Humic Acids in Orange Florida Water

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

Humic acids are organic compounds that form when leaves, wood and other plant material decompose. In household water they can give a yellow or tea-colored tint, an earthy flavor and a noticeable odor—especially when surface water influences the source. These compounds are part of a larger group called humic substances, which also includes fulvic acids. While not the same as a chemical spill, elevated levels can make water around the home less appealing to drink, cook with, or bathe in for Orange residents.

Beyond looks and taste, natural organic matter like humic substances can cause persistent nuisance problems such as staining on fixtures, films on glassware, and fluctuating tap flavor from one faucet to another. They can also force utilities to use more disinfectant to keep a residual, which may lead to stronger chlorine-like smells in some houses. Because humic acids and fulvic acids change with seasons and source-water conditions, the issues can come and go—so treating incoming water to the whole house helps prevent these problems before they reach showers, laundry machines and kitchen sinks in Orange homes.