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ACIDITY
The degree of acidity in water is measured by pH. A pH value of 7.0 or higher is desirable. Waters with pH less than 6.8 contain sufficient acidity to cause corrosion and should always be neutralized.
Note: Water with a pH below 5.5 requires special attention.
Recommended Treatment
Neutralizing Filters Acid neutralizing filters contain a mineral that reacts with acidity to raise the pH of water. This process slowly dissolves the mineral and adds a few grains of hardness to the water. Because of the increased hardness, installation of a water softener following the acid neutralizing filter is always recommended. The combination of acid neutralizing filter and water softener can be applied to waters containing up to 15 ppm of iron. The only attention acid neutralizing filters require is frequent back washing and the addition of several pounds of mineral once each year.
Pure Water Laboratory Send a water sample and completed questionnaire to our laboratory for analysis and recommendations for treatment.
CORROSION
Waters with pH below 7 (acid waters) usually cause iron-pickup in piping systems and contribute to iron staining problems. Blue to green staining will result if the piping is copper. The lower the pH, the greater the corrosive tendency of the water. Waters containing appreciable amounts of oxygen also tend to be corrosive.
Recommended Treatment
Neutralizing Filters Acid neutralizing filters contain a mineral that reacts with acidity to raise the pH of water. This process slowly dissolves the mineral and adds a few grains of hardness to the water. Because of the increased hardness, installation of a water softener following the acid neutralizing filter is always recommended. The combination of acid neutralizing filter and water softener can be applied to waters containing up to 15 ppm of iron. The only attention acid neutralizing filters require is frequent back washing and the addition of several pounds of mineral once each year. Surface Protection with Polyphosphate Polyphosphate is widely used to protect water systems from corrosion. It is not a treatment of the water, but instead a treatment of the metal surfaces in the water system. The water is used as a carrier to take the polyphosphate to these surfaces where a thin protective film is formed on the metal. This film insulates the metal from attach by oxygen and other corrosive elements.
Crystalline Polyphosphate in the form of small crystals is used in a special feeding device to introduce polyphosphate into the water system. The crystals dissolve at a slow constant rate regardless of the amount of water used and thus the feed is automatic. The amount of polyphosphate entering the water is controlled by the amount of crystals maintained in the feeder. The only attention required is the addition of crystals to the feeder once each month.
Powdered Polyphosphate in powder form is instantly soluble and can be used to prepare a feed solution to be fed into a water supply with a chemical solution pump. The powdered polyphosphate can be mixed and fed along with acid neutralizer powder and/or bleach. After initial adjustment of feed solution and chemical solution pump, no attention is required other than periodic mixing of feed solutions.
Note: Polyphosphate alone will not arrest corrosion of copper. pH elevation up to 8.2 in addition to polyphosphate is necessary for treating copper corrosion.
CORROSION of WATER HEATERS
Hot water accelerates corrosion and in many cases the hot water may turn red with iron while the cold water remains clear. This is evidence of corrosion in the water heater. Correction is necessary because the corrosion will cause red iron stains on laundry. If the corrosion is allowed to progress, the life of the water heater will be shortened.
Recommended Treatment
Polyphosphate Feeder By installing a polyphosphate feeder on the cold water inlet line to the water heater, corrosion protection is achieve by a thin protective film on the inside of the tank and hot water piping.
HARDNESS
Hardness is due to calcium and magnesium dissolved in water. These elements form scale in piping and water heaters causing expensive repairs. Hard water increase soap consumption, causes poor results in the laundry, leaves hair hard to manage and effects taste and tenderness of many cooked foods.
Recommended Treatment
Water Softener A water softener is used to correct water hardness. The proper size and type of softener for a given application depends upon the following:
- Compensated hardness
- Iron content
- Water used per day (sprinklers excluded)
- Flow rate required
A water softener should always be installed when the compensated hardness exceeds 3 gpg.
