Ohio water quality affects every household, from hard water and PFAS to chlorine and corrosion. This guide helps homeowners recognize the signs, understand the risks, and choose the right treatment system for cleaner, safer water.
The quality of water is an often-overlooked home issue nowadays, yet Ohio water quality is so important! As an Ohioan, knowing how to spot the warning signs of low water quality, familiarizing yourself with what’s in Ohio’s water, and understanding what water treatment systems are available are all part the step-by-step process to boosting the water quality in your home.
This Ohio’s homeowner’s guide is designed walk you through the top water issues Ohio homeowners face and how to tackle these issues with the right water treatment solutions. Mapped out for you in these 6 easy steps, you’ll find that getter healthier, and safer water in your home is not as complicated as it sounds.

What Are the Top Water Quality Problems?
First and foremost, it’s important to have a basic idea of what contaminants exactly are typically found in water. So here are the twelve most common water quality issues across the country.
- Hard Water
- High Mineral Content (Calcium & Magnesium)
- Soap Scum
- Lead
- Chlorine
- Disinfection By-products (THMs)
- Other Harmful Chemicals & Heavy Metals
- PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
- Microbial Contaminants
- Bacteria and Microorganisms
- Pipe Corrosion
- Aesthetic Issues & Odors
Take matters into your own hands and dive into the nitty gritty details about the most common water quality problems here!
How Do I Enhance the Water Quality in My Ohio Home?
Now that you know what a likely invader of your home’s water is, here’s the step-by-step process to actually tackling this common household problem.
Step 1: Know What’s in Ohio’s Water
Ohio’s water quality is closely monitored, our state faces unique challenges that can affect both taste and safety. From seasonal algae blooms along Lake Erie to PFAS detections in Dayton and hard water minerals in Cincinnati, your water supply may be carrying more than you realize.
You can view the latest Ohio EPA water quality reports here. For private well owners, testing at least once a year is recommended; it’s your responsibility to ensure safety.
Awareness of Ohio water quality is the first step to protecting what matters most.

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Warning Signs
Before diving into test results and water treatment options, the best step before that is to familiarize yourself with what signs to look for when it comes to Ohio water quality. Here are some everyday clues regarding low water quality in the home:
- White or chalky buildup on faucets, showerheads, or glassware (sign of hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium)
- Rust-colored stains in sinks, tubs, or laundry (possible iron or manganese)
- Metallic, chemical, or musty odors when running tap water
- Cloudy or discolored water, especially after heavy rain
- Frequent appliance repairs on dishwashers, water heaters, or washing machines
If any of this sounds familiar, your water may need more than just basic municipal treatment.
Step 3: Choose a Qualified Plumber
On to the next question: who helps with Ohio water quality issues in Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, Ohio? Great question! The truth is, at Five Star Home Services, we’ve been helping Ohio homeowners with their homes since 1972. With thousands of positive reviews, we’ve built our reputation on fast service, real expertise, and being honest and transparent.
When you choose Five Star as your trusted partner for all your plumbing solutions, you’re choosing to partner with a company that cares about your home as much as you do and also about the very communities we live in.
We take pride in giving back.
Step 4: Book You Water Quality Test
The best way to know exactly what is in your water is to schedule a professional water quality test. Our expert plumbers at Five Star Home Services use advanced testing methods to detect contaminants, measure hardness, and assess overall water safety. The good news? When you book your water quality test with Five Star it is completely free!
You can say no more to dealing with odd tastes and discoloration. You can get one step closer to having cleaner water in your home by scheduling our free water test. We provide accurate results you can trust. Plus, once we know what is in your water, we can recommend the best filtration, purification, or softening system for your home.
In addition, we aim to give you more than one option so that you can decide what works best for you and your budget! We don’t do pushy sales. We simply aim to provide you with all the information you need to best make an informed decision that fits YOUR needs.
Step 5: Get Your Water Quality Treatment System Installed
Every home is different. Some home plumbing systems have really high chlorine content, while other homes may have especially high mineral content like calcium or lead in their water pipes. Once you know what’s in your water and exactly what Ohio water quality issues need to be addressed in your home, we will help you match the water treatment solution to the water quality problem. Here’s a short overview of what Five Star has to offer.
- Water Filtration Systems: Our whole house water filtration systems remove sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants that affect taste, smell, and safety. This ensures every tap in your home delivers fresh, clean water that is safer for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
- Water Softener Systems: Our high-performance water softeners target hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium, preventing scale buildup in pipes, extending appliance life, and improving the feel of your skin, hair, and laundry.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: Our reverse osmosis (RO) systems provide the highest level of water purification, removing up to 99 percent of dissolved solids, heavy metals, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants for pure, great-tasting drinking water straight from your tap.
After your water treatment is installed, we will give you all the information you need to maintain your new system. On top of that, you can rest assured that we are more than happy to assist you with any questions or concerns that may come your way afterwards. After all, great customer service goes beyond just the initial installation.
Step 6: Enjoy Higher Water Quality in Your Home
This one is the easiest step, and quite frankly, our favorite! Once you have your water treatment system installed, you get to sit back and relax, knowing your home is now equipped with safe, cleaner water for your home and family. Plus, if you ever need us after your installation…we’re simply a phone call away!

Don’t forget. Boosting your home’s water quality starts with recognizing the signs of poor water, understanding the common contaminants found in Ohio, and knowing which treatment systems can give you the clean, safe water your family deserves. You can absolutely protect what matters most and schedule your free water quality test today, thus taking the first step toward cleaner, safer water for your family.
Ready for better water? We’re ready to embark on this journey with you! Call us at (833) 405-8009 or book online — because with Five Sat Home Services, better water starts at home.
FAQs
1. Is Ohio water safe to drink?
Ohio’s water is generally considered safe, but many areas deal with issues like hard water, chlorine, PFAS, and even lead from older plumbing. A water test is the only way to know what’s in your home’s water.
2. How can I test my home’s water in Ohio?
You can schedule a free Ohio water test with Five Star Home Services. Professional testing identifies contaminants, minerals, and overall safety, helping you choose the right treatment system.
3. Do I need a water softener or filtration system in Ohio?
Many Ohio homeowners benefit from water softeners to combat hard water and filtration systems to reduce chlorine, PFAS, and other contaminants. The best solution depends on your test results.














