Blog

TECHNOLOGY OF TREATING IRRIGATION WELL WATER WITHOUT REVERSE OSMOSIS

Well water often contains high levels of minerals dissolved in it expressed as high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and referred to as brackish or salty water. Once the TDS level of 1000 mg of minerals per liter (PPM) is measured in the water, crops require an additional quantity of water to continue to thrive. This doesn’t mean or imply that the minerals are toxic to the plants. Rather, the high TDS water fails to adequately flow within the circulatory system (xylems) of plants. The extra required watering levels are scary because of the possibility of running a well dry.

One popular way to overcome the issue of high TDS is to incorporate reverse osmosis to reduce the level of minerals in the water. There are pitfalls to this approach. First, as much as 50% of water is wasted in the process thus increasing the scarcity scare. Second, the capital and operating costs are extremely high. Finally, the disposal of wasted water becomes an issue.

We are convinced through testing years ago that reverse osmosis is effective not because dissolved solids are reduced but because the resulting surface tension reduction of water enhances the capillary action within plants allowing water to flow freely to the plant’s extremity. If a method to reduce surface tension without the pitfalls of reverse osmosis were available, significant cost and water savings would occur. Some refer to this as making water wetter.

If we look closely at the chemistry of water at the molecular level, there are two items that enter into its flowing/surface tension characteristics. One is directly related to the level of the dissolved solids in the water and is called the hydrated radius of ions (HRI). All dissolved solids in water exist as small, invisible charged particles called ions. These charges attract and loosely hold a small cluster of water molecules to each ion. These cluster formations last from nanoseconds to years and raise surface tension. The second is hydrogen bonding (HB) of multiple water molecules creating clusters. This bonding is due to the non-symmetric placement of the two hydrogen atoms around the single oxygen atom in water which leaves electrons to bond to the oxygen atom of adjacent water molecules. These bonds are transient and disappear/reappear in nanoseconds without rest. The bonding of molecules with clusters also increases the surface tension.

The entire issue of elevated surface tension and its negative effect on the successful watering of plants is the result of relatively small forces naturally occurring at the molecular level of water. It would appear that disruption or elimination of these forces would be extremely helpful in making less water go further in hydrating plants. How can this be done? By applying various frequencies of electrical energy into the water! In previous blogs, we have described how an electrical conductor (such as water containing dissolved solids) is passed through a magnetic field (such as Neodymium permanent magnets), and an alternating current is produced in the conductor (water) in accordance with Faradays Law upon which all electrical generators are based.

Dime Water, Inc. offers two product lines that produce this energy and have demonstrated their water-saving capabilities over many years. One is the MGM family designed exclusively for surface tension reduction and the other is the ESF family which not only reduces water surface tension but also prevents hardness scale in irrigation pipes and hardware. Neither requires electricity, chemicals, or field service. Both are constructed to last for many years in harsh environments and not waste a drop of water.

For those looking to improve the quality of their well water, exploring well water treatment systems is a wise step. These systems are designed to address various issues, including high levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and other minerals that can affect plant health. By incorporating well water treatment systems, such as ESF, MGM or other innovative technologies offered by Dime Water, Inc., crop growers can effectively reduce the mineral content in their water, leading to improved plant hydration and growth. Investing in well water treatment systems not only benefits plant life but also helps in conserving water resources, making it a sustainable choice for agricultural practices.

‍

As a company, we have always stayed away from utilizing scare tactics about water in our literature as well as in conversations with our distributors or their customers. Our preference has been to understand all water treatment technologies, implement those best suited for addressing customer needs, and stay in that lane without pretending to be experts on health issues related to water contaminants.

Information received on January 8, 2024, however, compels us to advise as many people as possible about a significant health threat related to water – specifically bottled water. On that date, we received the findings on nanoplastics in bottled water published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Their examinations showed an average of 250,000 particles per bottle in those tested.

Even more concerning than the high numbers was their sizes as small or smaller than a virus. At this size, they can invade human cells disrupting their development or causing mutations affecting our neurologic, immunologic, circulatory, and all organ systems. So small, in fact, that they have been found in newborns. It’s no leap to realize that animals and fish have been exposed, so to some extent the particles are also in our food chain.

The plastic materials are identified by a laser bombardment process that reveals they consist of nylon, Teflon (PTFE) the forever chemical, PVC, packaging plastics including PET, and possibly in some cases the polymer used in the production of reverse osmosis membranes.

What are we to do? The obvious answer is to avoid bottled water. Next would be to use an in-home reverse osmosis system that has pores as small as 0.002 to 0.0001 microns or at least 1/5 the size of the smallest virus/nanoplastics. Finally, an entrepreneur somewhere, hopefully, will follow in the footsteps of Stephan Wiess and drill deeply for newly formed water as outlined in our blog titled “There is probably enough water on earth for everyone”. This water, at depths of hundreds of feet, has not been exposed to man’s contamination and could be transported to customers in SS or glass vessels.

WHAT CAN A WHOLE HOUSE REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM OR DRINKING WATER REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM REALLY DO FOR YOU?

The common requests from prospective equipment purchasers range from “we want a better taste” to “we require total safety” in our water. This is an extremely broad range of expectations.  We’ll cover the details, but with preciously few exceptions, the RO units will address both extremes and everything in between.

Our sources of useable water are surface water such as lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. They are subject to runoff of animal waste, fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and a myriad of industrial chemicals from the surrounding watershed. Another source is water from shallow and deep wells. Their contamination, if any, is due to the percolation of acidic rainwater through soil and rocks, poor seals at well heads, and non-local exposure of an aquifer to surface water.

The simplest approach to understanding water chemistry and the impact RO has on it is to break down the water chemistry into families of issues and then compare with the processes performed by a properly designed RO^(A) system. Let’s dive in.

FAMILIES OF CONTAMINANTS WITH EXAMPLES. Health-disruptive items are highlighted in red.

1. Suspended solids. Nearly total removal by inlet turbidity filter plus 0.001-micron membrane pore size

• General debris. Things that can be seen in water by the naked eye such as sand, silt, oxidized (red water) iron, clay, etc.
• Fine particles are referred to as colloidal such as a form of oxidized iron and tannins.
• Micro and Nano-sized particles such as micro and nano polymers^(B) are caused by the physical degradation of discarded plastics. Carcinogenic and found in water, air, bloodstreams, and our food chain.

