Author Archives: Ozone Pure Water

What Contaminants Can Be Found Through Free Water Testing?

Water testing reveals a diverse array of contaminants that can compromise water quality and safety. Common contaminants detected include heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which can enter water sources through industrial discharges, mining activities, or old plumbing systems. Microbial contaminants such as bacteria (e.g., E. coli), viruses, and parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium pose significant health risks if present in untreated water supplies. Organic pollutants like pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals (e.g., PCBs, dioxins) can leach into waterways from agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, or improper disposal practices. Nutrient pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and sewage can cause harmful algal blooms and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Comprehensive water testing is essential to identify and quantify these contaminants, enabling effective management strategies to protect both human health and the environment.

Can Water Testing Identify Hard Water?

Water testing can identify hard water by measuring the concentration of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium ions. Hard water forms when groundwater percolates through limestone and chalk deposits, picking up these minerals along the way. While not harmful to health, hard water poses several issues. It can lead to limescale buildup in plumbing fixtures, appliances (such as water heaters and dishwashers), and on dishes and glassware, reducing their efficiency and longevity. Hard water also decreases the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, requiring more product to achieve satisfactory cleaning results. Additionally, it can leave a residue on skin and hair, causing dryness and irritation. By accurately identifying the hardness of water through testing, appropriate treatment methods such as water softening can be employed to mitigate these problems and improve overall water quality.

What Other Problems Can Water Testing Identify?

Water testing can identify a wide range of problems beyond microbial contaminants and hard water. Some of the other issues that can be detected through water testing include:

• Chemical Contaminants: Various chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals (e.g., PCBs, dioxins), heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic), and pharmaceuticals can be detected through water testing. These contaminants may originate from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, or improper disposal practices.
• Nutrient Pollution: Testing can reveal elevated levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to eutrophication in water bodies. Excessive nutrients promote the growth of algae and aquatic plants, leading to harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life.
• pH and Acidity: Water testing determines the acidity (pH) of water, which is important for aquatic ecosystems and can affect the corrosion of pipes and plumbing fixtures.
• Turbidity: Turbidity testing measures the clarity of water, indicating the presence of suspended solids, sediment, or other particulate matter that can affect water quality and aesthetics.
• Radioactive Contaminants: Testing can detect radioactive elements like radon and uranium, which may naturally occur in groundwater and pose health risks if present in high concentrations.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These include chemicals like benzene, toluene, and trichloroethylene, which can originate from industrial processes, fuel storage, or improper disposal practices.
• Chlorine and Chloramine: Water testing can determine the levels of disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine used in water treatment, ensuring they are within safe limits for drinking water.

Identifying these problems through water testing is essential for ensuring the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of drinking water and protecting environmental health. Regular testing helps monitor changes in water quality, identify sources of contamination, and implement appropriate treatment and management strategies.

It’s an unfortunate fact that our local water is not as clean as it should be. Fortunately, through free water testing, we can identify the pollutants in our water so we can take the steps necessary to provide water filtration and other tools to clean our water and make it safer to use and consume. If you’re interested in free water testing, just reach out to us. Call today at 800-633-8469 to schedule an appointment with our professionals.

Blockage, Clogs, Expensive Repairs

Spending money on pool and spa water treatments and cleaning will save you money in the long run, either doing it yourself or having it done, and either way, it is much cheaper than having to get expensive pool repairs! A neglected pool and spa will get a build-up of debris that will clog the filters and drains, and this in turn puts more stress on the pool and spa motors. 

Turning It Green

Your pool and spa will turn into a green-colored swamp if you don’t maintain a routine of pool and spa water treatment and cleaning. That green color is algae because an ideal living situation has been created for these microscopic creatures to thrive. The more sunshine and the hotter the weather, the better algae like it! 

A pool and spa water treatments will fix this green color by balancing the chemicals. Again,  you can hire a professional pool and spa cleaning service, or you can visit any spa and pool store where they can give you step-by-step instructions. 

Falls and Slips

Irregular pool and spa water treatments can result in an oily, thick film on the ladders, steps, surfaces, and walls, making it dangerous for swimmers. 

Illnesses and Sickness

Without proper maintenance that includes pool and spa water treatment, these areas get dirty and create the perfect setting for RWI (recreational water illnesses).  RWIs  can include all or any of the following: 

• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Respiratory infections
• Rashes
• Inflamed eyes and lungs

Are spas and hot tubs the same thing? 

Both are hydrotherapeutic, meaning they use heat and water jets to create that relaxing experience we all enjoy. The main difference between the two is the construction. A spa is constructed on-site and hot tubs are constructed at a factory and delivered to the site. 

