Knowing About the Water

Turbidity (Cloudy Water)

Turbidity or cloudiness in water is caused by very small particles that remain suspended and tend to float because of their very low density. Some Turbidity (both organic or inorganic in nature) in surface water will settle out when the water is allowed to stand, however a portion of this material may be present as finely divided, colloidal matter and cannot be removed by settling. In general, most Turbidity in residential water treatment can be removed by passing the water through a “Bed” tank of granular-style media in a sediment filtration system. Make sure you consult with a water specialist to recommend you a proper unit.

Flouride and Fecal Coliform Bacteria

Knowing About the Water

Fluoride

Fluoride in water can be detrimental on beneficial, it all depends on the concentration. Research has shown that a concentration of about one milligram per liter (ppm) of fluoride in drinking water reduces tooth decay. 

When drinking water contains excessive fluoride above 2 ppm, it causes “endemic dental fluorosis” sometimes called “colored brown stain” it appears as a dark brown mottling or spotting of the teeth or causes them to become chalky white. When Fluoride is above 4ppm a serious bone disorder called “crippling skeletal fluorosis” can occur. 



Fecal Coliform Bacteria

Fecal coliform bacteria such as Escherichia Coli (E. Coli), grown in the intestines of human beings and other warm blooded animals since they are discharged in astronomical numbers (approximately 400 Billion per day in warm weather regions) in human excrement, their presence in a water sample is an indication of human sewage. This can represent a very serious threat to human health when found in the water supply. If detected the water cannot be used for consumption at all and the source of it must be taken care of and stopped.

Total Water Hardness

Knowing About the Water

Total Water Hardness 

Although much has been written over the past 75 years about water hardness, no universal definition exists of what constitutes various levels of Water Hardness. Water Hardness is measured chemically by the amount of Calcium Bicarbonate and Magnesium Bicarbonate contains in the water sample. Together, the sum of these two represents what is termed the “Total Hardness” or TH. Technically this measurement is called Temporary Hardness, as these carbonates can break down under elevated water temperatures. 
The common unit of measuring Water Hardness is grain per U.S. gallon (gpg). The more scientific measurement is in part per million (ppm), or what is generally considered the equivalent metric measure of milligrams per liter (mg/l). It takes 17.1 ppm (mg/l) to equal one U.S. gpg. Usually water testing above three grains (52ppm) per gallon is labeled “HARD”. However, the level of Hardness is very important especially in boiler feed water. To establish a set of Hardness levels, the Water Quality Association (WQA) and the American Society of Agricultural engineers jointly adopted Standard S-339, which brackets Water Hardness categories. 


Here are some problems directly connected with Hard Water: Consumes much more soap and makes cleaning more difficult, soap scum and lime scum in wash basins and toilet bowl; ring around bathtub; leaves hair looking duller after shampooing; dingy yellow collar in white laundry goods; whitish scale deposits in pipes, water heater and tea kettles. There also are some scientific studies relating Hard Water with human health such as hardening of the arteries.