2. Dissolved solids. 96 to 99% removal by inlet carbon filtration and membrane rejection process

• Almost all elements on the Periodic Table plus some key compounds. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, alkalinity, fluoride, arsenic, aluminum, lead, cadmium, chromium, chromium-6, mercury, nitrates, nitrites, and sulfates.
• Forever chemicals PFAS^(B). Like micro and nano polymers, these fluoride-based organic compounds released by chemicals such as Teflon, are everywhere in our environment and carcinogenic.

3. Organic compounds. 99%+ removal primarily by inlet carbon filtration supplemented by membrane rejection.

• Agricultural chemicals fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides
• Industrial/medical compounds. It is estimated that the list of such chemicals contains over 100,000 items. Most common are Pharmaceuticals, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, benzene, gasoline, vinyl  chloride, acetone, MEK,

4. 99%+ removal primarily by extremely small membrane porosity supplemented by pre and/or post-UV options if severe.

• Commonly found bacteria coliforms and e-coli. Viruses and cysts.
• Algae, mold, fungus

5. Dissolved Gasses. 95% removal of chlorine and chloramines and their byproducts by carbon filtration. Others barely changed.

• Added by treatment. Chlorine, chloramines. Byproducts after disinfecting DBPs, trihalomethane, chloroform
• Oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, methane, radon ^(C)

6. Radioactive materials. 90-96% removal by membrane rejection and porosity. Radium, uranium

Notes:

(A) Design must include at a minimum, pretreatment with 5-micron filtration and quality activated carbon plus a high-rejection polyamide membrane. If treated water is stored in an atmospheric tank, UV or ozone post tank is essential.

(B) Extremely harmful and seldom tested for. If the water source is from other than a deep well, assume present.

(C) Long-term exposure when in the air is deadly. Must be tested for on-site.

The World needs Fluoride and that’s why it is here as one of the most prevalent 15 minerals. In nature it exists primarily as hard, slowly dissolving calcium fluoride (CaF₂). As low pH rain water passes through the ground causing it to dissolve the water hardness and fluoride concentration both increase in ground water (well water). Likewise, rain runoff across exposed calcium fluoride adds hardness and fluoride to surface water (rivers, lakes, streams). In most of the world the net amount in water of naturally occurring fluoride is in the 0.3 mg/l range. The notable exceptions are parts of Russia and India where because of the high concentrations of calcium fluoride, water contains beyond 10 mg/l.

In the lower concentrations, fluoride in soil and water is classified as a micro-nutrient that contributes to plant growth and, in humans, healthier, cavity-free teeth and stronger bones. As WWII ramped up, it is rumored that dentists could accurately predict draftees from certain cities because of excellent teeth— one being Green Bay, WI. Fluoride from plants and water gravitates toward calcium in humans thus its ultimate effect on teeth and bones.

If fluoride concentrations are too high, plants and humans accumulate it. Humans absorb 80% of fluoride ingested and 50% of that migrates to teeth and bones with the balance eliminated through urine. Plants simply store it and tea leaves probably store more than any other edible plants.

Most fluoride is used in industrial processes and waste from the processes is converted to Hexaflurosilicic acid (F6H2Si) that dissociates in water to 6F^– + SiO2 + 4H⁺. This acid is the primary additive used by municipalities along with sodium fluorosilicate or sodium fluoride to increase drinking water natural fluoride to approximately 1 mg/l based on the dental profession’s recommendations for healthy teeth. This added fluoride is welcomed by many and passionately opposed by others. The opposing group spends huge amounts to have the fluoride removed from their water. The current options for reduction are:

BONE CHAR.

This method is currently the most popular. Forget “removal” that is not going to happen “reduction” to some extent will. In addition to the issue of the level of reduction are capacity (how many gallons will it treat) and effective flow rate. As its name implies, bone char is nothing more than ground cattle bones heated to 900^o F in a low/no oxygen atmosphere within a rotating kiln. The resulting product is a fine, black particle consisting of approximately 70% hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] and the balance somewhat activated carbon (C). The reduction of fluoride is a combination of adsorption of fluoride by the hydroxyapatite, adsorption by the activated carbon and partial ion exchange with available OH ions.

Each cubic foot weighs 40 pounds and has the following characteristics –

• Literature is scant on this. We began using material from an east coast suppler in 2006. Their stated capacity was 0.005 pounds of fluoride removal per pound of bone char. This converts to 23,950 gallons per cubic foot based on 1 mg/l challenge. 100 days for a family of 4. We participated in a WQA test of the same material in 2009 and results were 11,900 gallons. 50 days for a family of 4. A recent in-house test on a sample from a national sample had a yield of 1517 gallons or about 2 weeks for a family of 4.
• Percent Removal. On average, fluoride removal was 67% thus leaving 33% or 1/3 of the fluoride in the water.
• Flow rate. The reactions taking place between the media and the fluoride take a long take a long time. To obtain even the modest results requires a flow rate of approximately 1.5 GPM per cubic foot of media. Higher flow rates cause the percentage of fluoride left in the treated water to increase significantly.
• Water Chemistry. Chlorine in the water to a bone char system will occupy some of the available sites which reduces capacity as will chloride. Effectiveness favors a pH in the 6-7 range and unfortunately cities are elevating their water pH to the 8+ level to prevent corrosion in their distribution system.

Recommendation for Bone Char Systems: AVOID.

ACTIVATED ALUMINA

The use of this material predates bone char for fluoride. It is a factory processed form of Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) and normally appears as small white/light tan spheres 16-30 US mesh in size. For unexplained reasons, the USEPA classifies Activated Alumina as Best Available Technology (BAT) for fluoride and arsenic from water.

The material as originally processed contains sodium oxide (Na₂O) which converts to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) when first wetted. The resulting high pH reduces the capacity for Fluoride to nearly zero. Treatment of the material with hydrochloric (HCl) or sulfuric (H₂SO₄) acid before use is imperative. Some, but not all, providers of activated alumina offer material that has been acid washed for immediate use—beware.