Can you use the same treatment for hot tubs and spas?

Yes, but you cannot use the same treatment that you would use for your swimming pool. A pool is a larger body of water, thus requires more and stronger chemicals. It is important to remember that even though there is hot water in a hot tub, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t need the same level of attention to cleaning as you would your pool and spa water treatment routine.

A hot tub accumulates a lot of bacteria that will quickly grow and spread if you don’t follow these three key things: 

•  Keeping it sanitized
•  Use the right chemicals that isolate contaminants and metals
•  Keep the chemical levels at the proper balance  

What is the best water treatment for a spa?

Popular choices in hot tub, pool, and spa treatments include: 

• Saltwater chlorine generators
• Ozone generators
• In-line chlorine sanitation
• Manual chlorine addition

By visiting a pool and spa water treatment store, you can get educated and informed advice on what products are best for your situation. If messing with chemicals and keeping a schedule isn’t an easy task for you, hire a professional company that provides hot tub, pool, and spa treatments and cleaning on a  set schedule. 

In Closing

To enjoy your hot tub, pool, and/or spa, take steps to keep things clean and clear. How do you do that?  We can’t say it enough, using the proper type and amount of hot tub, spa, and pool treatment is first and foremost!  Other steps you can take include: 

1. REGULARLY CHECK THE CHEMICAL LEVELS 

2. TEST AND TREAT WEEKLY 

3. DAILY SKIMMING 

4. WEEKLY VACUUM 

5. WEEK BRUSHING 

By following these tips and staying on track with a schedule, you’ll always have a clear and clean hot tub, spa, and pool. Treatments are essential in this process so that you and your family will have a healthy place to enjoy and relax. 

You’ve made the investment when you purchased and installed the hot tub, a spa, or a swimming pool. Now that they are in place, this isn’t the time to go cheap with maintenance and upkeep, and certainly not with skipping pool and spa water treatments.  If you haven’t made this investment yet, but are considering it, ask the salesperson what will be required in the way of maintenance, hot tub, pool, and spa treatment. Make sure you understand the process and how important this maintenance is. 

What is tannic acid? 

Insects, dirt, leaf decomposition, plants, and other nutgall flora, such as certain oak tree twigs, form tannic acid. Nutgalls are formed due to damage or parasites and are commonly found in coastal environments, marshy ground, and low-lying areas. The tannic acid then seeps into the ground, where the decomposing organic debris often appears in shallow wells and enters residential water systems. 

When tannic acid is consumed in large amounts, it has been linked to stomach irritation, nausea, and vomiting in some people. To eliminate those reactions, it is recommended that tannic acid water treatment be installed in households where tannic acid is present in large amounts.

However, it is important to note that tannic acid in small amounts added to food hasn’t proved any adverse reactions. When purified, tannic acid can be used in a medicinal form to cure certain skin issues like: 

• Cold sores
• Diaper rash
• Heat rash

Tannic acid is also used in ointments, suppositories, ink manufacturing, and tanning hides. It can also kill dust mites found on furniture. In these situations, controlled tannic acid water treatment ensures that an overdose of the substance doesn’t occur.

Is water with tannic acid safe to consume?

As we mentioned earlier, small quantities of tannic acid in water are aesthetically displeasing but don’t pose any health concerns. However, tannic acid found through professional water testing can indicate that surface water significantly influences the water entering your home. In this case, professionals recommend tannic acid water treatment.

What is the use of tannic acid in water treatment?

As mentioned, in small doses and for medicinal purposes, tannic acid has proven to be safe, and a tannin-based coagulant may be used to remove certain pollutants in many ways worldwide. Those pollutants include: 

• Algae
• Chemical Oxygen Demand
• Colorants
• Heavy Metals
• Suspended Solids
• Turbidity

Because of this, it can be a great choice in water treatment and a beneficial option for use in your home or building. 

How do you remove tannic acid from water?

A whole-house water softening system that includes a cation-ion exchange treatment method is operative in removing tannic acid. The system is installed where the water enters the house, so the entire house is treated. Tannic acid has a negative charge, and an ion-exchange resin is positively charged and will remove it. 

Another tannic acid treatment that removes tannins is Reverse Osmosis, a whole-house reverse osmosis water filtering system. This type of water treatment system uses the following to complete this process: 

• Pre-sediment filter
• Carbon filter
• Reverse osmosis membrane
• Post-filter cartridge

This can cost more than other methods and solutions, but it has proven to be more effective as a tannic acid water treatment than other choices. Again, it is installed at the water entry point and ensures every faucet will have clean, healthy, tannin-free water. In addition to removing tannin acid, these items also catch tiny impurities and eliminate bacteria, chemicals, and fluoride. 

