Water Problems

Chlorine

Chlorine gas was first used as a weapon against human beings in WWI on April 22nd, 1915
A poisonous gas now widely used in disinfecting of water.
An oxidizing agent for organic matter.“Bleaches” out discolored water.
React with organics to form THM’s (Trihalomethanes), reportedly cancer-causing agents. EPA Limit 0.08 ppm.
Contributes to dry skin and hair
Rapidly deteriorates rubber components in plumbing.
Recommended amounts in swimming pools is 1 ppm.

Ammonia

A gas used to disinfect water in order to reduce chlorine
It is toxic and corrosive to some materials.
Can cause corrosion in plumbing causing metals to leach into the water.
Combines with chlorine to form chloramines.
Toxic to fish and marine life.
Unsafe for kidney dialysis patients.
Cannot be removed by standard water softener.

Copper

Your incoming water does not contain copper.
Enters water after any conventional water softener.
Found in water when corrosive water dissolves copper plumbing
Causes gastrointestinal irritation.
The presents of copper indicates that LEAD is probably also present if it was used to solder plumbing joints.
Is a toxic metal therefore The National Primary Drinking Water Standards limits copper to 1.3 ppm.

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

Consists mainly of carbonates, bicarbonates, chlorides, sulfates, phosphates, nitrates, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, copper, lead, and others measured in ppm. (parts per million)
The lower the concentration of TDS the better the water taste.
TDS causes a build-up in water using appliances such as coffee makers, etc. It also causes cloudy, soft, ice cubes.
The National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations state that while small amounts of some elements are objectionable the total of all dissolved solids become questionable at 250 ppm and unadvisable at 500 ppm.

Hardness – Lime

(dissolved rock)

U. S. Department of Interior

Hardness Table

Soft Water ……………………. 0 – 2 gpg

Slightly Hard Water ……….…. 2 – 5 gpg

Moderately Hard Water ..…… 5 – 7.5 gpg

Hard Water ………………… 7.5 – 10 gpg

Very Hard Water ………… Over 10 gpg

Dissolved calcium and magnesium carbonates, measured in gpg (grains per gallon)
Soap combines with hardness to form an insoluble curd.
Increases soap and cleaning products cost by 400% or more
Necessitates the use of strong chemical detergents.
Precipitates out of the water to form lime deposits in pipes, fixtures, and appliances, causing irreparable damage.
Insulates the water from the heat source slowing down the heating process and according to the Dept. of Energy increases water heater fuel cost approximately:
- 22% Electric
- 30% Gas
Dramatically increases the time required to clean up spots, scum, and hard water deposits.

Iron (rust)

A heavy metal found in ground water.
Measured in ppm (parts per million)
Stains plumbing fixtures and appliances at 0.3 ppm.
Clogs plumbing.
The Safe Drinking Water Act recommends no more that 0.3 ppm in your drinking water.
Iron is approximately 68 times more difficult to remove from water than hardness. Even though a ppm is 1/17th of a grain, the ppm are multiplied by 4 and added to your grains of hardness to determine compensated hardness. (ppm iron x 4 + hardness = compensated hardness)

Sulphur ( Hydrogen Sulfide)

A colorless gas that gives off an offensive “rotten egg” odor.
Promotes corrosion due to its activity as a weak acid. It can actually destroy copper plumbing.
Tarnishes Silver.
Leaves a black stain or specks when combined with iron.
Requires special, separate, complicated equipment unless treated by WaterMax.

Tannin

Usually found in swampy areas such as most of Florida.
Adds a yellow or brown color to water.
Is not removed by a common water softener.
Makes iron more difficult to remove.
Requires special, separate, complicated equipment unless treated by WaterMax.

PH (Potential of Hydrogen)

A measure of the balance between Acidity and Alkalinity.

7 0 14

Acid Neutral Alkaline

Corrosive activity begins at 6.9 pH.

If you are interested in improving the quality of water in your home we will be happy to test your water, give you three quotes, and explain the difference. There is no cost or obligation for this service.