IRON
Iron in water imparts a disagreeable metallic taste. It combines with the tannin in tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages to produce an unpleasant gray to black appearance. It causes red stains on plumbing fixtures, tableware and laundry. As little as 0.3 ppm of iron can cause these problems.
Iron can exist in water in one of two forms, or both. Treatment depends on the form of iron present. Waters containing "ferrous" iron are clear and colorless when drawn. Exposure to air converts ferrous iron into the insoluble, yellow to reddish brown "ferric" state.
Recommended Treatment
Water Softener A water softener can remove up to 10 ppm of ferrous iron, depending upon size and type of softener.
Sediment Filters If the water contains considerable ferric iron as evidenced by a yellow, to reddish brown color, use a sediment filter ahead of a water softener. The sediment filter will remove the insoluble ferric iron and the water softener will remove the soluble ferrous iron.
Oxidizing Iron Filters Oxidizing filters can remove up to 10 ppm of both ferric (oxidized) and ferrous (clear) iron. They work well with all types of private water system pressure tanks. Sulfur removal is also possible when levels are 2.0 ppm or less. In cases where both iron and sulfur are present, it is suggested that a sediment filter/water softener combination be installed for removal of all iron. The sulfur can then be removed by an oxidizing filter installed after the softener. Oxidizing filters require frequent back washing and regeneration with a chemical, potassium permanganate. Automatic and manual types are available. Do not use oxidizing filters on water supplies with a pH of 6.8 or less, sulfur in excess of 2.0 ppm or iron amounts exceeding 10 ppm.
Colloidal Iron Filters Colloidal filters can remove up to 25 ppm of both ferric (oxidized) and ferrous (clear) iron. The preferred method of installation is in conjunction with permanent air head type pressure tanks. Colloidal filters are generally back washed once every 12 days and require no chemicals to regenerate. Colloidal filters require a water source capable of delivering flows in excess of 5.0 gpm. Successful iron removal is possible within the pH range of 5.5 to 9.5. Colloidal filters will not work properly on waters containing tannins or sulfur.
Chlorination and Filtration Chlorination and Filtration is a method of removing iron recommended only when sulfur, extreme iron bacteria or taste and odor problems also exist. A chemical solution pump is used to feed chlorine (household bleach) into the line ahead of the pressure tank, causing iron in the water to form particles which can be filtered. On low pH waters, an acid neutralizing compound should be added to the chlorine solution to facilitate iron removal. An activated carbon filter is used following the pressure tank to remove the iron particles, as well as any excess chlorine.
IRON BACTERIA
Iron bacteria are slime forming organisms that utilize iron for growth. They plug pipes with a gelatinous red precipitate and foul water treatment equipment. They are not harmful, but their decay can cause musty to foul taste and odor problems. Chlorine kills iron bacteria.
Recommended Treatment
Well Chlorination A thorough chlorination of the well and complete piping system with liquid bleach or HTH chlorine powder or pellets will destroy iron bacteria. Request form 5-782 for the procedure for chlorination of wells. Since iron bacteria will usually recur at a slow rate, it may be necessary to repeat the chlorination procedure in one to five years to keep iron bacteria under control. In rare cases, the iron bacteria are present in the water source in such quantity that continuous chlorination followed by de chlorination becomes the most practical solution.
NITRATES
Nitrates occur in water as a result of seepage through nitrate bearing rocks or soils. The nitrate may also come from fertilizers or pollution with organic wastes. Cyanosis ("blue baby") may occur in infants whose drinking or formula water contains a high concentration of nitrates. Water containing more than 10-20 ppm of nitrate expressed as nitrogen should not be used for infant feeding.
Recommended Treatment
Reverse Osmosis Nitrates can be removed from drinking water by Reverse Osmosis. Reductions of 85% are achieved. The reverse osmosis process will produce about 5 gallons of water daily which can then be used for drinking and food preparation. A water softener is usually installed ahead of a reverse osmosis unit to assure reliable operation.