Are there any disadvantages to tannic acid water treatment? 

Relatively speaking, tannic acid is considered a colossal molecule with a substantial formula of C72H52O46 and a molecular mass of 1701 grams. It gives water a considerable brownish murky appearance, making it look eerie and unsafe. 

Tannic acid has some adverse effects on the environment, but it has positively impacted human consumption. In the past, it was used to absorb poisons. Recently, it has been used for skin treatments with safe results. 

In Summary

If your home is connected to a public water hookup, tannic acid water treatment is something you’ll want to research eventually. The consequences of this natural degrading activity occur daily in every backyard in this country. It is difficult to avoid them because they are released into the soil from leaves, decomposing soil, and tree bark.

Turning on a tap with tannic acid-tainted water typically has a bitter flavor and smells earthy. The water may have a brown, red, or yellow tint. Before purchasing any type of water treatment system, including tannic acid water treatment, it is crucial to have the water professionally tested. The testing process will confirm precisely what contaminants need to be removed, including tannic acid. 

While cities, counties, and states must follow federal guidelines, homeowners should take responsibility for ensuring their water is safe for their families’ consumption. This is done using water treatment systems, such as tannic acid, after having the water professionally screened and tested. If you are interested in the installation of a tannic acid water treatment system in Leander, TX or any nearby cities, the team at Ozone Pure Water can be there to help with the installation of your system. Call us today at 800-633-8469 to learn more about your options.

What options are available for water treatment?

Even with all the water treatments that municipalities use today, there are many areas where the water could use additional water treatment solutions. Even here in America, a country with unlimited methods of water treatment in every municipality area, there are still more than 10,000 deaths each year caused by waterborne diseases. Some of those waterborne diseases are:  

• Small radioactive particles (radionuclides)
• Specific chemicals (nitrates) 
• Toxins (cyanobacteria)

With specialized water treatment solutions and methods, these contaminants can be controlled, making the water safer for consumption. 

Ten different water treatment solutions have proven to be effective in purifying water, making consumption safer. Eight of those ways include: 

• Boiling: This is the most basic and simplest of all water treatment solutions to purify water. Simply bringing a pan of water to a rolling boil, the high temperatures kill any bacteria and viruses, remove all impurities, killing all chemical additions. The downside to this type of water treatment solution is the settling of those impurities and dead micro-organisms have settled at the bottom, requiring the water to be strained through a microporous sieve for the impurities to be completely removed.
• Water Purifier: Another proven method of water treatment solutions is done by using an electric water purifier. This type of water treatment solution uses UF and UV filtration, carbon blocks, and modern water filtration technology in multi-stage processes to eliminate the majority of any chemicals and impurities.
• Reverse Osmosis: Often referred to as RO Purifier, this is one of the water treatment solutions that has proven to be the best method by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane which removes contaminants.
• Water Chlorination: This is one of the oldest of all water treatment solutions, ideal for emergency water treatment. A mild bleach of 5% chlorine is added to create a mixture that serves as an oxidant which kills microorganisms fast and provides safe water to be consumed.
• Distillation: This type of water treatment solution involves collecting the condensed water from evaporation which has removed any contaminants.  
• Iodine Addition: This red chemical is available in a liquid or tablet form and kills bacteria and viruses but has two downsides: It affects the taste and if consumed in a high dose, it can be fatal. 
• Solar Purification: When UV filtration isn’t possible, solar purification is an ideal alternative using the natural UV rays of the sun. It is achieved by filling water into a plastic bottle, activating the oxygen by shaking it, then placing the bottle in sunlight in a horizontal direction. 
• UV Radiation: Water that has been exposed to UV Light will kill any microorganisms and stop any further breeding. However, if an RO Filter isn’t used, heavy metals and impurities aren’t removed. 

How can I purify my water naturally?

Of all the water treatment solutions available to us today, you can use the natural method of boiling the water. As we described above, it will kill any disease-causing organisms like bacteria, parasites, and viruses through the high temperature the boiling creates.  

For any water that is cloudy or murky, boiling will effectively treat the water, making it safe for consumption. This is why when a city has a water line breaks, a “boil water” order is issued. 

Is rainwater safe to drink?

If you’re in a desperate situation, it is water, but it is not necessarily safe. A variety of contaminants are rinsed off into collected rainwater, such as bird poop. Other bacteria, chemicals, parasites, and viruses can be found in collected rainwater that has been found in diseases. It is recommended to use any of the water treatment solutions discussed in this article before consuming collected rainwater. 

