Water Problems
HARD WATER
Although hard water is not a health concern, it is a very common source of household problems. As water absorbs calcium and magnesium from substances such as limestone, marble and chalk deposits, it becomes what is considered to be hard water. Hard water develops soap curd, the cause of issues like bathtub ring, as well as scaling build up on fixtures, in pipes and water using appliances, such as water heaters. Soap curd can also cause your cleaning products to be less effective.
Problem:
Hard water minerals build up as a hardened deposit of scale wherever water is heated or cold water evaporates.
Warning Signs:
Signs of hard water include white streaking; scale or stains on toilet bowls, sinks, baths, around the base of faucets, as well as clogged showerheads, and deposits on kettles.
IRON
Among the most common contaminants in well water, iron is not considered a health threat at the levels that typically occur in drinking water. However, even when safe for consumption, iron at higher levels can leave an unpleasant taste in drinking water. Iron also causes rust stains in tubs, sinks, toilets, as well as clothing.
Problem:
Well water and even some municipal water supplies can contain ferrous or "clear water" iron. This is water that is clear when drawn, but changes to a rust color upon standing, as oxidization occurs. Ferrous iron completely dissipates in water and becomes ferric or red water iron when in contact with air.
Warning Signs:
Iron problems in water are usually noticeable immediately. Staining in fixtures and laundry, as well as objectionable tasting drinking water are all indicators that high levels of manganese, iron or both are present in your water.
BAD TASTE & ODOR
Problem:
A variety of elements are found in water supplies. In some cases, such as chlorine, it is the result of human intervention. Other elements occur due to water's natural solvent tendency to collect substances such as sulfur, manganese, and iron.
Warning Signs:
Whatever the source, these additional elements can produce objectionable results in drinking water, such as bad taste, and a rotten egg or pool water smell.
pH
Problem:
A neutral reading of pH or Potential of Hydrogen is seven. When water has lower pH levels it is considered acidic, a condition which can cause corrosion in sinks, hot water tanks, faucets, drainage and supply lines. Over time, these issues can lead to costly repair or replacement of appliances and fixtures.
Warning Signs:
Pitting or bluing stains on plumbing fixtures typically indicates low pH.
SULFUR
Problem:
Sulfur-reducing bacteria, typically found in deep wells, plumbing systems and other oxygen deficient environments, are producers of hydrogen sulfide. This foul smelling gas can lead to damage to water using appliances and plumbing systems.
Warning Signs:
Hydrogen sulfide has an offensive, "rotten egg" odor and bad taste. It discolors anything the gases can come into contact with, including plumbing systems.
CHLORINE
Problem:
Used as a disinfectant in the drinking water treatment process, chlorine serves to eliminate or decrease microorganisms. Drinking water disinfection is vital in the process of assuring it is free of bacteria and viruses that can cause serious diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever. Chlorine remains the most commonly used drinking water disinfectant.
While the disinfection of drinking water is necessary and beneficial to its improvement, chlorine can have adverse affects when it occurs in high levels. For example, studies have shown that long-term exposure to high levels of chlorination by-products, caused when chlorine reacts with organic elements in water, can be linked to a higher risk for cancer. One of these by-products, trihalomethanes or THMs, can adversely affect pregnancy when consumed at high levels.
Warning Signs:
A classic sign of high chlorine levels is water that tastes and smells like a swimming pool.
It is important to note that everyone's water supply can be different. Contact us today for a complete analysis of your water supply. The advanced design of the WaterMax® allows us to customize the WaterMax® to your specific needs.