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Answer To Your Reverse Osmosis FAQs

Rosie on the House
Water systems can send pressured water to most modern refrigerators.

Shutterstock

QUESTION: We want to install a reverse osmosis drinking-water system to our house but would like the system to tie into the refrigerator so the water will be chilled before we use it. We tried doing that a few years ago, but the system that was installed then really slowed the flow of water to a trickle so we got rid of it. Now we’d like to try again.

ANSWER: Well, the equipment they’re using now to connect RO systems with refrigerators works a lot better. That’s because the new connections will help maintain a higher water pressure. It can be 70 pounds per square inch for the refrigerator and 35 psi for the icemaker; both of which will speed up the flow of water.

Q: We have a well for our drinking water as well as a septic system. I test the well water regularly to be sure it’s safe. Can we also add a conventional water softener to our house and a reverse osmosis drinking-water system?

A: Yes, you can have separate systems installed for water softening and for drinking water when your water comes from a well.

Q: I recently moved from a house with a reverse osmosis drinking-water system to an apartment that doesn’t have one. I loved that water in the house. So now, can I get a similar system for my apartment?

A: Yes, a water treatment company can install a similar system under the kitchen sink in your apartment. Apartment management companies often have rules that forbid drilling through the walls, but water companies have alternative installation methods that will avoid doing that. They can also put filters on your shower to soften the water.

Q: I live in Marana and have a large west-facing wall that gets really hot. There’s no room for planting a tree in front of it to provide shade. So I’m thinking of planting a cat claw vine on the wall. But I have a pool 12 feet away and I want to avoid creating a mess with the vine. Will the cat claw drop a lot of leaves or flowers that could get into the pool? My wife is worried about the clean-up jobs.

A: Cat claw vines don’t get a huge number of blossoms like a bougainvillea bush might produce. So I think that kind of vine would be all right.

You might also consider a tangerine beauty crossvine. Like cat claw, it is also fast-growing.

Q: I have a sand filter on my swimming pool and I can’t find silica sand anywhere at big box home stores to use in the filter.

A: We’d suggest going to a pool supply shop instead. You’re going to need at least 400 to 500 pounds of sand for the filter and you should replace that sand every four to six years.

Q: If you have a pool-service company visit your house to clean your swimming pool, how often should they come?

A: During the monsoon season, they need to visit your home at least once a week. But that might not even be enough when it’s 105 degrees and there are big storms blowing debris into the pool.

So, you should do a little bit of maintenance and cleaning in-between visits by the pool-service company.

Original Source: https://tucson.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/rosie-romero-can-i-have-a-drinking-water-system-that/article_b2880938-1ef5-5636-be04-376626af32f2.html

Original Date: Sept 9 2018

Original Author: Rosie Romero

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Tap Water: Is the Water in My Home Safe to Drink?

All you want to do on a really hot day or after a long, hard workout is to go over to your kitchen sink and fill an extremely large glass with cold tap water!  However, is the water that is coming out of your tap safe to drink?

While tap water in the United States is safer to drink than some of the tap water found in other parts of the world, it can still be full of contaminants like minerals and chlorine.  Small amounts of minerals won’t do too much harm to your health and you won’t even know that they are there, but you may be able to taste and smell the chlorine that is present if you have public water.  Of course, well water won’t have any chlorine in it, but it can be full of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals.

Installing a Water Conditioner

To improve your tap water, and make it better for you, as well as better tasting, you may want to consider installing one of the numerous water conditioners that are available.  Most water conditioners utilize sodium ions to replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the water.  The sodium ions will make the water softer, which will make it taste better and it will even help keep your pipes and fixtures in working order for much longer.  The water conditioners will also remove other minerals from your water.

How Much Salt Consumption?

You may be concerned about how much sodium you will be ingesting with each glass of water that you drink after it has been through your water conditioning system.  Well, to ease your fears a little, let us tell you that a normal glass of water normally contains very little sodium.  Now, this number does rise to twelve and a half milligrams for the same glass of water after it has gone through the water conditioning process, but that is still considered very low sodium content.

That means that the only reason why you may want to reconsider drinking the water out of your tap after it has gone through a water conditioner, is if you are required to keep a very low sodium diet.  While the number is quite low for sodium content, it could be enough to make you go over your daily limits too easily.  A quick fix to that is to try to consume as little sodium as possible in everything else that you eat and drink.