Is bottled water safer than tap water?

Though it may be surprising to some consumers, the answer is – not really. Bottled water and tap water have the same quality standards, making them equal in safety. However, in some areas, tap water may not have a desirable taste which is why many homeowners choose one of the many water treatment solutions for home consumption. 

In Closing

Where your family’s health is a concern, have your water tested by a professional water testing service, or you can test your water yourself using a kit available to the public. This will tell you what contaminants are in the water, if any, and you can choose one of the many water treatment solutions to ensure safer water for your home. If you would like more information on the water treatment solutions that are available to you, reach out to us by calling us today at 800-633-8469.

What is an air dryer system?

An air dryer is a piece of equipment that separates the moisture from the industrial processed air, more commonly known as de-humidifying. By drawing out the humid air and compressing it, the air temperature is raised and then the air is cooled, condensing the water vapor from the unit. 

How does an air dryer work?

The moist, warm air enters the air dryer and is cooled down quickly to just above freezing. This condenses the water vapor into liquid water, which is then trapped and emitted via discharge lines.

Are there different types of air dryers? 

There are four essential utilities needed in the manufacturing industry: 

• Water
• Electricity
• Natural Gas
• Compressed 

While compressed air isn’t considered a utility by the rest of the world, in the world of manufacturing, it is a utility, and just as important as the others. Those four utilities are important in the operation of the four different types of air dryers used in manufacturing, which are:

• Refrigerated Air Dryers

This is the most popular and most used type. It functions much like the refrigerator in a home kitchen with a cooling process that prevents moisture with a key difference. Where the home refrigerator cools perishable foods, keeping them preserved, a refrigerated air dryer retains the air quality in a manufacturing setting. 

• Desiccant Air Dryers

Desiccant agents are used in some air dryers for drying compressed air, also referred to as adsorption. Adsorption is the process of moisture attaching itself to the desiccant whereas absorption, a drying agent absorbs moisture.

• Chemical Air Dryers

Chemical air dryers pass compressed air over a layer of deliquescent chemicals, saturating those chemicals with excess moisture pulled from the air. These chemicals attract water naturally such as calcium chloride, lithium, and sodium. 

• Membrane Air Dryers

Membrane air dryers are used for applications where gas separation is required and dehumidification, commonly used in the food production sector. As compressed air enters a membrane air dryer, it moves over semi-permeable membrane fibers. Specific materials are allowed to pass, like oxygen, separating it from the needed gas.  

What is the most efficient type of air dryer?

For areas that require extremely low dew points, a desiccant air dryer is the most efficient. This will maintain the ambient temperature when it drops below freezing to prevent ice from forming in the applications and pipes. It is recommended to use a desiccant air dryer that is equipped with a PPR (Pulse Purge Regeneration).

What are the common problems with air dryers? 

Air dryers are a critical piece of equipment in the manufacturing industry to keep costs down, and more often than not, they are neglected. Some of the common problems with air dryers are: 

• Clogged/Failed Drains 

This will compromise a refrigerant air dryer’s performance because the water can’t escape and will get into the pneumatic system, similar to a clogged gutter system. A clogged or failed drain will force the compressed air into the pneumatic component and lowers the quality of the air.

• High Inlet and/or Ambient Temps

This is the next most common problem with air dryers. If there is any variation in the temperature, it can send the PSIG, Inlet temperature, and Ambient temperature in the wrong direction, hindering the air dryer’s performance.

• Improper Air Dryer Size

Like the size of your water heater or HVAC system, if they are the wrong size, you won’t get optimum service from an air dryer. Consulting with the dryer sizing chart is important to ensure you have the right size for your industry’s needs. 

• Infrastructure

Compressed air is like water, it follows the path with the least resistance. It is important to consider this when choosing an air dryer. If the components are oversized, the pressure is reduced across the equipment.

What is iron removal?

The process of iron removal is to make water safer for consumption. By consuming water that has a high level of iron content, the excess iron will naturally be stored in organs like the heart, liver, and pancreas, leading to having too much iron in the body. Too much iron can lead to diabetes, heart problems, liver disease, and other life-threatening conditions. 

What methods are used for iron removal? 

