Very common in the Shenandoah Valley. The scaly buildup is calcium and magnesium. Hard water can leave residue on your skin and hair, and soap scum in tubs, showers and fixtures.

It also causes buildup in water-using appliances, which will make them less efficient and shorten their lives.

Finally, the scale buildup within pipes and appliances could provide microorganisms with a place to take hold and multiply.

Many things can cause cloudy water: silt, sand, or clay can be addressed with basic filtration. However, organic matter, agricultural runoff and microorganisms can also cause turbidity and can pose a potential health hazard.

Most local municipalities use chlorine to disinfect the water supply; however, due to the fact that it can dry out skin and hair, and cause an unpleasant taste, it should be filtered out prior to use.

Organic material such as algae, mold or bacteria can affect the way it tastes and smells. These organisms can build up in pipes and appliances (especially ones already affected by hard water scale) and cause more substantial problems.

That rotten egg smell is Hydrogen Sulfide. It can give your water a revolting taste and smell, and can even render it unusable.

In addition to an unpleasant taste and smell, iron (or manganese) can cause tell-tale rust spots under faucets and around drains, and can stain clothes and fixtures.