This study provided a challenging opportunity for general chemistry students to mimic the scientific research process by solving a water-quality problem concerning individual calcium and magnesium concentrations. We found that general chemistry students were able to develop their own experiments to solve real-world, multivariable problems through inquiry-based learning. Students investigated the problem through the experiment development processes as follows: (i) They conducted literature searches and led discussions; (ii) They designed, tested, and evaluated their own trial procedures; and (iii) They developed, performed, and evaluated their own experiments. After finishing this project, students knew what scientific inquiry was and how inquiry-based experiments were practiced. Based on student successes on evaluations of their experiments, and positive student responses, we established that this activity is worthwhile in creating an opportunity for undergraduate students to realize and practice scientific inquiry. (Contains 7 tables.)