Logo for National Water Service with a large blue N stylized to include a water droplet and circular design, followed by the words ational water service in dark blue text.
☎
No Water or Emergency?
📅
Schedule Service
📞
301-854-1333

Bacteria and Water Contaminants in Maryland, DC & Northern VA

Bacteria and other contaminants in your water can be harmful to you and your family’s health, your appliance’s efficiency, and your pipes. 

 

If you suspect there are excessive amounts of chlorine, sediment, or other bacteria in your water, contact National Water Service today to help clean the water for better cooking, washing, drinking, and health. 

How Does Bacteria Get into Water

Bacteria can enter a water supply through a number of ways including but not limited to: 

  • Sewage
  • Parasites
  • Viruses
  • Coliforms
  • Mold
  • Animal Waste
  • Dead & Decaying Animals
  • Escherichia (E. Coli) When Contracted and Transmitted by People
A hand in a blue glove holds a petri dish with greenish colonies of bacteria in water, over a sink with running water in the background.

The Harmful Effects of Bacteria in Water

Disease

  • Legionnaires
  • Pneumonia
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Meningitis
Note: Only disease-causing bacteria (pathogens) lead to disease

Infections

  • UTI
  • Gastrointestinal

Organ Damage

  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Intestines
  • More

General Illness

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Blood in urine
  • Swelling
  • Dehydration
  • Dry mouth
  • Cramps
  • Headaches

Leptospirosis

  • 1st stage: jaundice, reddened eyes, rash, abdominal pain, high fever, chills, & aching muscles
  • 2nd stage: meningitis, liver failure, or kidney failure
  • Untreated leptospirosis can kill

Leptospirosis in Pets

  • Stiffness
  • Refusal to eat
  • Extreme weakness
  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Severe muscle pain
A hand holds a clear glass under a kitchen faucet, filling it with water. In the background, a sink, countertop, and blurred fruit bowl are visible—a reminder to stay aware of bacteria in water at home.

Water containing bacteria may appear clear or clean – the only way to tell for sure is to have your water tested

Treatment Options for Bacteria in Water

UV (Ultra Violet Disinfection Light)
Chlorination – Chlorine (shock)
Reverse Osmosis with UV light
A hand in a blue glove holds a petri dish with greenish colonies of bacteria in water, over a sink with running water in the background.

Bacteria

Expore our different options for bacteria removal

A blue and clear sediment filter is installed between two stainless steel ball valves on a wall. Text describes it as an easy-to-change, inexpensive filter with a $3.50 replacement cost. National Water Service logo is at the bottom left.

Sediment

Need to get rid of sediment? We have a few options to choose from!

A water treatment system with a large white tank labeled “National Water Service” and various pipes, tubes, and control units attached, set against a metallic, reflective wall covering in a basement or utility area.

NITRATES

REVERSE OSMOSIS is our recommendation for removing nitrates from your water

Three water softener units, labeled with features like a brine tank and twin softeners, are set up in a National Water Service Gallery basement. Labels highlight salt usage and chlorine removal, with text noting a high flow rate and no electricity needed.

Chlorine Removal

A carbon tank is the best way to handle chlorine removal from your water