Even though Americans enjoy one of the best drinking water supplies in the world, water that meets all EPA standards can still have problems you and your family find objectionable.

Such as water that tastes or smells like dirty socks.

Water quality may differ from city to city, well to well, even home to home. It's possible your water quality may not be the same as your next door neighbor's. Finding the causes and solutions for drinking water problems, and the ideal water quality "fit" for your personal needs are simple with the proper information.

If your drinking water doesn't meet your family's quality standards, the problem usually can be solved either at the point-of-use or point-of-entry.

Common drinking water problems:

Iron - It takes just a trace of iron in water to cause trouble. Iron, in amounts of only 0.2 to 0.3 parts per million, can stain plumbing fixtures and laundry. In larger amounts, the water itself may appear rust colored and taste extremely unpleasant... some might even say it takes like dirty socks.

Cloudy Water - When dissolved in water, some materials create an unappealing cloudiness that is far from the clear liquid most people prefer. Besides being unpleasant to look at and drink, cloudy water may contain minerals or particles which may erode pipes and stain sinks, plumbing fixtures, and clothing.

Naturally Occuring Contaminants - Some contaminating elements may occur naturally in water. These elements include radium, barium, and cadmium.

Man-Made Contaminants - Health-related contaminants from sources such as pesticides, industrial waste, landfills, underground storage tanks, and human and animal waste have been found in some private and public water supplies. When man-made contaminants are found, a local water utility usually brings in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help deal with the problem.

Showerheads - Weak or changing water pressure usually points to a mineral buildup in the showerhead. Clean the outlet holes with a pin or unscrew the faceplate and soak it overnight in vinegar. Scrub it clean before replacing it on the showerhead.

Scalding Tap Water - Thousands of people are scalded by tap water every year. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association recommends that the full-on hot water temperature at the faucet be set between 120° and 125° F

Garbage Disposal - Use cold water when the disposal is operating. You can clean your disposal by grinding ice cubes. When you disposal needs a little freshening, just grind some lemon peels. Of course, you should read your maintenance manual.

Water Moisture In The Home - Make sure that vents (with a ventilating fan) are installed in your kitchen and baths. These rooms can produce a lot of moisture. Ventilating fans are great but will be of no use if they are not turned on! So make sure that you use them!

Mildew - You can help to avoid mildew problems with these preventative actions. Ventilate basements or run dehumidifiers to dry the air, walls and furnishings. Don't hang wet clothes in your closets. Keep your showers and tubs clean of soap-scum so that they dry quicker. Air-out your bathroom cabinets and kitchen sink cabinet often.

Pipe Insulation - Insulate those pipes before it gets cold! When temperatures are at or below freezing, running a steady drop of hot and cold water from your faucets may keep your pipes from freezing. If your pipes are not insulated, they can freeze even with a small flow of water. So, insulate those pipes! But beware; insulated pipes can freeze when there is no water movement to keep the pipes warm.

Roots - Roots can be a big problem. They can grow into the joints of the pipes. A little "root-x" flushed down the toilet can reduce the growth of roots in your pipes. It needs to sit in the pipes overnight, so do it before bed.