Effective system flow is 2 GPM/cu. ft. of media in tanks(s) and removal of fluoride is approximately 65% at this flow rate. Capacity for fluoride is estimated at 1.5% or 6 lbs. fluoride per 40 pounds (1 cu.ft. ) of activated alumina. This is roughly 25x the capacity of bone char. However, properly prepared activated alumina can cost 20x that of bone char.

Water chemistry. Here is where the efficacy of activated alumina falls apart. The capacity for fluoride drops precipitously by 50% or more when feed water pH is 8.2 and bicarbonate alkalinity (essentially hardness) exceeds 50 PPM (3 grains). This eliminates effectiveness on 85% of municipal water supplies.

Recommendation for Activated Alumina Systems: AVOID.

ION EXCHANGE

As a weakly charged anion (negatively charged ion), fluoride can be reduced by approximately 50% by employing a system similar to a water softener where the softening resin has been replaced with typically a Type 2 strong base anion resin. Such systems are regenerated with sodium chloride (NaCl) and usually have a capacity of 12,000 grains for ALL anions in the water exclusive of silica and carbon dioxide when 5 pounds of salt per cubic ft. of resin. The removal of all anions is concerning. First, this could lead to a corrosive water as carbonate, bicarbonate and hydroxyl ions are removed. Second, there is always a chance of taste and odor issues when anion resins are used and in addition a very briny water could be created. Third and of primary importance, these resins are not fluoride selective and thus if not regenerated accurately and timely, they can dump extremely high, toxic levels of fluoride into the facility water stream.

A search for a fluoride selective resin yielded one manufacturer located in India. Overall capacity information contained numerous chemistry and flow rate caveats. The main problem is Aluminum Chloride is required for regeneration and its cost and availability is unknown.

Recommendation for Ion Exchange Systems: USE EXTREME CAUTION

REVERSE OSMOSIS

Drinking Water

A properly designed under counter system will produce approximately 1 gallon of treated water every half hour at a water use efficiency of 50% when operated at 65 PSI. Reduction of fluoride is 90-97% which means the remaining fluoride will be below detection levels or essentially zero on water tests. A basic battery operated total dissolved solids (TDS) meter should be included to monitor the effectiveness of the membrane. The system should also have a PERMEATE PUMP to eliminate TDS Creep which is an operational phenomenon of small RO systems that lowers water quality (increases fluoride in treated water).

Whole House

Although there is no reliable (Government agency, university study, etc.) study indicating fluoride uptake by humans other than by oral ingestion, there are those who wish to have it removed from their entire home. A reverse osmosis system designed and constructed to treat all water within a home will reduce fluoride as well as or better than an under counter system.

Recommendation for Whole House R.O. systems: Expensive but highly effective

Yes, of course. Bacteria have a genetic profile, so if bacteria is present there will be genes. One gene, the MCR-9 gene, can be a very large problem, however. This particular gene causes the bacteria it resides in to be anti-microbial resistant. Simply put, the bacteria cannot be killed by antibiotics; not even colistin. Colistin (polymyxin E) trade name Colomycin is thought of as the “drug of last resort” when treating people with bacterial infections (particularly pneumonia) that are not responding to more common antibiotics. Death may result if the damages of bacteria cannot be halted.

The presence of the MR-9 gene is being tracked around the world by various groups because of the devastating effects it can have on a population if it enters water supplies or food chains. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the potential damages from this gene’s antimicrobial resistance as “one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity”.  The tracking in the US is being headed by Issmat Kassem an assistant professor of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia. For the first time, it has been identified in the US as present in sewerage in Georgia. As with Covid-19 testing, the presence of a particular virus or bacteria in sewerage lets investigators know that the population serviced by a particular sewerage treatment system has been exposed to the contaminant.

Now that the MCR-9 gene is in the US, what can be done? We certainly cannot live in a sterile bubble, so common sense should prevail. The human immune system is capable of preventing bacterial infections by bolstering it through proper diet, mineral and vitamin supplementation as needed, proper rest, and stress relief. This is often referred to as the Terrain Philosophy of health. Add to it good hygiene practices and bacteria with the MCR-9 gene will not invade. For those who are immune-compromised for any reason, Ultra Violet (UV) treatment of water entering the home will stop that pathway, rinsing fresh food with ozonated water will stop another and finally, a circulating air filter with a UV inside will round out water, food, and air protection.

In 2018 we embarked on a program to determine precisely what structured water truly consists of. People were spending obscene amounts on bizarre devices consisting of such things as revised food blenders, twisted strips of copper or stainless steel, tubes loaded with HDPE spheres, and glass cones with a water pump to name a few. Along with unsupportable high prices, two other common attributes the product providers offered were slick literature and a spokesperson with a questionable curricula vitae. Not a feasible description of the structure of the water in any of them.

A suggestion from a long-term customer led us to The Fourth Stage of Water by Dr. Gerald H. Pollack, Ph.D. The book, published in 2013, detailed a structure of water discovered by Dr. Pollack and his laboratory colleagues at the University of Washington. It went on to describe the benefits of this water structure to plant and animal (human) life.

We designed a system to replicate and enhance the effects detailed in the book’s laboratory reports and we went on to describe how the structuring process created columns of water adjacent to one another. Quite by accident, on April 10, 2022, the president of our company received the photo viewed here that definitely confirms the structural formation of water locked in ice. The photo date is unknown but taken in Switzerland in an area known for clear water and large ice crystals.

An April 3, 2021 climate report on a local CBS TV affiliate indicated that 74 million people living East of the Mississippi river will experience drought conditions in 2021 and 2022. This news was followed the next week by an article in the San Diego Union Tribune that snowpack levels in mountains to the North were at 50% of “normal”. This is a critical source of water for much of California and normal is quite low because of the averaging in of some terribly dry seasons the last few years.

It is incumbent upon all of us to do our part for conservation and yet the water conditioning industry continues to promote and sell water softeners and filters that waste precious water when viable alternatives have been available for well over 20 years. At most levels, water conditioning products are a push market, so sellers could more easily adapt to newer, water-saving products but few do. Pull markets created by more enlightened and educated consumers tend by a vastly higher percentage to favor the greener products.