Having Your Water Tested

If you have been wondering if your tap water is safe to drink, you may want to consider having it tested to see what is in the water.  You may be surprised to find out that the water that you have been drinking all these years is as safe as you thought it was, or you may find that you should have installed a water conditioning system long ago to make your water safer than it is.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

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Getting Rid of Hard Water Deposits on Bathroom Fixtures

Mineral Build Up
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Hard water deposits, lime scale, or mineral build-up can make even clean tubs, sinks, and toilets look grimy. But when calcium and magnesium build up on your bathroom fixtures, it can be difficult to get rid of. Here’s how to tackle that gunk on your shower head, sink, or toilet bowl.

1) Vinegar Soaks

For hard water deposits on your faucet, shower head, or toilet bowl, a common natural household cleaner is the solution. Soak a towel in white vinegar and wrap it around the mineral deposits. Let the vinegar soak for an hour, then remove the towel and scrub away crusty build up with a brush or sponge. To clean toilet bowl hard water deposits, turn the water in your toilet off, drain the bowl, and line it with vinegar-soaked towels. Just don’t try this solution on iron or nickel fixtures—vinegar might break down the metal.

2) Dishwasher Detergent and Bleach

For stubborn hard water deposits that take over your whirlpool tub jets, you may need a stronger solution. Fill your whirlpool tub with water, then add one cup of bleach and ½ cup powdered dishwasher detergent. Turn on the jets and allow the solution to run through for 10 minutes. Then, drain the tub, scrub away mineral deposits, and repeat the process with water to remove any residual bleach.

3) Use a Daily Cleaner

Hard water deposits build up over time, so quickly spraying a daily cleaner on your bathroom fixtures can keep the problem at bay. A spray that specifically targets mineral buildup and is safe for multiple surfaces is the best way to maintain your bathroom’s appearance.

Original Source: https://wcfcourier.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/getting-rid-of-hard-water-deposits-on-bathroom-fixtures/article_0feaae1d-ce37-55df-a537-a1d214a3b773.html

Original Date: August 13 2018

Written By: Cassie Sheets

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How Do Water Softeners and Conditioners Really Work?

Do you notice a build-up of scum in your shower or dishwasher? Is your home’s shower not supplying you with water that feels “right” as you rinse off the day? If you are encountering issues or experiencing a change in your water supply, it may be so to hard water or that the treatment option that you are currently using for your homes water is not the right one.

One of the most common solutions to treat a hard water supply is with a water softener or conditioner. In this installment, we shall briefly discuss the problem of hard water, how water softener systems and water conditioner work, and the difference between both.

Problems with Hard Water

Hard water is caused by the presence of too many metals or minerals in the water, such as magnesium, calcium, and others. These minerals dissolve into your household water through the dissolution of the surrounding soil and rock. Water hardness is calculated in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or grains per gallon (GPG). If your water tests 1 GPG or less, then you have soft water.

Hard water does not flow easily through because of the build-up of scale which accumulates inside your water pipes, heater or other appliances. In extreme cases, hard water can clog up water pipes and stop the flow of water all together. Hard water also influences household appliances and everyday activities. For instance, hard water reduces soap lathering, causing the water to become sticky and scum-like inside of lather.

How Water Softening Works

If you have a problem with hard water in your home, one of the best solutions is to install a water softener. Of course, it is important to speak with a professional who will test your homes water to see if this is the right option for your family.  A water softener reacts with the calcium and magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium ion which results in a softer water. The added sodium is well below the FDA standard which makes the water fit for life.

The ion replacement is done in a tank filled with resin. The beads are negatively charged and attract the sodium ions which are positively charged. Once water flows across these beads, magnesium, and calcium ions are replaced with sodium ions.

Once the softening is completed, there is a need to recycle the beads in sodium chloride solution (water softening salt). This solution will remove the magnesium and calcium ions attracted to the beads and replace them with sodium. This bead can then be used for further softening session.

Choosing a Water Softener or Conditioner?

The term water softener and water conditioner are often used interchangeably. However, there is a huge difference between the two appliances.

