Serving Emmaus alt

Emmaus homeowners face several distinctive water quality challenges that stem from both the area’s natural geology and recent environmental concerns. Understanding these issues is crucial for protecting your family’s health and your home’s plumbing infrastructure.

The most pressing concern for many Emmaus residents is PFAS contamination, particularly PFOS and PFOA – the so-called “forever chemicals.” The Borough discovered PFAS contamination in 2021 when levels reached ten times the EPA health advisory limit, linked to firefighting foam used at training facilities. While the Borough has implemented a $24-30 million treatment plan, many homeowners are choosing to install their own advanced reverse osmosis systems for additional protection. Our certified PFAS removal systems provide peace of mind for families concerned about these persistent chemicals.

Hard water is another significant challenge throughout the Lehigh Valley, with Emmaus water typically measuring 12-18 grains per gallon – well into the “very hard” category. According to Lehigh County Authority’s water quality reports, this hardness stems from limestone formations throughout the region. Hard water causes scale buildup in appliances, leaves spots on dishes, and can make skin and hair feel dry and brittle. Our whole-house water softening systems effectively address these issues while extending the life of your water heater, washing machine, and other appliances.

Many Emmaus homes also struggle with iron and manganese issues, particularly those served by private wells in areas closer to South Mountain. These naturally occurring minerals can cause reddish-brown staining, metallic tastes, and bacterial growth in plumbing systems. Our specialized iron filtration systems remove these contaminants while addressing the unique challenges of the area’s groundwater chemistry.

pH imbalances and corrosive water are common throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, affecting both municipal and well water supplies. Penn State Extension studies show that acidic water can leach lead and copper from older plumbing systems, creating additional health risks. Our acid neutralization systems protect your plumbing infrastructure while ensuring water pH remains in the optimal range.

For homeowners on private wells, bacterial contamination and nitrate issues can arise, especially in rural areas near South Mountain. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection recommends annual testing for these contaminants. Our well inspection and treatment services ensure your private water supply meets all safety standards.

Local businesses like Cafe 23 (known for their healthy breakfast options), Lee’s Restaurant (serving fresh food since 1953), and Emmaus Fitness all understand the importance of quality water – and many rely on professional water treatment to maintain their standards. Just as these businesses prioritize quality for their customers, we help Emmaus families achieve the same standards at home.

Our comprehensive testing services identify exactly which contaminants affect your specific property, allowing us to design customized treatment solutions. From simple water softeners to complex multi-stage filtration systems, we have the expertise to address any water quality challenge your home faces.

Frequently Asked Questions for Emmaus Homeowners

Q: How do I know if my Emmaus home is affected by PFAS contamination?
The Borough’s municipal wells have been treated for PFAS, but contamination levels can vary by location and private wells may have different exposure risks. We recommend professional PFAS testing for any homeowner concerned about these chemicals. Our certified laboratories can detect PFAS at the parts-per-trillion level, and our reverse osmosis systems are proven effective at removing these contaminants. Many Emmaus families choose to install point-of-use systems for drinking water as an extra precaution, regardless of municipal treatment efforts.

Q: Why is my water so hard in Emmaus, and what can I do about it?
Emmaus sits atop limestone formations that naturally add calcium and magnesium to groundwater, creating very hard water throughout the area. The Borough’s wells consistently show hardness levels of 12-18 grains per gallon, which is considered “very hard.” A whole-house water softening system is the most effective solution, removing these minerals before they can cause scale buildup in your plumbing, water heater, and appliances. Most Emmaus homeowners see immediate improvements in soap lathering, reduced spotting on dishes, and softer skin and hair after installation.

Q: Should I have my private well tested annually in Emmaus?
Absolutely. Private wells in the Emmaus area should be tested annually for bacteria, nitrates, pH, hardness, iron, and manganese at minimum. Given recent concerns about PFAS contamination in the region, we also recommend periodic PFAS testing for private wells. Our comprehensive well inspection services ensure your system meets all safety standards and operates efficiently. As Licensed Well Inspectors, we can also help with real estate transactions and compliance requirements.

Ready to ensure your Emmaus home has the cleanest, safest water possible? Our experienced team is standing by to help. Contact us today to schedule your free water analysis and discover how we can improve your family’s water quality with solutions tailored specifically for your home.