Why the reluctance to change? One can only guess, but some reasons are:

• Big names in the industry that are heavily invested in machinery and facilities to produce components for traditional water and salt using systems such as control valves, ion exchange resins, and salt are loathed to promote a disruptive product
• The distribution channel is very fragmented and poorly informed at the seller/customer interface
• The dollars generated by the entire industry have been too low to attract talented, innovative, and highly educated people.

The base technology of the water wasting products dates to the 1930s with the widespread adoption of high surface area ion exchange resins dating to the 1980s. Most activity now appears to be in sensors and electronics on valves that use less salt with the goal being stoichiometric salt levels (a pound of salt removing a pound of hardness). Unfortunately, this is counterproductive because the corresponding loss in capacity requires more frequent regenerations so WASTE WATER INCREASES.

A more demanding and conscience-guided consumer base will eventually obsolete many of today’s products and replace them with products such as our residential and commercial ESF and Aquafer and hopefully, new distribution channels for these products will open up.

It is an acknowledged fact that all humans are the product of what they eat, drink, and breathe. Because food sources, whether plant or animal, are dependent upon water for their existence, water is critical to 2 of the three. Expanding water’s role even more into the breathing realm by considering things such as the aerosol release of viruses and bacteria causing disease spread as in legionnaires disease, water truly impacts our survival at all levels. There is a fixed amount of water on earth as determined by the first law of thermodynamics and it will exist as liquid, solid, or vapor and constantly change between the three. Though much of the water is unusable for sustaining life because of its present chemistry, this can be permanently or temporarily changed by technology.

Where is the investment in intellect and money to more readily and economically provide a more reliable source of usable water through technology? A close examination of business and investment news indicates that much if not most of the investment oxygen in the room is being sucked up by medical, communication, and social media enterprises. One is noble and the others are hardly earth moving in their worth.

Development of Usable Water

Out of necessity, advanced nations in arid areas fine-tune membrane technology (incremental development) of almost 60-year-old technology. The best-known name in the US water industry has little or no R&D and derives most income from a basic technology dating to 1936. Another major international company seemingly exists to provide components to support the 1936 technology. Most recently a huge investment was made by a company staffed by brilliant scientists. Their product is yet another source of materials for the 1936 technology.

Until the world hits a total scarcity of usable water and crisis prevails, apparently private and public investment will continue to be siphoned off elsewhere. A clone of Elon Musk or Steve Jobs is desperately needed as visionaries more so than hardcore investors. Many companies, including ours, have products in stages from idea to embryonic, to proof of concept to field sampled that lie fallow for want of investment and professional guidance.

Perhaps prospects will change when the critical needs of water are severely challenged.

For over 20 years, Dime Water has been constructing nonchemical water treatment equipment. We have utilized very powerful Neodymium rare earth magnets to cause particles in the water to cling to one another (agglomerate) for particle life extension or filtration. I have personally dismissed the thought that a magnetic field could, in addition, react on the water itself. I believe that I have been in error.

Magnetized Water Testing

A recent summary of tests conducted to determine patient benefits for diabetes control related to drinking water exposed to a strong magnetic field or “magnetized water” showed positive results. Albeit animal studies under close clinical controls, such research often finds its way into what we call mainstream or western medicine and pharmacology. The summary states “it is suggested that the long-term intake of magnetized water over 8 weeks may be beneficial in both prevention and treatment of complications in diabetic patients”.
The study can be found online at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PCM3572224/
Magnetism apparently acts as an antioxidant and further in the report improvements to liver function and oral health are mentioned as are hexagonal structure clusters of water molecules.

Magnetic Water Usage

Magnetic fields have been used for decades in countries such as Russia to accelerate wound and burn healing via increased blood flow. This is intuitively understandable given the iron prevalence in human blood. The FDA has now approved devices for such uses and their benefits. The phenomenon of magnetized water has been promoted for many years for enhancement of irrigation water with claims for increased crop yields, larger plants, and less water required. Empirical data support the claims, but controlled tests are scarce.
For reference the following Dime Water products contain strong magnetic fields that plausibly have these additional consumer benefits:

• ESF
• ESF PLUS
• AQUAFER – Treated water for less than $1 a day.
• AQUAFER-AC
• AQUAFER PLUS
• MAXI-CURE
• MAXI-CURE PLUS
• STRUCTURED WATER R.0.

‍

‍

More and more frequently we see engineering input taking place in the medical field from robotic surgical machines to placing magnetically guided medicine filled vessels placed in the bloodstream to continually sending patient health status to a computer armed with Artificial Intelligence. Recently our company received a patent status for a system to treat water for Hemodialysis units.

In the last few years, we have applied our engineering skills to obtaining more healthful food. The sayings are “you are what you eat” and “food is medicine”. With an ever-growing percentage of people realizing this and putting family health into their own hands by growing their own nutritious vegetables in home gardens. We are aware of this and offer two products to make these foods even better. They are our GUARD’N GROW and ESF.

The GUARD’N GROW unit truly guards and improves plants. All edible plants deliver vitamins and minerals through consumption. These nutrients get into the plant via water. An important step in the process involves the minerals converting from their inorganic to organic forms making them more bioavailable to the plant and ultimately to the consumer. This is accomplished by the reaction of the nutrients in the soil with a host of living organisms also in the soil. Kill these organisms and both the plant and the consumer are robbed of nutrition. If watered with water containing chlorine which is found in 99% of municipal supplies, a percentage of the organisms dies with each watering. The GUARD’N GROW removes this damaging chlorine PLUS it removes trace heavy metals that could find their way into the food PLUS it acts as a biocide to kill unwanted bacteria in the source water. NOTHING is added to the water. This is a hose-end product that will treat up to 25,000 gallons. Refills and commercial systems are available.

As mentioned, water is the vehicle to get nutrients into the plant. The easier we make it for a plant to absorb the water, the more robust and nutritious the plant becomes. This can be accomplished by passing the water through our ESF unit. The ESF reduces the surface tension of water allowing it to travel more deeply and effectively into a plant. This is done via a catalytic/magnetic process that has no moving parts, no replacement cartridges and has a demonstrated service free life of over 20 years.

Never ones to stop improving and inventing, we are developing yet another product to enhance garden plants for greater size and nutrition. It will provide STRUCTURED WATER.

