Tannins in Prince George's County: Understanding Your Water Quality and What to Check Next

WSP Whole House Tannin Filter - Yellow Tea-Colored

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How should I interpret local water system records regarding tannins as a homeowner?

Many homeowners in Prince George's County may assume that the presence of tea-colored or yellowish water means tannins are definitely in their supply. However, federal public water system records—including those for MGM NATIONAL HARBOR, which serves about 24,000 people through surface water—do not provide direct monitoring data for tannins. This means the EPA database has no measured concentrations or ranges for tannins at the system level. As a result, any water color concerns cannot be confirmed or ruled out by these records alone.

How do tannins typically enter water sources like those in Prince George's County?

Tannins generally come from decaying vegetation and organic materials. Surface water supplies, like the one used by MGM NATIONAL HARBOR, are more susceptible to tannins because they collect runoff from surrounding soils and plant matter. This natural organic matter can impart a yellowish or tea-colored hue to water. While surface water is more prone to tannins compared to groundwater, local conditions and watershed characteristics determine tannin levels. Without direct testing, it is impossible to know the specific tannin presence in your household water.

Which parts of my home water system would show tannins effects first, and why?

Tannins, when present, often affect sources where water is visibly clear but discolored, such as drinking taps and showerheads. Staining on fixtures and laundry discoloration may also appear if tannins levels are elevated. These effects arise because tannins absorb and stain surfaces, and if untreated, the color persists throughout the home’s plumbing and appliances that use water. However, without individual water testing, it's unclear if tannins cause any observed discoloration in your home.

What information should I gather before seeking advice about treating tannins in my water?

Before considering treatment, record the following details:

• The source of your water—whether municipal or private well.
• Any visible water color or staining you’ve noticed.
• Results from a certified laboratory test specifically measuring tannins (also called total organic color or TOC in some reports).
• Any other water quality concerns you have noticed, such as taste or odor differences.

This information helps clarify whether tannins are a factor and guides appropriate solutions.

How will water quality change at the tap with the C-Series Yellow, Tea-Colored Tannin Water Filter?

The C-Series System, equipped with the Yellow Tea-Colored Tannin Water Filter, is designed to reduce tannins that cause color and staining issues in water. This filter technology uses specialized media to capture tannins and related organic compounds, helping restore water clarity and reduce discoloration at the tap. While this system ships ready to configure, it requires that homeowners first confirm tannins are present with proper testing to ensure the treatment aligns with their water issues.

What is the best test to confirm if tannins are in my water?

The definitive step is to obtain a certified laboratory analysis for tannins specific to your household water. This test goes beyond general system data and evaluates your actual water supply. A clear quantitative result will determine if tannins are present at levels that justify using a specialized filter like the C-Series System. Without this test, treatment decisions are based on assumptions rather than evidence.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Record retrieved 2026-09-10. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA SDWIS record for MGM NATIONAL HARBOR (MD1160049), surface water supply, serving 24000 people: 1 health-based violations of 2 total