For many Massachusetts and Rhode Island homeowners, turning on the tap feels routine — but what’s actually in that water may surprise you. Even private well owners or homes using municipal water can be exposed to hidden contaminants like PFAS (forever chemicals), lead, nitrates, and bacteria without realizing it.
Some of these contaminants come from natural sources, while others are tied to old infrastructure, agriculture, or industrial pollution. The good news? With proper testing and the right filtration system, you can take control of your water quality and protect your health.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are man-made chemicals used in products like non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant fabrics. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally — and they’ve made their way into groundwater across New England.
Potential health risks include:
How to filter PFAS:
PFAS are extremely difficult to remove without the right water filtration solution. We will recommend filtration equipment to remediate the PFAS in your water to protect your family’s well being.
Lead contamination usually comes from older plumbing and pipe joints, not the water source itself. It’s especially dangerous for young children and pregnant women, causing neurological and developmental issues even at low levels.
Lead risks include:
How to reduce lead:
Point-of-use under-sink filtration systems with lead-certified cartridges or whole-house filtration for older plumbing setups offer excellent protection.
Nitrates often enter your water through fertilizer runoff, septic system leaks, or animal waste — especially common in more rural or agricultural areas.
Who’s most at risk?
How to remove nitrates:
Advanced reverse osmosis systems provide a point of use solution while a point of entry water filtration solution is also an option.
Bacteria like coliform and E. coli can sneak into your water supply through cracked well caps, runoff from heavy rain, or groundwater intrusion. These contaminants are often seasonal and can appear after storms or snowmelt.
Symptoms of bacterial contamination:
How to stay protected:
A combination of a whole-house filtration system with UV disinfection is highly effective for homes on well water.
For drinking water only, a high-grade under-sink filter with bacterial reduction is a solid layer of defense.
At Clear Water Pump & Well Service, we tailor every solution based on your water test results and household needs. Whether you need a whole-house system, under-sink filtration, softening, or reverse osmosis, we only install proven, high-performance systems — never cheap filters that can’t handle the job.
Explore our residential filtration options:
How to stay protected:
A combination of a whole-house filtration system with UV disinfection is highly effective for homes on well water.
For drinking water only, a high-grade under-sink filter with bacterial reduction is a solid layer of defense.
Call Us: 617-383-7867
You won’t taste or smell PFAS — only a lab test can detect them. We offer certified testing and filtration options designed for PFAS removal.
Water softeners treat hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. They don’t remove PFAS, bacteria, or lead. They’re great for scale prevention, but should be paired with filtration when contaminants are present.
Reverse osmosis is best for drinking water at one location (like the kitchen sink). Whole-house filtration treats all water entering your home — for showers, laundry, and appliances.
Yes. Water quality can shift due to seasonal changes, runoff, or nearby development. We recommend annual testing — and anytime you notice a change in taste, color, or odor.
Absolutely. Heavy rain, snowmelt, or shifting groundwater can push bacteria into your well if the cap is loose or the casing is compromised.