There are different ways that iron removal can be done. It is recommended for your water quality be tested before proceeding with any type of water filtration. This will ensure that you’re removing the right type of materials and not something that you need. The ways for iron removal can be done in various ways, including:

Equipment

What equipment is used for iron removal? Every region of the country can have different factors affecting the water supply, thus why water quality testing should be done first. The factors that should be a concern are: 

• Temperature
• pH balance
• Alkalinity
• Dissolved oxygen content
• … and other factors 

If the wrong equipment is used, or the equipment is used wrong, it can lead to failure. Following the directions provided by the equipment manufacturer for the backwash rate, flow rate recommended pH levels,  and maximum iron input level as well as suggested water temperatures.

Water filter

Water filters are the most commonly used method for homeowners because of their versatility. Most iron removal systems operate using the principle of oxidation and converting the iron to a ferrous state before filtering the water. 

Water softener

By design, water softeners exchange ions and for the iron removal process, a cation resin is used to exchange the iron content for sodium, and exchange the calcium and magnesium are exchanged for sodium. 

Media Selection

Filtration with various means of oxidation is a common iron removal method. Various choices in media for iron removal can include other processes like aeration, chlorine, peroxide injection, or ozone to give the oxidizing properties a boost. The media choices include: 

• Greensand
• Manganese dioxide
• Birm
• Redox

What are the benefits of iron removal? 

Iron removal from your water has several benefits, including: 

• Increases the plumbing’s lifespan.
• Improves the water pressure.
• Extend the lifespan of your appliances.
• Improves the health of your hair and skin.
• Improves the smell and taste.

How do you know your water has too much iron?

The best method for iron removal is to start with professional laboratory testing. This will give you an exact measurement of iron in your water so that you know how to proceed. If your water has reddish or yellowish colored, either the water has a high level of iron, or you may need to have your home replumbed. 

How can iron affect your family?  

High doses of iron can cause health problems for a healthy person. Some of the after-effects of excessive iron include: 

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• An upset stomach, especially on an empty stomach
• Vomiting

When iron is consumed in large amounts, the effects can be more serious. This includes the stomach lining becoming inflamed and the formation of ulcers. 

How often should iron removal equipment be serviced?

The level of iron in your water can affect the frequency of having your iron removal equipment serviced. With a media tank in good condition, the filter should be re-bedded and serviced annually. The technician that provides that service will advise you if you should increase that frequency. For the iron removal process to be thorough, it is important to maintain the recommended service frequency. 

Closing thoughts

Water is an important thing in our lives, we can’t live without it. In fact, three days is the maximum! And because we need water daily, we need to get the best quality of water possible, and if that requires iron removal, it is worthwhile.

However, we need to main a certain level of iron too, which means we need to maintain the iron removal process.  How much do we need? It varies from person to person and it is different between men and women, and our age has a bearing on the amount of daily iron requirement for our health. Some examples of iron requirements are: 

• For men over 18 years of age, 8.7mg 
• For women between ages 19 and 50, 14.8mg
• For women over the age of 50, iron requirements drop to 8.7mg

These are basic lines, everyone should have their medical professional give them accurate guidance in their iron intake. For premier iron removal in Leander, TX, please get in touch with us at 800-633-8469 to get started!

So, is chlorine bad for you, really? While chlorine is important in swimming pools, generally, there isn’t enough to cause any harm. Our eyes get red and burn for a bit, too much swimming time can cause our skin to dry out, but it isn’t deadly if the instructions are followed. What about our drinking water though, is chlorine really in the water we drink? 

It is necessary for sanitizing the water, making it safe to consume. Proper concentrated amounts of chlorine are non-toxic to humans. Chlorine is added by municipalities to assist in killing harmful bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that can make humans sick when ingested. The same reason it is added to swimming pools! 

In the 1800s, it was discovered that chlorine had disinfecting properties, and when there were multiple deaths from assorted diseases, it was added to the water. This helped minimize the number of cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, all waterborne diseases. 

How much chlorine can be in drinking water? 

At the level of four milligrams per liter, or less, chlorine in drinking water is safe and is unlikely to have any repercussions on our health. Then, if there is too much chlorine, and no practice for chlorine removal, what are the side effects of chlorine in drinking water?

Again, if chlorine is good for us, why is chlorine removal so important? There are several adverse health effects when too much chlorine is ingested, among those effects are:

• Asthma: Studies have found that chlorine exposure in swimming pool water is associated with asthma symptoms during exercise. Absorbing chlorine in the body while bathing or breathing in chlorine can aggravate asthma symptoms. 
• Food Allergies: Other studies found that chlorine had the same effects found when exposed to dichlorophenols. Chlorine and dichlorophenols are both found in pesticides, and those that were part of the studies had more food allergies than those not exposed to over-chlorinated drinking water. 
• Abnormal Congenital: Approximately 400,000 individuals were studied, and the expectant women had children born with various birth abnormalities. Those abnormalities included brain development issues, cleft palates, and ventricular septal defects.
• Cancer: A study published in 1995 linked chlorinated water and THM byproducts with cancer of the bladder and rectum.

