Humic Acids in Greenville Florida Water

Unhealthy Levels of Humic Acids in the Water Supply of Greenville Florida Homes

Humic acids are natural organic compounds formed as leaves, wood and other plant material decompose. In your water they can cause a yellow or tea-like tint, an earthy flavor and an identifiable odor — especially when surface water influences the supply. These compounds are part of a larger group often called humic substances, which also includes fulvic acids. They aren’t an industrial “chemical spill,” but when present at noticeable levels they can make household water less pleasant to use around Greenville.

Beyond appearance and taste, elevated natural organic matter can create recurring nuisance problems such as staining, a film on fixtures, and uneven taste from faucet to faucet. Humic substances can also increase the amount of disinfectant a utility needs to keep a residual, which sometimes results in a stronger chlorine-like smell inside homes. Because humic acids and fulvic acids often fluctuate with seasons and source-water conditions, issues can be intermittent — which is why a whole-house solution is helpful to treat water before it reaches every shower, sink and appliance in Greenville residences.