Water conditioners remove chlorine, sediments, chemicals, and other foreign materials while treating water hardness while water softener system does not treat water for any other reason other than hardness. Of course, both appliances are used to treat water hardness, but the results are always different.

Water conditioner system processes water through a process that prevents scales. This causes a slight drop in the water pressure and causes the hardness-causing minerals to be suspended for three days. Usually, a catalyst in form of a magnetic field is used to enhance the process. In the end, the system displaces bad tastes, minerals, and prevents bacterial growth. Although the water is not technically soft, it still possesses the properties of a soft water. This means that the water will not precipitate and will lather easily with soap.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

 

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5 Ways to Help Our Lakes

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Randy Lee holds up a small can he found on the bottom of Lake Monona during a lake clean-up.

The way we care for our homes and yards affects our lakes, and there are measures you can take to keep our lakes healthy. Here are five things the Clean Lakes Alliance says you can do to help keep the lakes clean.

Rake for the Lake: Rake the leaves out of the gutter in front of your home. Leaf litter is filled with algae-creating phosphorus, and it’s released into storm sewers that connect to the lakes. Leaves can be composted, mowed into the lawn or used as mulch.

Create a Rain Garden: A rain garden is a small depression in your yard that collects rainwater. Rain gardens provide a place for rain to go as it washes off driveways, patios and rooftops. When planted with wildflowers, rain gardens can add appeal to your home while attracting butterflies and songbirds.

Harvest rainwater: Connecting a rain barrel to your downspout will allow you to collect rainwater and save money on your water bill.

Sink the rain: Protect the lakes by limiting the use of hard, water-impervious surfaces around your home. When considering a new patio or driveway, opt for a porous paving or water-permeable pavement. During the winter, limit the use of salt, which is damaging to cars, driveways, soils and the lakes.

Watch what you send down the drain: Conserving water in and around your home helps protects drinking water and the lakes. Less water use means less water softener salt entering the environment. Do not send salt, medicines or antibiotics down the drain because wastewater plants are not able to treat them. The MedDrop program offers a safe and eco-friendly way to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals.

Original Source: https://madison.com/wsj/news/local/environment/ways-to-help-our-lakes/article_13df8d84-2726-5f7f-b065-2a62e35baf64.html

Original Date: August 5 2018

Original Author: FATOUMATA CEESAY

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Understanding Reverse Osmosis Solutions

Nothing says freshness the same way a glass of clear glass of tap water does.  Many homeowners seek a solution to bring clean, fresh water to their homes drinking water and with the right water filtration system it is possible.  Every single drop of water that exits the faucets throughout your home can be used as pure quality drinking water when the right water treatment system for your homes water is used.

Choosing a water treatment system is not something most homeowners know enough about to make an educated purchase.  It is crucial to meet with a water quality expert, such as the ones that can be found at Reynolds Water Conditioning who can test a sample of your homes water.  This will allow them to do an analysis on the quality of the water coming from each faucet and find the perfect combination of water treatment solutions to ensure a clean, clear glass of quality tap water each time. One popular option that offers high quality drinking water from your sinks tap is a reverse osmosis water treatment system.

How does reverse osmosis work?

The reverse osmosis water treatment systems operate by forcing water through a filter and eliminating impurities within the water.

How is reverse osmosis water treatment different?

Standard reverse osmosis water treatment systems work by filtering water through one of three or more filters to remove impurities such as chlorine, contaminants like metal and nitrates, and another to eliminate compounds that often result in foul odors and tastes.  Additional filters can be found on RO water treatment solutions with the water in your home requires further filtration.  These additional filters can include filtration of arsenic, pesticides, organic compounds, and percolates.  Filters can even be added to put important minerals back in to the homes water that aren’t necessarily good for your homes plumbing.  This again depends on the original quality of your homes water.

What are the benefits of treating water through reverse osmosis?

The smell and taste of a homes water is what usually is what triggers homeowners to have the water tested.  However, there are quite a few other containments that can be hiding in your water that would be better for you not to consume.  RO systems offer you a certain comfort in your homes drinking water, free of contaminants unseen with the naked eye.  Reverse osmosis water treatment solutions save homeowners money overtime by allowing them to adequality use the water within their homes rather than purchasing bottled water.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

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Michigan Issues a PFAS Fish Consumption Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 4, 2018

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued an emergency ‘Do Not Eat’ fish advisory for all fish between the Huron River at Milford (Oakland County) to the Huron River at Base Line and Portage Lakes (Livingston and  Washtenaw county lines) due to PFOS. Today’s ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory replaces previous mercury and PCB guidelines that recommended consumption limits for fish from the Huron River.