Can you taste chlorine?

The chlorine added to drinking water for disinfecting it often will react with plastics and rubbers like in plumbing and kitchen appliances. This results in a taste that is bitter or metallic, tasting disinfectant-like. While it tastes bad, it isn’t necessarily harmful, and while you may be quick to think there is too much chlorine, it often is because of an insufficient amount of chlorine in the water. 

Is it safe to remove chlorine from tap water?

Yes, it is safe; in fact, there are filters designed for chlorine removal. Do water filters remove chlorine?  Yes, there are different types of water filters for chloramine and chlorine removal as well as other chemicals and minerals that affect your drinking water. Among those filters and methods are: 

• Reverse Osmosis
• Ultraviolet Light
• Activated Carbon

Activated Carbon is an efficient technique for chloramine and chlorine removal. In addition, Activated Carbon has adsorption properties and is a catalyst for converting chlorine to chloride which is absorbed easier. 

How do I get the chlorine out of my water?

Chlorine removal can be done by any of the following ways: 

• Water Distillers: As much as 97% of the element chlorine removal can happen. 
• Reverse Osmosis: The ideal way to remove pollutants and toxins. 
• Ultraviolet Light: Chlorine removal with UV light with 180nm to 200nm wavelength.
• Evaporation: The best and most natural chlorine removal is done by evaporation. 
• Water Filter: This device will perform the chlorine removal needed to rid the smell and taste that we don’t like. 
• Activated Carbon Filter: Chlorine removal with a water filter pitcher that uses activated charcoal.

With the questions, if you haven’t thought about it before, you’re probably wondering now why water quality testing is important. Water quality testing is important to anybody that the water industry can affect. Water quality testing is performed with the purpose of meeting all regulatory requirements with the goal of meeting all safety procedures for clean, healthy, pollutant-free water. 

Water quality is essential to the public, economically, health-wise, and socially, therefore, water quality testing provides results that confirm the water meets the suitability guidelines in place before it is dispersed for human, livestock, or irrigation purposes. 

When is water quality important?

Water quality is important anytime the water will be consumed or used by humans, animals, and for agriculture purposes. We need our water to be clean and healthy for bathing, cleaning, cooking, drinking, and laundry.  

Animals should have access to clean, healthy water to give them a safer life, and for the animals that will feed humans, their consumption of safe water is important as part of the pyramid.  

The same with agricultural use of water, the foods that are grown should be watered with clean, healthy water for the same reason – it will eventually end up on our table for human consumption. 

To summarize the answer to this question, poor water quality poses a health risk for humans and the ecosystems. With water quality testing, there is a sense the water is safe for agricultural, animal, and human use.

What is considered good water quality?

Clean, healthy, high-quality water is colorless, odorless, and tasteless because there are not any impurities. Water quality testing checks and measures impurities in water which are referred to as TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). This is a measurement of the total ions in a solution of water and testing materials.

There is more to a simple claim that “this water is clean” or “this water is good” or “this water is not good”. Water quality testing is done by scientific measurements to define and determine water quality.  There are several factors involved in measuring water quality including: 

• The concentration of dissolved oxygen
• Bacteria levels
• Amount of salinity (salt)
• Turbidity (the amount of material suspended in the water

Additionally, there are some bodies of water where the are other measurements taken with water quality testing that includes: 

• Microscopic algae concentration
• Quantities of pesticides
• Herbicides
• Heavy metals
• Other contaminants are used to determine water quality

How do you know if water is good quality?

Looking at it and tasting it isn’t a sufficient water quality testing process. Several county health departments offer water quality testing for bacteria or nitrates. Or you can contact a testing laboratory that has been certified by the state for water quality testing. There are also kits you can buy to do your own water quality testing. 

There are several varieties of water quality testing kits, some use a powder, some use strips, and there are combinations of both. The deciding factor of which one to use will depend on what contaminant you are screening for and your water source.

For city furnished water quality testing can be done with a basic kit that covers chlorine, lead, and other common contaminants. If you are on well-water, you need to use a more comprehensive water quality testing kit that will also screen for fertilizer, pesticides, and other agricultural toxins.

What improves water quality?

