The greater DMV area has a surprising number of water providers. In Rockville, most homes are served
by the City of Rockville Water Utility, but some Rockville addresses may get their water from WSSC
Water (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission), which supplies much of Montgomery and Prince
George’s counties. Homes in the District itself typically receive water from DC Water (District of
Columbia Water and Sewer Authority).
All of these providers meet federal drinking water standards, but “safe” is just a minimum threshold.
Homeowners often have concerns about what might still be in their tap water, or they’re simply
frustrated with how it tastes, smells, or performs.
If you’ve been second-guessing your tap water, a home water test may be the simplest way to get
answers.
5 Signs You Might Need a Water Test
1. Rotten egg smell or metallic taste from your tap
2. Dry skin, dull hair, or irritated scalp after showering
3. Soap doesn’t lather and dishes come out cloudy
4. Spotting or mineral buildup on sinks and fixtures
5. You just moved in and don’t know what’s in the water
Why Water Testing Matters (Even If Your Water Looks Clean)
- Water that meets basic safety standards may still contain chlorine, minerals, or “forever
chemicals” like PFAS that impact your health, plumbing, and comfort. - If your home uses a private well, testing is even more important. Well water isn’t regulated by
the city, so it’s up to you to know what’s in it. - Even if your water seems fine, it could still be damaging your plumbing, staining your fixtures, or
drying out your skin.
What’s Included in a Home Water Test from Vito
Vito Services’ home water test measures key indicators like:
- Hardness – Identifies calcium and magnesium levels that cause scaling
- Chlorine – Gauges chemical disinfection levels
- pH Balance – Checks for acidity or corrosiveness
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) – Measures the mineral and contaminant load
A list of chemical names and numbers doesn’t mean a lot to most homeowners. That’s why we take the
time to explain the results, what they mean for your water quality, and water filtration solutions to
deliver cleaner, better tasting water.
Common Water Problems We Find in the DMV
Every home is different, but here are a few of the issues we commonly see in Rockville and the
surrounding area:
- Moderate to hard water – Leads to cloudy dishes, dry skin, and soap scum
- High chlorine levels – Can leave a strong chemical taste or smell
- Low pH or high TDS – Especially common in well systems; can corrode pipes or cause staining
- Detectable PFAS – Found in both well and city water, particularly in older areas
What If You Already Have a Water Treatment System?
Filters and media require regular replacement. If you have an under-sink RO system specifically for taste,
you will probably notice when the filters need replacement. The RO membrane in reverse osmosis
systems can last between 2 and 5 years, but the pre- and post-filters should be changed every 6 to 12
months.
Whole-house carbon filters may need to have their cartridge filters replaced every 6 to 12 months and
tank-based filters replaced every 5 to 10 years.
One of the benefits of anti-scale systems is that they require relatively little maintenance, but media
may still need to be replaced every 4 to 6 years.
If you can’t remember the last time your water filtration system was serviced, or you just moved into a
home with one and aren’t sure if it’s working, call Vito Services.
Why Wait? One Simple Home Water Test Can Make a Big Difference
- Enjoy better tasting, better smelling, and softer-feeling water
- Improve skin and hair health while protecting your plumbing
- Stop relying on bottled water and start trusting your tap again
Don’t settle for “good enough” water. Call Vito Services at 301-315-6100 to schedule your water test and
get answers from plumbers you can trust.