Note: High nitrate content may indicate pollution. Send a water sample to the Local or State Board of Health for a Purity Test.
SUSPENDED PARTICLES (Turbidity & Sediment)
Turbidity (fine particles) and sediment (coarse particles) may be caused by sand, scale, ruse, organic matter, clay, etc. In addition to objectionable appearance of the water, any of these substances may cause plugged piping and fouled water treatment equipment.
Sediment will settle to the bottom of the container with a few minutes and can be removed with an ag or sand type filter. When sand is present, use sand type filter only.
Turbidity does not settle out readily, but remains suspended for several hours. It is normally present in pond, lake or river water supplies. Ordinary filtration will not remove turbidity. These waters, however, may respond to other treatment.
Recommended Treatment
Pure Water Laboratory Send a water sample and completed questionnaire to our laboratory for analysis and recommendations for treatment.
PURITY An unsafe report by the State Board of Health requires correction before water can be used for cooking or drinking.
Attempt to locate and eliminate the source of contamination (i.e. surface run off, cracked well casing, proximity to septic system, faulty well seal, etc.). A chemical feed pump should be installed to feed chlorine into the system to a slight excess (i.e. more than is require to react with the amount of contamination present). This assures sufficient chlorine in the system to protect against small fluctuations in the amount of contamination present. A test kit is available to check chlorine content. Periodically send a sample of the treated water to the State Board of Health for a Purity Test.
TASTE and ODER - Chlorine
Chlorine taste and odor problems are caused by overfeeding bleach or by the reaction of chlorine with organic compounds.
Recommended Treatment
Activated Carbon Filter An activated carbon filter is used to excess chlorine and chlorine compounds.
TASTE and ODER - Rotten Egg Odor in Cold Water Rotten egg smell in cold water is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is very corrosive and will react with iron to form a black sludge of iron sulfide.
Recommended Treatment
Chlorination and Filtration Chlorination and Filtration is a method of removing iron recommended only when sulfur, extreme iron bacteria or taste and odor problems also exist. A chemical solution pump is used to feed chlorine (household bleach) into the line ahead of the pressure tank, causing iron in the water to form particles which can be filtered. On low pH waters, an acid neutralizing compound should be added to the chlorine solution to facilitate iron removal. An activated carbon filter is used following the pressure tank to remove the iron particles, as well as any excess chlorine.
TASTE and ODER - Rotten Egg Odor in Hot Water Only
Rotten egg smell in hot water is caused by sulfate reducing bacteria. Since a magnesium anode in the water heater creates a condition favoring their growth, the magnesium anode must be removed. The water heater should be drained and flushed and a polyphosphate feeder installed on the cold water inlet to the water heater for corrosive protection.
Recommended Treatment
Polyphosphate Feeder By installing a polyphosphate feeder on the cold water inlet line to the water heater, corrosion protection is achieve by a thin protective film on the inside of the tank and hot water piping.
TASTE and ODER - Metallic
Metallic taste and odor problems are caused by high iron content. See section on iron removal.
Iron Iron in water imparts a disagreeable metallic taste. It combines with the tannin in tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages to produce an unpleasant gray to black appearance. It causes red stains on plumbing fixtures, tableware and laundry. As little as 0.3 ppm of iron can cause these problems.
Iron can exist in water in one of two forms, or both. Treatment depends on the form of iron present. Waters containing "ferrous" iron are clear and colorless when drawn. Exposure to air converts ferrous iron into the insoluble, yellow to reddish brown "ferric" state.
Recommended Treatment
Water Softener A water softener can remove up to 10 ppm of ferrous iron, depending upon size and type of softener.