To improve the water quality in your home, the following tips will ensure that the water coming from the treatment plant to your home will pass any water quality testing process: 

• Flushing: Before you use the water for cooking or drinking, let the cold water run for 2 minutes.  When water sits in the waterlines, the quality declines. If anyone has been bathing, washing dishes, using the toilet, or doing laundry, the 2-minute running isn’t necessary. 
• Cold Water Use: Always use cold tap water for cooking and drinking. Contaminants in the water are dissolved in hot water from the water heater that could be consumed. This includes bacteria, metal, sediment, and other contaminants.
• Water Filters: Purchase a water filter and then replace the filter cartridge as recommended on the package. Using a cartridge past the recommended changing period is using leaving bacteria, metals, and other contaminants in the filter to rinse into the water that is being consumed. 
• Household Plumbing: Any plumbing that has a potential lead source should be replaced with “lead-free” plumbing fixtures. Once you have replaced the plumbing, let the cold water run for 5-minutes every day for 3 days. 
• Faucet Aerators: Clean or replace your faucet aerators on a regular basis. Metals and sediment collect there and get into the water you’re consuming. 
• Water Heater: Drain your water heater once a year to remove any bacteria, metals, or sediment buildup. 

What are the important things to check in water testing?

A water testing service helps determine the health and safety of the water supply, and the water treatment system’s performance. Those who live where their water comes from a municipal water system will typically get an annual water quality report. 

However, if you have well water, there isn’t any annual water reports. In addition, homes built before 1986 were not mandated to use lead-free pipes. So, regardless of how safe the water report reflects, the plumbing in your home could lead to leaching into the water as it comes through the faucets. A water testing service will test for the following: 

• Basic water potability

Testing for chloride, coliform bacteria, fluoride, hardness, iron, manganese, nitrates, pH, sodium, sulfate, and total dissolved solids.

• Coliform bacteria

The presence of microorganisms in the water has the potential to be harmful to human health.

• Nitrate

A common contaminant found in groundwater and is a concern when on well water. Nitrates interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. A high concentration of nitrate is specifically dangerous for babies six months old and younger.

• Ions

Ions such as chloride, iron, manganese, sodium, and sulfate can convey objectionable odor or taste to water.

• Sulfate

Disproportionate amounts of sulfate can have a laxative effect and has been known to trigger gastrointestinal irritation.

• Fluoride

Fluoride is essential for our bodies, but in excess, it has been known to cause dental issues.

• Total dissolved solids

Represent the number of inorganic substances, like chloride, sodium, and sulfate dissolved in the water which can affect the taste of water.

• Additional testing

Other tests that can determine contaminants in water, especially groundwater feeding wells are arsenic, selenium, and uranium. For both groundwater and surface sources, a water testing service can find if there is any pesticide contamination.

What are water testing parameters?

Water testing services focus on six parameters that are assessed for aquatic macroinvertebrates which determine water quality.  Those 6 parameters are: 

• Temperature
• pH
• Turbidity
• Salinity
• Nitrates
• Phosphates

How do you conduct a water test?

Whether you’re on city water or well water, there may be chemicals, contaminants, and the overall pH balance that you should be aware exist. The at-home water testing service kits on the market today have proven to provide accurate results. With that information, you can choose a water filter that will serve your household the best. There are a variety of water testing service at-home kits, complete with the strips and powders needed, based on what it is you’re needing to know.

• The water sources: The water source you have will determine what kind of water testing service kit you need. For city water supply, the basic kit will cover the common contaminants like chlorine and lead. For well water, you’ll need a water testing service kit that is comprehensive screening for pesticides.

• The water quality: Most of the water testing kits for quality are one-use only. If you will be testing on a regular basis, your better option would be to use a professional water testing service lab. 

• Quality test strips: Water testing service test strips are more commonly used because of their affordability and ease to use. You should follow the directions thoroughly for the best and most accurate results. 

• Powder kits for bacteria water testing service: Instead of using strips, these kits have a powder where you add a few water droplets to the powder in a container, shake, and compare the colors to a chart. The accuracy of these types of water testing services is better than the test strips. If you need to know How to test water for bacteria at home, the powder water testing service kits are the better option. 
• Which contaminants:  Which water testing service kit you choose should be based on what contaminants you’re concerned about. For instance, often well water is common in the country and rural areas where water runoff from the nearby farm fields could have levels of fertilizer or pesticide toxins. With that in mind, you should choose a kit that tests for the following: 

• Bacteria
• Chlorine
• Lead
• Nitrates
• Nitrites

Additionally, it may be helpful to have a water testing service kit that will walk you through how to test the pH of water, how to test for lead in water, and general hardness when there are water quality issues with smells and tastes. 