Fish from Kent Lake in the Huron River were tested for PFOS. Elevated levels of PFOS were found in all fish filets tested. As a result, MDHHS is issuing a ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory for all fish from the Huron River at Milford (Oakland County) to the Huron River at the Livingston and Washtenaw county border. This includes Hubbell Pond, Kent Lake, Strawberry and Zukey Lake, Gallagher Lake, Loon Lake, Whitewood Lakes, Base Line and Portage Lakes.

Fish tested from these water bodies were found to have high level of PFOS resulting in the ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory. Fish filets were tested as a result of the state’s PFAS effort. The advisory relates to the state’s work to address perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as well as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

     Type of Fish Chemical Causing

MI Serving Recommendation

 Size of Fish

(length in inches)

 MI Servings

per Month
All fish PFOS Any Do Not Eat

Touching the fish or water and swimming in these water bodies is not considered a health concern as PFAS, which includes PFOS, do not move easily through the skin. An occasional swallow of river or lake water is also not considered a health concern.

MDHHS releases annual Eat Safe Fish Guides in the Spring, and emergency advisories, as needed. The Eat Safe Fish guidelines are set to be protective for everyone including children and pregnant and breastfeeding women, and  people with existing health problems such as cancer or diabetes. Michigan has been routinely testing fish filets for PFAS since 2012.

For current guidelines relating to PFAS contamination in fish, visit Michigan.gov/pfasresponse. For more information about the Eat Safe Fish guidelines, visit Michigan.gov/eatsafefish.

Original Source: https://www.michigan.gov/som/0,4669,7-192-47796-474469–,00.html

 

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3 Things You Should Know About Well Water in Your Home

Does your home have a well?  Here are some things you may want to consider when it comes to the quality of the water that is flowing throughout your home.

What is the difference between a well check vs comprehensive water testing?

Many homeowners are under a misconception that having their private wells checked will expose issues with the quality of the water as well.  This however is not the way it works.  There are major differences between what testing is required by mortgage companies in order to obtain a home loan verse the actual health aspect of the water.  Most mortgage providers are only looking to ensure that the well water system to the home isn’t faulty not the content of the actual water.  In a comprehensive water test the actual water from the well is tested for chemicals such as lead, arsenic, chromium 6, mercury, and VOCs.  As a homeowner it is up to you to have a comprehensive water analysis done on your homes water as well as the waters source.  Many companies that sell water treatment systems, such as Reynolds Water Conditioning, offer free water analysis before recommending a solution for treating your homes well water.

Where does well water contamination come from? 

It is often news to homeowners to find out that contamination from water is often from natural sources verse human contamination.  Owners of homes with private wells often are shocked to find out that their water has become contaminated.  Most often there are no obvious signs of sources that could contaminate the water nearby, so homeowners do not suspect anything.  The truth of the matter is that many contaminants within water such as arsenic occur naturally in groundwater at levels that are not safe for drinking.

Why does well water often contain more lead? 

Well water is corrosive.  Corrosive water often leak lead from pipes, soldered joints and plumbing fixtures.  Many homeowners are unaware of this fact.  If a homes plumbing predates 2014, which is when lead-free standards in home plumbing components were put in place, the potential exists that lead will seep into the tap water within the home.

It is important that homeowners with private wells understand that their water source is not regulated by the EPA or State Regulators.  Homeowners are responsible for the quality of their water.  It is important that proper water treatment systems are put in place to ensure that their homes have high quality water running throughout the home.  For a more comprehensive look at your homes water it is important to have a comprehensive water test done.  The next crucial step after the results of water testing are done is to put a system, or a number of systems, in place to ensure that the water your family is ingesting and using on a regular basis is free of harmful bacteria and containments.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

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Parchment Water Still Unsafe to Drink

PARCHMENT, Mich. — The thousands of people impacted by the Parchment water crisis are being told to flush their own water heaters, ice makers, laundry machines, dishwashers and anything that may be contaminated with PFAS, a toxic chemical found in the water supply one week ago.