Oxidizing Iron Filters Oxidizing filters can remove up to 10 ppm of both ferric (oxidized) and ferrous (clear) iron. They work well with all types of private water system pressure tanks. Sulfur removal is also possible when levels are 2.0 ppm or less. In cases where both iron and sulfur are present, it is suggested that a sediment filter/water softener combination be installed for removal of all iron. The sulfur can then be removed by an oxidizing filter installed after the softener. Oxidizing filters require frequent back washing and regeneration with a chemical, potassium permanganate. Automatic and manual types are available. Do not use oxidizing filters on water supplies with a pH of 6.8 or less, sulfur in excess of 2.0 ppm or iron amounts exceeding 10 ppm.
Colloidal Iron Filters Colloidal filters can remove up to 25 ppm of both ferric (oxidized) and ferrous (clear) iron. The preferred method of installation is in conjunction with permanent air head type pressure tanks. Colloidal filters are generally back washed once every 12 days and require no chemicals to regenerate. Colloidal filters require a water source capable of delivering flows in excess of 5.0 gpm. Successful iron removal is possible within the pH range of 5.5 to 9.5. Colloidal filters will not work properly on waters containing tannins or sulfur.
Chlorination and Filtration Chlorination and Filtration is a method of removing iron recommended only when sulfur, extreme iron bacteria or taste and odor problems also exist. A chemical solution pump is used to feed chlorine (household bleach) into the line ahead of the pressure tank, causing iron in the water to form particles which can be filtered. On low pH waters, an acid neutralizing compound should be added to the chlorine solution to facilitate iron removal. An activated carbon filter is used following the pressure tank to remove the iron particles, as well as any excess chlorine.
TASTE and ODER - Musty, Moldy or Woody
Musty, moldy or woody taste and odor problems are caused by decay of organic matter or non-harmful bacteria. Use an activated carbon filter, or in severe cases, well chlorination by be necessary.
Recommended Treatment
Activated Carbon Filter An activated carbon filter is used to excess chlorine and chlorine compounds.
Well Chlorination A thorough chlorination of the well and complete piping system with liquid bleach or HTH chlorine powder or pellets will destroy iron bacteria. Request form 5-782 for the procedure for chlorination of wells. Since iron bacteria will usually recur at a slow rate, it may be necessary to repeat the chlorination procedure in one to five years to keep iron bacteria under control. In rare cases, the iron bacteria are present in the water source in such quantity that continuous chlorination followed by de chlorination becomes the most practical solution.
TASTE and ODER - Oil or Gas
Oil or gas taste and odor problems are caused by natural elements in underground water or by leakage of oil or gasoline storage tanks. Activated carbon filters are successful in many cases; however because there are many factors that might cause this type of taste and odor problem, results cannot be guaranteed.
Recommended Treatment
Activated Carbon Filter An activated carbon filter is used to excess chlorine and chlorine compounds.
TASTE and ODER - Salty or Brackish
Salty or brackish tastes are caused by high chloride or sulfate content. When the total of chlorides and sulfates exceeds 65 gpg, the disagreeable taste will be noticed by almost all people. There is no practical household method to remove or reduce the chloride or sulfate content of water.
Recommended Treatment
Pure Water Laboratory Send a water sample and completed questionnaire to our laboratory for analysis and recommendations for treatment.
TASTE and ODER - Sewage
Sewage taste and odor problems indicate a source of contamination, and the water should be tested immediately. Send a water sample to the State Board of Health to determine if pollution is present. If possible, the source of contamination should be eliminated. Treat water as outlined in the section on Purity.
Purity An unsafe report by the State Board of Health requires correction before water can be used for cooking or drinking.
Attempt to locate and eliminate the source of contamination (i.e. surface run off, cracked well casing, proximity to septic system, faulty well seal, etc.). A chemical feed pump should be installed to feed chlorine into the system to a slight excess (i.e. more than is require to react with the amount of contamination present). This assures sufficient chlorine in the system to protect against small fluctuations in the amount of contamination present. A test kit is available to check chlorine content. Periodically send a sample of the treated water to the State Board of Health for a Purity Test.
Recommended Treatment
Activated Carbon Filter An activated carbon filter is used to excess chlorine and chlorine compounds. |
