Blog - Mr. H2O

Common Water Quality Issues in Northeast Florida

While Northeast Florida’s water is treated and safe to drink, these common issues can still affect comfort, taste, and the long-term health of your plumbing system. Fortunately, solutions like water softeners, filtration systems, and reverse osmosis units can give you cleaner, better-tasting water right from the tap.

Mr. H2O Team

Aug 22, 2025

Living in Northeast Florida has its perks—beautiful beaches, warm weather, and plenty of sunshine. But one thing many homeowners don’t love is the water quality. If you’ve noticed cloudy glasses, stubborn stains, or even strange odors coming from your tap, you’re not alone. Water in this region often contains minerals and contaminants that can cause a variety of problems in your home.

Here are the most common water quality issues Northeast Florida residents face:

1. Hard Water

Hard water is one of the biggest issues in our area. It’s caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium in the water supply. While not harmful to your health, it can:

  • Leave spots and streaks on dishes and glassware
  • Cause soap scum buildup in showers and sinks
  • Make laundry feel stiff and faded
  • Shorten the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters

A water softener can help reduce hardness and keep your home running smoothly.

2. Chlorine Taste & Smell

Local utilities add chlorine to disinfect drinking water. While effective for safety, chlorine often leaves water with a strong smell or unpleasant taste. This can make drinking water less appealing and affect the flavor of coffee, tea, and cooking.

A carbon filtration system is a simple solution for removing chlorine and improving taste.

3. Iron Staining

If you’ve ever seen orange or rust-colored stains in your sinks, toilets, or tubs, iron is likely the culprit. While usually not a health concern, iron can:

  • Stain plumbing fixtures and laundry
  • Clog water-using appliances over time
  • Give water a metallic taste

Specialized filtration systems can treat iron before it becomes a problem in your home.

4. Sulfur Odors (“Rotten Egg Smell”)

Some areas in Northeast Florida experience hydrogen sulfide in their water, which creates a sulfur-like odor. This issue can be off-putting and sometimes embarrassing when guests notice it.

Treatment systems can neutralize hydrogen sulfide, restoring fresh, clean water.

5. Sediment & Cloudiness

Sediment—such as sand, silt, or rust—can occasionally make its way into tap water. While usually safe, it can leave your water looking cloudy and may cause wear on faucets and appliances over time.

Installing a whole-home sediment filter can clear this up quickly.

Protecting Your Home and Family’s Water

While Northeast Florida’s water is treated and safe to drink, these common issues can still affect comfort, taste, and the long-term health of your plumbing system. Fortunately, solutions like water softeners, filtration systems, and reverse osmosis units can give you cleaner, better-tasting water right from the tap.

At Mr. H2O, we specialize in solving these exact problems for homeowners in Jacksonville and across Northeast Florida. If you’ve noticed any of these issues in your home, our team can test your water and recommend the right solution for your family.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a free water test and take the first step toward better water.