The City of Kalamazoo released instructions for people in Parchment and Cooper Township Thursday to flush toxic tap water from their homes. However, even after the flushing process is completed, Parchment’s water supply is still not safe to drink.

“Oh my gosh, I’m just thinking about the water bill,” Delong said.

Step one is to run hot water out of every tap in the home, from sinks to showers, for 15 minutes to empty water heater tanks.

Step two is to do the same with cold water for five minutes, this includes water from refrigerators and hose hookups outside. Flush every toilet once, toss out ice from refrigerators, and run the dishwasher and washing machine once empty.

The instructions provided by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality then tell residents to rewash dishes and clothes that were washed over the last week, since the warning on water went out.

People in Parchment and Cooper Township were initially told it was okay to use the toxic water for these purposes during the ‘don’t drink the water’ order that was issued one week ago.

It’s also still unclear how long high levels of PFAS, chemicals linked to a number of different illnesses, have been in the Parchment water supply.

“Exactly, so it’s like rewashing every item in your house because you don’t know and they don’t have an answer,” Delong said.

State and local officials have not said whether the contamination is causing health problems in the community.

During the home flushing process, the DEQ said discolored and smelly water are to be expected during the flushing process and are not a health concern.

The instructions are not for people on private wells.

Once home plumbing systems are flushed it is still not safe to drink the water in Parchment.

Now hooked up to the City of Kalamazoo’s water supply, that water still travels through Parchment pipes, which is why the state is doing more PFAS tests.

1. Flush ALL hot water taps for 15 minutes

Begin the flushing procedure by opening the hot water taps in your bathroom(s). Open ALL hot water lavatory (sink) fixtures, hot water bath fixtures, and any other hot water fixtures, such as kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run these hot water fixtures for at least 15 minutes. Shut water off after 15 minutes. After you have flushed each hot water faucet for 15 minutes, your hot water heater will be safe for use.

2. Flush ALL cold water taps for 5 minutes

Once the hot water tank and hot water piping have been flushed, open ALL of the cold water fixtures, flush each toilet at least one time. Run these cold water fixtures for at least five minutes. Shut water off after five minutes. This does include the water in your refrigerator water dispenser.

3. Flush ALL remaining Appliances and Faucets

(Before starting step 3, please see FLUSHING YOUR APPLIANCES below for more information.)

Open any remaining fixtures such as hose bibs, external faucets or fixtures not used for drinking for at least five minutes to finish the plumbing system flushing. Take additional steps to remove water from other appliances.

Discoloration may occur during flushing, this is expected and not a health issue.

Any lingering smell, which is expected, is not a health issue.

FLUSHING YOUR APPLIANCES AND FAUCETS

Once you’ve flushed your hot and cold water faucets, be sure to take these additional steps to flush plumbing appliances. To protect the health and safety of our communities, Michigan DEQ recommends that you read carefully and follow the steps for flushing.

  • Ice makers

If you have an ice maker in your refrigerator, first throw away all ice and then:

If you have a filter on your ice maker: Some refrigerators, which have ice makers, also have filters on the small water line that feed the ice maker. If you have or use filters on your ice maker, you want to replace the filter AFTER flushing your refrigerator’s ice maker. These filters require routine replacement. This would be a good time to replace the filter to ensure that the water line to the ice maker is completely flushed. Some refrigerators also provide filtered cold water. Check to make sure that you have replaced any filter AFTER flushing that is associated with the cold water supply. Then flush cold-water dispenser for five minutes.

  • After flushing all of the other plumbing, let the ice maker container fill up completely and discard this ice and clean the container before replacing. If you have more than one refrigerator make sure you perform the same procedure on those units as well.
  • Dishwashers and washing machines

Dishes and clothes that were washed during the DO NOT USE order should be rewashed. After flushing hot water pipes and water heater, run dishwasher and washing machine empty one time.

  • Humidifiers, CPAP and other devices

Throw away any water used in humidifiers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral, medical or healthcare devices, and rinse the device with clean water.