For over a century people knowledgeable about water and its critical importance to health and longevity have sought the perfect water which was referred to as STRUCTURED WATER. It can now be produced in homes or offices thanks to scientific work at the University of Washington and work done in Dime Water’s laboratory. It is a truly natural process of incorporating special surface areas, inert hyper hydrophilicity materials, infrared energy and multiple vortices. Nothing is added to the water.

This results in columns of hexagonal arrayed water molecules which are denser than untreated water, more viscous, have less hydrogen and a slightly elevated pH.

Some experiments indicate Structured Water replicates intercellular water closely thus being more bio-compatible. The model SW105 STRUCTURED WATER cell is shown here attached to the side of an under the sink kitchen cupboard and being fed by cold water from a supply valve that we in-clude. The treated water out of the top goes to a drinking/cooking water faucet mounted on or adjacent to the sink. The small (6 watt) power supply enhances the infrared energy. The compact size of 8”H x 6”W x 5”D permits installation in virtually all applications. Structured water on tap 24/7. No maintenance or replacement cartridges ever. For an approximately 25% improvement in quality add this cell to the faucet line from an existing under counter reverse osmosis unit.

The ultimate in treated drinking water is available in our compact under counter system Model Structured Water Cell R.O. This unit provides up to 100 gallons daily of treated water. 75% water efficiency (3 gal treated:1 gallon drain).

Processes include:
– Initial filtration to 5 micron
– Biocidal contact filtration
– Chlorine removal
– Heavy metals removal
– Chloramines removal
– Filtration to 0.002 micron
– 96.5% dissolved elements removal
– Magnetic field
– Hematite / crystals
– Catalytic Carbon
– STRUCTURED WATER

‍

When a customer wants the best water for their business or home, they will do their homework to find what they need. However, when looking at the concept of “the best” some confusion arises. It’s very difficult to determine what exactly a customer wants when they say they want the best. How does a business respond to such a request? Is the customer referring to the price, final water quality, the quantity of purified water produced or the number of treatment steps? What exactly does the customer mean when they want “the best”?

There are many good purifiers, most of which meet the above requirements, but the true test of quality is a filter system that delivers consistently through years. Our core belief is the best water purifier is the one that meets exact customer needs and will continue to do so reliably for years.

Let’s review some of the definitions for best:

• Price. Many manufacturers sell systems with Imported components and inexperienced assemblers.  After utilizing all tactics to drive down the price, the post-sale service is near obsolete.  The customer can be left with cheap, substandard systems that won’t last for any amount of time.
• Smaller unit.  Some manufacturers sell customers on the fast, smaller units.  However, in the long run, these fail to keep up with the water demand.
• Missing or improper pretreatment. Sub-standard and cheaply made systems will add up in costs and deliver questionable quality as RO system membranes will need constant cleaning or replacement.
• Out of spec water quality. If the system is built incorrectly or without the right specs, the water quality will suffer.
• Downtime.  How will the customer meet their water needs when the system is out for repair?

To get the best water purifier, it is imperative to work with the best manufacturer. A quality manufacturer will have the best value for the dollar.  They will provide quality equipment and systems that will give proven results over the years. In the off chance something breaks, they will have the skills and support to get the system up and running as quickly as possible.

Across the U.S., there is a growing epidemic of harmful algal blooms – also known as blue-green algae – polluting lakes, rivers and swimming holes, EWG reported this month.

It is unlikely you would let your kids or pets swim in smelly, slime-covered water. But even playing along the shoreline is ill-advised when there is a bloom. This is particularly important advice if you live somewhere like Rock Lake, Ontario where your children are likely to be spending a lot of time near water. Furthermore, if an emergency does happen it’s crucial that you or someone in your group knows first aid. Being prepared to respond to a situation is so important as you can never determine how long an emergency medical response will take to come. If you’d be interested in first aid training, then you could consider a course in Hamilton CPR Training with a dedicated training organization like C2C First Aid & Aquatics Inc. Accordingly, here are the facts you need to know before your family’s lake or beach vacation.

How can I identify a harmful algal bloom?

It can be hard to tell by looking if a pond is full of toxic algae or innocuous plant material. Scientists and public health officials use specialized tests to identify harmful algal blooms and to determine when the risk of algal toxins has passed.

But when pond or lake water looks like green soup, it is likely full of tiny blue-green algae. These organisms are an ancient type of bacteria, called cyanobacteria. They grow wherever there is water.

Unlike other types of bacteria, which can make children and adults sick by infection, cyanobacteria can make people sick through the toxic substances they produce. These cyanotoxins can cause rashes, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. In rare cases, water laced with cyanobacteria and their toxins can cause seizures, paralysis, and liver failure, which can kill a human or a pet.

For families with children and pets, it is best to avoid all bodies of water that look green and overgrown. They may contain toxin-producing cyanobacteria.

Tip: Read and follow any posted warnings. If the lake or pond looks green or another strong color such as blue, yellow, or brown, it’s best to avoid it. The water may or may not contain harmful cyanotoxins, but it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Can my children play near a lake or pond with an algal bloom?

When a lake has a harmful algal bloom, cyanotoxins can be found in the water and in algal scum on the shore. Activities like boating and waterskiing, or waves crashing on the beach, can release cyanotoxins into the air above and around contaminated lakes.

Swimming is the most worrisome activity because children and youth might swallow a few gulps of contaminated water. In 2002, a teenage boy died in Wisconsin after swimming in a golf course pond covered with blue-green algae. Such severe poisonings are rare, but children across the United States are at risk from accidental exposures.

Even when they don’t swim in contaminated water, children are especially vulnerable to cyanotoxins. Children might inhale cyanotoxins when playing along the shoreline, boating, or splashing in the water. Small children often put their hands in their mouths – this can be dangerous if they’ve touched algal scum on the shoreline or in the water.

Tip: Just touching the water or playing in the sand next to an algae-filled lake could cause coughing, rashes, and itching in children.

Tip: Warn teens about algal blooms if they are visiting a lake or pond without adult supervision.

What happens if you have accidental contact with toxic algae?

Watch out for symptoms that may seem like the flu or a GI infection. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, weakness, cramping, and headaches. Symptoms can develop within a few hours of exposure. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you or your child has been exposed to a harmful algal bloom. Physicians can report algal poisoning events to state agencies that test water and post warning signs.

