have the capabilities to travel from surface water to your groundwater source, so can pathogens and bacteria. Tannins can be a sign that the water is largely coming into your home from surface water.

    Discolored water

    Yellow/brown stains on fixtures, sinks, dishes, and laundry

Hard Water in Washington County

Hard water is not uncommon in Wisconsin. While it’s not likely to have a negative effect on human health (in small amounts), it does cause issues with appliances and pipes, as well as other problems like spotty dishes.

Water is measured in grains of hardness; the higher the number, the harder your water is. Washington County water typically measures at 20-100 gpg (grains per gallon). For comparison, soft water is typically between 0 and 3.5 gpg

Hard water is more than just a nuisance; it can cause long-term damage to your home’s infrastructure and your family’s comfort.

Here is how untreated water affects your daily life:

  • Water Drop Icon Damaged Appliances: 

    Scale buildup shortens the life of your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine.

  • Water Drop Icon Stains: 

    Stubborn stains on sinks, tubs, toilets, clothing, and fixtures.

  • Water Drop Icon Spotty Glassware: 

    Cloudy residue on dishes and glasses that never look clean.

  • Water Drop Icon Clogged Plumbing: 

    Mineral deposits inside pipes that lead to low water pressure and potential damage.

  • Water Drop Icon Dingy Laundry: 

    Clothes that look dull, feel scratchy, and wear out faster.

  • Water Drop Icon Dry Skin & Hair: 

    Water that strips natural oils, leaving hair dull and skin itchy.

  • Water Drop Icon High Soap/Detergent Use: 

    Minerals in water impact cleaning products, making soap and detergent less effective.

    In Wisconsin, contamination in drinking water ranges from hard water to high iron and nitrates. If you’re concerned about your water quality, contact our team to schedule a free water analysis!

Our Washington County Water Services

Whether you’re dealing with city water hardness or complex well water issues, our team provides end-to-end solutions. We don’t just install equipment; we ensure your water stays clean and your systems run efficiently for years.

  • Water Testing: We provide free Washington County water testing to identify hardness, iron, chlorine, and more. We also offer advanced lab testing for a fee to identify other water contaminants, such as arsenic and bacteria. Understanding your water’s chemistry is the first step to finding the right solution.
  • Water Well Services: We offer testing and specialized filtration systems to address the specific contaminants found in Washington County well water.
  • Municipal Water Filtration: We install tailored systems for homes on public water to remove chlorine tastes, odors, and the high mineral content common in Washington County.
  • System Installation & Maintenance: We offer expert installation of water softeners, iron filters, whole-home systems, and more, backed by ongoing preventative maintenance.
  • Well Pump & Pressure Tank Service: We ensure your water reaches your home reliably by servicing and replacing well pumps and pressure tanks.
  • ION Bottleless Water Coolers: Upgrade your home or office with an ION drinking water system. These eco-friendly, bottleless coolers provide a continuous supply of fresh, filtered water without the hassle of heavy plastic jugs or deliveries.

A Few Reasons why Washington County Loves Guthrie & Frey

  • Security shield with a Check

    Extensive Warranties

  • Lock

    Rental rates will never be raised

  • Wrench

    Free Installation

  • Dollar Sign

    Competitive pricing and rent-to-own options available

From the Senior Technician in Washington County:

  • A: Depending on where you live in Jefferson county, your water will be sourced from various different areas (city water, private well, etc.). No matter where your water is sourced from, it has its unique pros and cons. Consider scheduling a water test to see what’s in your water.

  • A: Yes! Typically, in Washington County, we see a range from 20-100 grains of hardness in the water. Soft water is less than 1 grain of hardness. To see what level your water is at, schedule a water test!

     

  • A: Hard water does not have a negative effect on your health, however, the contaminants cause buildup on appliances, causing them to fail prematurely. Additionally, hard water will leave a film or red/orange stain on anything it touches.

Close up on a splash of water

Have a different question for us?

Contact our water treatment experts today

We’re always happy to help you find the best solution!

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Recommended Water Treatment Techniques for Washington County

  • water softener system

    GF Series Water Softener System

    Residential

    Hard water can be much more problematic than you think. It can cause buildup of mineral scale inside your appliances and plumbing.

    Ideal For:

    • Preventing scale buildup in home kitchens and bathrooms.
    • Improving the taste and texture of the water in your home.
    • Saving money on plumbing and appliance maintenance.
    • Ensuring cleaner clothes and dishes via cleaner water.
    View This System
  • high-efficiency water softener

    GF Twin Alternating Series: High-Efficient Water Softener

    Residential

    The Guthrie & Frey Twin Alternating Water Softener provides a continuous supply of softened water with no downtime for regeneration.

    Ideal For:

    • Robust and efficient solutions
    • Reducing mineral scale and soap usage.
    • Energy efficient consumption of water-using equipment.
    • Reducing buildup in appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
    View This System
  • Iron Curtain Junior

    Iron Curtain Junior

    Residential

    The Iron Curtain Junior helps filter out iron and reduce rotten egg odor, all without the use of chemicals.

    Ideal For:

    • Homeowners who need an economical option
    • Customers who need a system that can handle high flow rates
    • Customers looking to extend the lifespan of water-using appliances
    • Homeowners who want to spend less time cleaning/getting rid of iron stains
    • People who want to enjoy clean, odor-free drinking water
    • Customers who need custom designs for larger homes
    View This System

What people are saying about Guthrie & Frey in Washington County

  • “On time, reviewed salt needs, changed RO filter, friendly, carried salt to our destination. Thank You.”

    — Susan W.

  • “Purchased a new water softener and had it installed. Everyone at G&F I dealt with was knowledgeable, professional and exceedingly pleasant to deal with. I thought Adam, the installer did an exceptional job.”

    — Steve H.

  • “We have been using Guthrie & Frey for over 16 years. They are fantastic. Very responsive, friendly and great workmanship.”

    — Greg V.