  • Baby formula, food or drinks made with water during the DO NOT USE

Be sure you have thrown away any baby formula or other foods prepared with water during the incident. This includes drinks like Gatorade made with powder or concentrate.

  • Water filters

Clean or change your water filter, or contact the filter manufacturer for more details.

  • Water supplies for pets

Pets need clean water too. Be sure to empty all water bowls, bottles, or other water supplies for your pet. After flushing your water system, wash the pet bowl, bottle or other water supply. Then refill with tap water.

Point of entry/point of use devices

(this may not apply to all customers)

If you have a Point of Entry water treatment system such as a water softener or filter, which all of the home’s water passes through before it enters the main plumbing system, you should consider the following general guidelines before completing your household plumbing flushing.

  • Water Softeners

Household water softeners, which use a natural or synthetic resin material to exchange sodium for calcium and magnesium present in the water, should be manually regenerated before flushing your plumbing system. This will ensure that the softener resin has been backwashed and cleaned before flushing procedures begin.

If you are unsure of how to manually initiate a regeneration cycle, refer to your softener owner’s manual or call you equipment supplier for assistance.

  • Sediment Filters

Household water filters usually fall in two basic categories:

  • Pressure filters, which can be backwashed to clean
  • Cartridge filters, which have a replaceable element or cartridge

If your home has a pressure filter that can be backwashed, you should initiate a manual backwash of the filter before proceeding with, and after completing, the flushing procedures.

If you have a whole house cartridge filter system, you should replace the cartridges after completing the flushing procedures.

  • Point of use filters/treatment

If you have or use Point of Use filters, which are typically attached to your kitchen faucet you should replace the filter before using the faucet-connected unit. These filters require periodic replacement, making this an appropriate time.

  • Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis drinking water treatment systems often have pre-filters, which you may want to replace before flushing the RO System. However, the actual Reverse Osmosis membrane module should not require replacement. If the manufacturer of the membrane suggests that you replace this part of the system you should ask them to give you the specific reasons why.

These instructions and tip provided by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Original Source: https://wwmt.com/news/local/water-still-unsafe-to-drink-parchment-residents-told-to-rewash-clothes-and-dishes

by Rachel Glaser | Newschannel 3

Thursday, August 2nd 2018

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Complete Guide to Iron Filters

Due to recent news reports of tainted water passing into the drinking system of major cities around the world, there has been a renewed interest in the quality of water that people drink. After all, not all water is the same. There has also been an increase in demand for iron water filters and water treatment systems that help supplement the naturally-occurring minerals in most of the water we drink. Communities that live far from the city typically rely on well water for their needs. While this water is generally safe, it needs to be treated with iron filters or water treatment systems to ensure it has the right properties at the proper concentrations.

Why iron filters?

Naturally-occurring water may contain iron, hydrogen sulfide, and manganese among others. While these metals do occur in the human body in minuet quantities, they can be more concentrated in water thus becoming contaminants. High dosages of undissolved ferric or ferrous iron can also be present. This is responsible for the characteristic “orange-brown” water that sometimes comes out of the faucet the first time its turned on. If your water has iron in concentrations of 3 to 4 parts-per-million, then an iron filtration system is necessary. In a nutshell, how can you tell you need to purchase and install an iron filter?

  • When the water coming out of your faucet is orange-brown
  • When the water has a distinctive “metallic” taste
  • When the water pressure seems low
  • When the water-based beverages made from that water taste different
  • When the clothes washed in that water transform into a dull color

How does an iron filter work?

The best iron filters will begin the process by pre-treating the water via oxidation. This is achieved using an oxidant such as ozone, chlorine or hydrogen peroxide. This pre-treatment serves to enlarge the iron particles making them easier to remove.

Next comes the actual filtration process. This is the mechanism whereby the enlarged iron particles are removed. The best iron filters in the market are those that are able to do the best job when it comes to pretreatment.

Filtration is not a complicated science. Once the iron particles are enlarged, they are unable to pass through the chemical filter which only allows clean water. This process also continues into backwashing where the iron particles are completely forced out and eliminated by the filter.

Iron filtration achieves the following:

  • It completely removes ferric iron from the water. The result is clean, sparkling water which looks and tastes great
  • It eliminates the metallic taste in making water taste awesome
  • It eliminates any odor which is common in unfiltered water

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.

 

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