Tip: If you think your child has come in contact with an algal bloom, rinse their body with water and make sure they drink plenty of water as soon as possible.

Tip: Pay close attention if your child has unusual symptoms after playing in or on the water. Contact your physician or local Poison Control Center for advice.

Can my family go fishing?

If you are going fishing, it’s best to head to a flowing body of water like a river. Otherwise, choose a lake or pond that isn’t covered in scum, and read local fish advisories.

When cyanotoxin levels are high, you may see dead fish floating in the water. Fish can absorb these poisonous substances, so eating a fish caught in algae-laden water could be like swallowing a spoonful of lake water itself. Cooking fish does not destroy cyanotoxins.

Can my family go camping?

Water purification during camping is key! Boiling water kills cyanobacteria, but does not destroy their harmful toxins. Avoid using such water for cooking or drinking, even if it’s been boiled. Public health agencies recommend avoiding all lake and pond water when it looks cloudy. This includes using it to rinse dishes or bathe. It’s a wise idea to always carry Hand Sanitizer if you do go camping in an area with this toxic water so that if you do happen to come across it and touch it, you can kill as many germs as possible.

How widespread is the problem?

Cyanotoxin poisonings are likely underreported for two reasons: They’re difficult to diagnose and there is no national reporting system. EWG’s analysis found that, since 2010, nearly 300 blooms have been recorded in lakes, rivers, and bays in 48 states, which are displayed in our interactive map.

Some states have their own monitoring programs. In 2015, a New York state pilot program reported 32 cases of algal bloom-associated illnesses for individuals of all ages. The youngest person affected was 2 years old. People affected by cyanotoxins in the New York study experienced rashes, coughing, abdominal pains, nausea and vomiting. No people required hospitalization, but two dogs died.

In recent years, harmful algal blooms have erupted in every state. In 2017 alone, California authorities posted 141 advisory signs near different bodies of water to warn people to avoid them. In 2016, Florida declared a state of emergency in four counties affected by a huge algal bloom.

And harmful algal blooms aren’t just a problem in freshwater – they can also be found in saltwater and brackish water. So, people heading to lakeside cottages with their families or pets should be especially careful. Visiting a cottage with a dog and your kids is meant to be a fun and carefree experience, but algal blooms seem to be getting in the way of that.

Why do toxic algal blooms form?

Toxic algal blooms occur when chemical pollution from farms and other sources runs off into neighboring bodies of water. While algal blooms can happen naturally, the recent spike is indisputably linked to farm pollution. When fertilizer and animal manure runoff into lakes, streams, and bays, fertilizer chemicals like nitrogen and phosphorus can spur the unchecked growth of cyanobacteria.

Algal bloom and children’s health expert Todd Miller, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, called algal blooms “a symptom of a larger problem we have with inadequate protections for water resources and improper land management,” in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Billions of pounds of fertilizers and manure are applied to farm fields every year. The fields must be carefully managed and protected to keep these chemicals from washing off fields into ponds, lakes, and rivers. Right now, we rely on farmers to voluntarily take steps to stem pollution, but far too many aren’t doing what’s needed. The long-term solution to the toxic algal bloom problem is ensuring that all farming operations meet basic standards of care for water, and stop fertilizer from running off fields.

For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s resources.

‍

DRO-100 HE PLUS: a brand new all-inclusive under the counter drinking water system is now available from Dime Water, Inc.

This new system is constructed to not only reduce all known water contaminants by 90% or higher but also adds healthy benefits to the water that you drink. Using reverse osmosis, this new system provides cleaner water for drinking, beverages you prepare such as coffee, tea, and foods, like soup for example.

After the reverse osmosis process, our new system utilizes a custom cartridge that allows three important things to occur to further improve your water.

First, pH levels are adjusted to the alkalinity level you prefer ranging from neutral of 7 to over 8.5 depending on the raw water chemistry.

Second, the vital to life electrolytes calcium and magnesium are added to the water from natural sources as well as enhanced taste.

Finally, the DRO-100 HE PLUS stands apart from other filtrations systems by adding molecular hydrogen to the water as a therapeutic antioxidant. A publication in the 2016 National Institute of Health by Dr. Lei Huang, M.D. talks about the health benefits of cleansing the human body of oxidants at a cellular level. A measurable negative ORP of the treated water confirms the antioxidant properties of our water.

All of this is accomplished with the most efficient recovery of treated water available at 76%. This reduction of wasted water is critical to the environment as is the elimination of plastic bottles now that the water is treated in the home.

And did we mention the super production capacity of the DRO-100 HE PLUS is 100 gallons per day! This virtually guarantees you’ll never run out of this delicious & healthy water.

There is a difference between watercolor and tap water color. The first is a type of painting. The second is something you don’t want to see when you turn on a faucet in your house.

The answer to the question posed by this blog’s title – what color is your water? – should be ‘none.’ Your water should be clear. If it’s not, it probably isn’t going to taste as good, and it may be doing damage to your plumbing.

It could be the exact opposite too. Faulty and rusted pipes in residential buildings are notorious for contaminating the water supply. To solve the problem of rusty pipes, you could try this trusted Chicago plumber, if not for one who operates closer to you.

Remember, you need to have top-notch plumbing in your home to ensure a steady supply of clean water. In addition to that, you should do some groundwork to find out where you’re getting your water supply from, and how it is treated before it reaches your home.

This is important because certain supplies may not have the filtration systems to completely remove toxins and other similar contaminants. Such cases would require you to take an extra step and install a filter and a water softener if you want water that is free of chemicals and heavy metals.

So, let’s move on to what can affect the color and taste of the water that comes out of the taps in your house. Does your water have a slightly yellow or grey coloring? That is likely caused by iron or manganese. It’s not dangerous, but it’s not something you ever want to see.

Does your water have a slightly yellow or gray coloring? That is likely caused by iron or manganese. It’s not dangerous, but it’s not something you ever want to see.

Is it red or brown? This can happen with older homes that are still using their original iron pipes, which are subject to rust. It’s also a sign that those pipes may not have many good days left. In this case, it would be a smart move to get a Residential Plumber to replace it as soon as possible. It’s vital to act quickly, because the high iron content in the water could affect your health and cause skin irritation, hair loss, allergies, and more.

