Reynolds Water Conditioning Blog

Redford Township has issued a public advisory following the detection of elevated lead levels in the drinking water during routine tests. The township’s water samples from 60 homes showed a 90th percentile lead level of 16 parts per billion (ppb), surpassing the Action Level of 15 ppb. This issue is a continuation of a similar exceedance from 2023. The advisory emphasizes the need for further investigation and resident education on lead contamination.

Residents are advised to check for lead service lines and use certified lead-reducing filters, especially in homes with lead plumbing or fittings sold before 2014. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering free filters to eligible households. Tips for reducing lead exposure include running water to flush out lead, using cold water for consumption, and cleaning faucet aerators. Boiling water is ineffective in reducing lead levels.

Guidelines for Minimizing Lead Exposure:

• Determine if your home has a lead service line, as these can increase the risk of high lead levels in your water.

• To clear out lead, flush your taps:
• Without a lead service line, run the water for 30 seconds to two minutes, until it cools or stabilizes in temperature.
• With a lead service line, flush for at least five minutes to clear the plumbing and service line.

• MDHHS advises using a certified lead-reducing filter for homes with potential lead sources, such as:
• Lead or galvanized plumbing.
• Lead service lines.
• Copper plumbing with lead solder installed before 1988.
• Faucets and fittings installed before 2014.

• Continue using the filter until all potential lead sources in home plumbing are removed or replaced, such as:
• Updating faucets installed before 2014.
• Conducting a lead inspection and replacing necessary plumbing components.

• Ensure that filters are certified according to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction and Standard 42 for particulate reduction (Class I). Reynolds Water provides the Reynolds PureStream Ultra Water Purification System, designed to remove heavy metals such as lead, pathogens, and other contaminants. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.

• Only use cold water for drinking, food preparation, and cooking, including making baby formula.

• Boiling water does not remove lead; avoid this as a method for reducing lead concentration.

• Regularly clean your faucet’s aerator to eliminate accumulated debris.

Obtaining a Free Water Filter:

MDHHS provides free certified lead-reducing filters and replacement cartridges to Redford Township residents who meet the following criteria:

• Possess or are uncertain about having:
• Lead or galvanized plumbing.
• A lead service line connecting their home to the municipal water supply.
• Faucets and fittings installed before 2014.

• Have a household member who is either a Medicaid-enrolled child under 19 or a Medicaid-enrolled pregnant individual.

Eligible residents can collect a faucet water filter or pitcher filter from the Leo Snage Public Services Building, located at 12200 Beech Daly Road, Redford, MI, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315 or visit the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

As reported in Fox 2 Detroit News.

Learn more about how Reynolds Water can help you remove lead from the drinking water in your home or office.

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

New research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has discovered a link between certain “forever chemicals,” specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. These chemicals, common in nonstick pans, waterproof clothing, and various other consumer products, persist in the environment and accumulate in the body, particularly after menopause when women’s natural expulsion mechanisms, like menstruation, cease.

The study focused on understanding the biological mechanisms by which PFAS contribute to cardiovascular diseases during the menopausal transition, an area previously not well explored. By analyzing blood samples from 70 postmenopausal women in Turkey, researchers identified that different PFAS chemicals, such as PFOS and PFOA, are associated with different types of heart diseases, linked through their interaction with inflammatory pathways in the body.

The findings highlighted that PFOS is closely related to coronary artery disease, whereas PFOA is more predictive of coronary microvascular disease. Interestingly, these chemicals affected the levels of certain amino acids and inflammatory proteins differently, suggesting that not all PFAS chemicals behave identically within the body.

This study underscores the broader implications of PFAS exposure on heart health in older women and stresses the importance of minimizing exposure to these chemicals. The researchers advocate for increased public education and regulatory measures to reduce PFAS contamination in the environment. They plan to continue exploring the specific impacts of PFAS on women’s health to better understand and potentially mitigate these risks.

Comprehensive Water Testing

Reynolds Water Conditioning is committed to ensuring the safety and purity of your water. With growing concerns about ‘forever chemicals’ and their impact on health, particularly for older women, it’s crucial to identify and mitigate these contaminants in your home water supply. Our expert team provides comprehensive water testing to detect the presence of PFAS and other harmful substances. Based on the results, we offer customized filtration solutions designed to effectively remove these chemicals, ensuring that your water is clean and safe.

Protect your family’s health by purifying your water right at the source; contact Reynolds Water Conditioning to learn how.

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

Iron in irrigation water is a common problem faced by homeowners and businesses alike. High iron content can lead to unsightly stains on driveways, sidewalks, and buildings, as well as clogging and damage to irrigation systems. At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we offer a range of solutions to effectively remove iron from your irrigation water, ensuring that your landscape remains beautiful and your equipment functions efficiently.

Understanding Iron in Irrigation Water

Iron in water exists in two primary forms: soluble ferrous iron (clear water iron) and insoluble ferric iron (red water iron). When iron is exposed to air, it oxidizes and transforms into the insoluble form, which causes the familiar reddish-brown stains. The presence of iron bacteria can further complicate the issue, creating a sludge that clogs pipes and sprinklers.

The Impact of Iron on Irrigation Systems

• Staining: Iron stains can discolor sidewalks, driveways, and buildings, creating an unsightly appearance.
• Clogging: Iron deposits can clog sprinkler heads, drip lines, and filters, reducing the efficiency of your irrigation system.
• Damage: Over time, iron buildup can cause damage to pipes and other components of the irrigation system, leading to costly repairs and replacements.

Solutions for Removing Iron from Irrigation Water

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we offer several effective solutions for removing iron from your irrigation water:

1. Filtration Systems

Filtration systems are designed to physically remove iron particles from water. These systems can range from simple sediment filters to more advanced multi-stage filtration units. Sediment filters capture larger iron particles, while finer filters can remove smaller particles and suspended solids. For areas with high iron concentrations, a combination of filters may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

2. Oxidation and Filtration

This method involves oxidizing the soluble ferrous iron to convert it into its insoluble ferric form, which can then be filtered out. Oxidation can be achieved through the use of chemical oxidants (such as chlorine or potassium permanganate) or aeration. After oxidation, the ferric iron particles are removed using a filtration system.

3. Water Softeners

Water softeners are commonly used to remove hardness-causing minerals like calcium and magnesium, but they can also be effective in reducing iron levels. Water softeners use ion exchange resin to capture iron ions and replace them with sodium ions. This method is particularly effective for removing low to moderate levels of iron.

4. Iron-Specific Filters

Iron-specific filters, such as Reynolds ClearStream Iron-Rust-Odor Filter, are designed specifically to target iron removal. Manganese greensand filters use a coating of manganese oxide to oxidize and filter out iron. Birm filters use a similar principle but do not require chemical regeneration, making them a low-maintenance option.

5. Chemical Treatment

In some cases, chemical treatment may be necessary to address severe iron contamination. This can involve the addition of sequestrants to keep iron in solution or the use of chemical oxidants to convert soluble iron into an insoluble form for filtration. Chemical treatment should be carefully managed to avoid adverse effects on plants and soil.

Choosing the Right Water Solution

Selecting the right solution for iron removal depends on several factors, including the concentration of iron in your water, the size of your irrigation system, and your budget. At Reynolds Water, our experts can conduct a thorough water analysis and recommend the most effective and efficient solution tailored to your specific needs.

Dealing with iron in irrigation water doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right treatment solutions, you can protect your landscape, maintain the efficiency of your irrigation system, and prevent costly damage. Contact Reynolds Water Conditioning Company today to learn more about our iron removal options and how we can help you achieve clear, iron-free irrigation water.

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Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com