• Calibrate to EPA standards:  There aren’t any home water testing service kits endorsed by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), but they do provide a guideline on the frequency that water should be tested. You can also get a list of risk factors for your water that have the potential of contamination. 

Are water testing kits accurate?

As we mentioned, the powder-type water testing service kits have been to be more accurate than the strip type of water testing. Water test service kit’s accuracy can vary by manufacturer, but all are calibrated to EPA testing standards. Some will even have an EPA certification for accuracy. 

Which pH water is best?

The United States federal agency, Environmental Protection Agency recommends that water sources for public consumption should have a pH level of 6.5 to 8.5 with 7 being the best on a scale measuring between zero and fourteen. 

Since our bodies are 60% water, water is a necessity to live. Water is involved in several body functions that are essential in regulating our body temperature and flushing out toxins. Additionally, water protects our body tissues, joints, and spinal cord. Water is also a natural resource, and if you haven’t heard, our natural resources are all under pressure today. With climate change, pollution, and a constant, rapidly growing population, it is hard for those natural resources to keep up with demand. That includes our tap water, unfortunately. 

No longer can we assume the tap water coming into our home is safe for consumption. Harmful contaminants have been found in our drinking water and with the chemical, microbiological and physical found in the water sources today, water purification is more important than ever, as is well water treatment. 

How does a well water treatment system work?

Before buying a well water treatment system, test the water in your home. This will tell you what and how many contaminants there are if any. Clean drinking water is achieved differently with the different well water treatment options available today. There are well water treatment and filtration systems that filter heavy metals and others that filter bacteria. 

Choosing a whole-house filtration system for well water treatment is recommended, and can be any of the following: 

• Activated Carbon. This type of well water treatment will essentially filter absorbed contaminants and prevent them from passing on through the filter. This type of system will remove bacteria, ions, lead, and pesticides. 
• Resin. A resin filter well water treatment system will remove iron and has a longer lifespan than other filters and will maintain an adequate water flow.
• Reverse osmosis. By the use of pressure and a semipermeable membrane, this well water filtration system removed fluoride and heavy metals but does not remove organic contaminants or pesticides.
• Water ionizer. With an electrical charge, this type of water purification and well water treatment will filter heavy metals and pesticides. 
• UV filters. With ultraviolet light, this water filtration system kills bacteria but doesn’t remove other contaminants for drinking water.
• Infrared filters. Using heat and light, this water system softens water, ideal for well water treatment in homes with hard water. It will kill bacteria, but not other contaminants that affect drinking water, making it less than ideal for homes on well water.

Some water purification and well water treatment systems use multiple filters. Like a combination of a UV filter with an activated carbon filter. There are stages that filters use to remove contaminants to get the clean drinking water you want, too. 

What is the best treatment for well water?

Most private water wells lack any safety mechanisms that test and maintain the water for drinkability. Chemicals and other substances that are found in well water that can cause harm are: 

• Arsenic
• Fluoride
• Manganese
• Nitrates
• Sediment

The three most recommended systems for well water treatment are: 

1. Activated Carbon Filtration System: This is the most common for filtering material in residential water filters. It eliminates chlorine, lead, VOCs (volatile organic compounds),and other substances often found in well water supply. They will not remove bacteria, dissolved minerals, or nitrates.
2. Reverse Osmosis: This system forces water through a membrane that is semipermeable and separates the impurities from the purified water. This is an effective well water treatment for areas with hard water and high mineral content. It will remove nitrates and petrochemicals but does not remove chlorine, pesticides, or radon.
3. Water Softener: This will provide well water treatment for areas with hard water and a high mineral count. It can also help plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances by removing calcium and magnesium and replacing it with sodium. It will not remove hard metals, microorganisms, or pesticides.

What is a whole house water treatment system?

Instead of filtering water at the point of use, a whole house water treatment system is installed where the water enters the house. In this manner, it is treating all the water that comes in and not just the water where the filtration system is installed. 

How can I naturally purify my well water?

With all these high-tech ways of well water treatment and water purification, you may wonder, can well water be treated naturally?  We have to remember at one point, the world was cleaner and so was the air and water. Mankind has done a number on the Earth and its natural resources, but yes, there are natural well water treatments: 

1. Sunlight will take what looks like clean water and make it cleaner. Use a natural resource to clean a natural resource. Heat and solar radiation can destroy pathogens that cause water-borne illnesses. 

2. Boiling water is a camping classic and if you have a pot and stove, you can boil your water clean. 

3. Gravity is a viable option for filtering well water. Use a container for water to drain from as you pour it in at the top. Place layers of activated charcoal, sand, and small gravel and as the water pours through those layers, it removes the pathogens.