A blue or green tint in your water or fixtures is a sign of copper pipes corrosion that may need attention. For some of these challenges, you’ll need the help of a plumber. Don’t attempt to try and repair the pipes yourself as you may end up doing more harm than good. You might end up racking a bill that would be cheap if you let it be. So, leave it to the professionals if you’re unsure!

But for the most common tap water color issues, there are steps you can take to restore the clean, healthy look and taste of your drinking water.

You’ll find several of those options on our website: Filtration and reverse osmosis systems that reduce dirt and rust; water conditioners that remove contaminants such as iron and manganese from your municipal water supply; water softeners that prevent chemical deposits. Contact us for help in deciding which solution is best for you.

‍

Bottled Water Cost

Americans will spend $16 billion on bottled water this year. Think about it – millions of us every day will go out and pay to get something that is more or less the same as what comes out of our kitchen faucet.

Of course, it’s that ‘more or less’ detail that makes all the difference.

Bottled water, whether it is labeled as artesian, mineral or spring water, is regulated by the FDA and must meet that organization’s water quality standards. That gives us a sense of confidence that this water is healthier and safer, and it usually tastes better too.

But what if you could achieve those same levels of quality and taste in your tap water? How much money would that add back into your family’s budget?

Is It Just Tap Water?

Believe it or not, even if you buy water from the store you may be drinking someone’s tap water anyway. Pictures of mountains and glaciers on bottle labels help consumers to visualize the purity of a clear stream in the reverse osmosisckies, but that doesn’t mean that is where the contents originated.

Those brands that do put more effort into their product will filter water using reverse osmosis, which removes impurities and particles larger than .001 microns. But that is something you can do as well.

Dimewater Inc. offers several reverse osmosis systems that remove bacteria, pyrogens, viruses, pesticides, dissolved solids, sulfates, radioactive contaminants, pharmaceuticals, and other harmful particles from your water.  Choose from our standard product line of reverse osmosis systems or choose to utilize our in-house engineering team to design a custom engineered system based upon your needs.

Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today.

‍

Filtered water health benefits you may not have considered. Water is such an essential part of our lives that we use it several times a day without even thinking about it.

But it is important to think about because the quality of the water you use has a direct impact on the quality of your life, and the lives of your family. If you would like to order some quality water then you may want to order some from customwater.com.

Why consider a residential water filter? Here are four reasons:

1. It Removes Unhealthy Substances

This is one of the most obvious filtered water health benefits of water filtration, and the most significant. Obviously, you would prefer that the water you drink out of the tap, the water you bathe and shower in, and the water you put in your pet’s water dish be as clean and healthy and free from contaminants as possible. Water filtration achieves this goal and allows you to use your tap water with confidence. However, you need to ensure that you get one that suits your home requirements. One way to do so is by getting an expert opinion from plumbing services such as Tom Moffett Plumbing ( to know more, check www.moffettplumbing.com/areas-we-serve/plumber-seal-beach-ca/).

2. The Water Tastes Better

One of the most pleasing by-products of healthier water is that it tastes better as well. Think of what you’re spending now on bottled water – what if you could get that same taste out of the tap? With water filtration systems, this is very possible!

3. Doing Your Part for the Environment

When you stop using bottled water, you stop having to dispose of all those empty plastic water bottles, which is good for the environment – and probably good for your refrigerator, as you’ll have an extra shelf to fill with food now that all those bottles are gone.

4. Food and Other Beverages Tastes Better Too

Water is often used in food and drink preparation, whether it is soup, tea, lemonade, or chicken stock. It’s used to clean vegetables, to boil potatoes or pasta, and to dilute sauces so they are less viscous. When that water has been filtered, it will make so many of the foods you eat tastier and healthier.

‍

Hard water and skin problems can go hand in hand. Hard water is generally considered more of a nuisance than a health issue.

When people use water conditioners to eliminate hard water from their homes, they do so to protect their fixtures and appliances, to improve the appearance of clothing after it is washed, and to stop scale buildup on ceramic tile and shower doors, as well as spots on their glasses and dishes.

But a recent study from England offers another reason to keep hard water away from your home and your family. It suggests that hard water may damage our protective skin barrier, which can lead to the development of such skin conditions as eczema.

Those most vulnerable to eczema are infants. According to Web MD, between 10% and 20% of babies and small children will contract this itchy skin infection.

Hard water could also worsen existing skin conditions such as psoriasis. In fact, psoriasis is not just a skin condition but it can consequently lead to joint pain (known as psoriatic arthritis), depressive symptoms, and lower quality of life. Nowadays, there are more natural remedies out there (know the connection between medical marijuana and psoriasis) to help diminish and manage symptoms. However, using hard water should be a complete no-no for people with this condition.

Hard water contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium ions, that can stick to skin and also stick to the soap that we use for washing. Prolonged exposure reduces the skin’s natural defenses.

In addition to an increased eczema risk, a compromised skin barrier could also contribute to the development of other conditions, including sunburn. However, a variety of products such as an eczema relief cream or acne reduction cream might help reduce such skin problems. Some doctors might even recommend using different kinds of topical steroids, which can be highly useful, no doubt. However, such methods might come along with the risk of topical steroid withdrawal, which can cause more irritation to the skin, and ultimately require therapy to get under control. Hence, it might be safest to stick to regular skincare products or the ones you trust. You can find the right ones for your skin by taking a quick look online. Little research into ingredients and properties of serums by reading a propaira review or others could be beneficial in deciding which product can work for specific issues. Nevertheless, water being a vital part of skincare and health, it becomes important to ensure its quality as well.

The researchers who prepared the study then looked into whether removing the calcium and magnesium ions using an ion-exchange water softener could halt the negative effects. And that’s exactly what it did.

The link between hard water and skin problems such as eczema is just one more reason to consider adding a water softener to your home.

At Dimewater Inc., our engineers are always prepared to help you choose the right water softener to meet your needs. Contact us at 760.734.5787.

‍

The EPA has made a preliminary determination to regulate strontium in the nation’s drinking water and will evaluate public feedback following a 60-day public comment period in order to determine whether to issue a final determination to regulate strontium.

If this determination will be made, the EPA will begin the process of developing a proposed rule, with hopes of publishing the final regulatory determinations in 2015, as mentioned in the October 20th, 2014 news release.

The press release also mentions 4 other contaminants (dimethoate, 1,3 dinitrobenzene, terbufos, and terbufos sulfone), which do not require regulation at this time, as they are either not found or are found at low levels of occurrence in public water systems.

What Is Strontium and How Does It Affect Our Health?

Strontium is a natural and commonly occurring element, usually found in nature in the form of minerals. Pure strontium is a hard, white-colored metal, but cannot be found in this form in the environment. There are 2 types of strontium compounds: those that dissolve in water and those that do not. Strontium can also exist as radioactive isotopes, with strontium-90 being the most hazardous of the radioactive isotopes of this chemical element. It forms in nuclear reactors or during the explosion of nuclear weapons.

Strontium-90 is used in medical and agricultural studies, thermoelectric devices, navigational beacons, remote weather stations and space vehicles, electron tubes, radioluminescent markers, and for the treatment of eye diseases. Appearing adjacent to calcium on the Periodic Table of Elements, strontium is not toxic. However, it has the ability to displace calcium in the bones of humans and animals, which can result in poor bone quality and/or bone development issues in infants.

Because strontium is so prevalent in the earth’s crust it appears in an estimated 99% of municipal water supplies and further estimated that 10% of all sources will have levels deemed excessive.

Strontium-90 behaves like calcium in the human body and tends to deposit in bone and bloodforming tissue (bone marrow). Thus, strontium-90 is referred to as a “bone seeker,” and exposure will increase the risk for several diseases including bone cancer, cancer of the soft tissue near the bone, and leukemia. Risks from exposure depend on the concentration of strontium-90 in air, water, and soil. At higher exposures, such as those associated with the Chernobyl accident, the cancer risks may be elevated. The magnitude of this health risk would depend on exposure conditions, such as the amount ingested.

EPA Facts about Strontium-90

Has the EPA made Any Recommendations to Protect Human Health?

The EPA has established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 millirems per year for beta particle and photon radioactivity from man-made radionuclides in drinking water. The average concentration for strontium-90 that is assumed to yield 4 millirems per year is 8 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L). Also, if other radionuclides that emit beta particles and photon radioactivity are present in addition to strontium-90, the sum of the annual dose from all the radionuclides cannot exceed 4 millirems/year.

Removing Radioactive or Natural Strontium from Water

Conventional treatment was not effective at removing strontium from the water but the following processes were found to be highly effective for the removal of radioactive or natural strontium:

• adsorptive media: up to 99% removal
• reverse osmosis: >99% removal
• ion exchange: greater than 99% removal

A number of adsorptive media were effective for studies with strontium-90, with a synthetic zeolite being most effective at 75-80% removal and bentonite clay at higher pH (7.4 to 8), removing 85-90% of the strontium-90 from water. Hydrated manganese oxide at higher pH (8 to 10) was most effective at removing natural strontium, with 90-92% removal.

Removal of strontium-90 by 2 cation exchange media was found to be highly effective, greater than 99% removal in one case, based on one study involving bench-scale isotherm tests using groundwater. Also, removal improved with contact time. Ion exchange has proven to be the Best Available Technology for the control of beta particle emitters like strontium-90.

Natural strontium was effectively removed with membrane separation (97 to greater than 99%) and reverse osmosis is the Best Available Technology for the control of beta particle emitters like radioactive strontium. Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today to learn more about strontium and how to remove it from your water!

Resources:

• http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=654&tid=120
• https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radionuclide-basics-strontium-90

‍

Your family’s safety is not merely your responsibility. It should be one of your greatest priorities in life. Dangers can come from different sources so you have to be vigilant all the time. You should be aware that some of the major culprits behind many serious health risks are likely penetrating your home on a daily basis through your water faucet. Dime Water can help you in providing filtered water for your family in San Diego, CA.

Dime Water in San Diego, California, a water treatment manufacturer, manufactures the best quality water systems at the lowest available prices. Call us now at (760) 734-5787 for inquiries.

‍

Want to promote healthy skin and proper digestion? Interested in a natural detoxifier? Wondering how you can get these perks? Drink a glass of water. Water is a basic necessity; it fuels organ function, flushes toxins from the body and helps the body work with optimal efficiency. The body is more than two-thirds water, and keeping it hydrated is vital. Other reasons to have water as a regular part of your day include:

Healthy blood and bones. Your blood is over 80 percent water and your bones are over 50 percent water. Proper hydration allows the body to move nutrients through the blood, strengthening red blood cells and delivering nutrients like calcium to bones. Hydration is also required to optimize the creation of new blood and bone cells.

Toxin elimination. Skip the fancy (and costly) detox plans. Water travels through the body, pulling impurities along with it. Plain water naturally helps remove toxins as it moves through the lymphatic system, intestines and kidneys. The toxins are flushed from your body without taking your money along with it. Water has been known to be very effective in being able to get rid of all the toxins that are in your body. But what if there is a chance that it doesn’t work as effectively as you want it too? That’s when you may be required to spend a little bit of money to help you to feel better. This ionic foot detox machine is just one of the many options that you can consider if you want to ensure that all of the toxins can be flushed from your body in a similar way to what water can provide. Other ways of detoxing can include natural supplements as part of an overall cleanse. Companies similar to loveyourliver.com can offer products that complement a well-balanced detox plan. It may be best to think about drinking plenty of water first before thinking about other possibilities.

Lubricated joints. Your joints are surrounded by fluid that allows them to move freely. Hydrated, free-moving joints are able to perform their proper function. Water helps protect against wear and tear and can even help reduce joint pain. Another way to help reduce joint pain is to look at natural treatments that can ease issues that may be plaguing you with your joint and muscles but are less invasive than medical procedures (if not a necessity). Medical marijuana, like the grape cookies strain, has been seen to be highly beneficial in this area and have people discussing with their doctors how to go about this.

Proper digestion. Water moves food through the digestive system and helps prevent constipation by adding bulk to stools and fluid to the colon.

Even minor dehydration can lead to headaches, irritability, impaired concentration, and fatigue. The human brain is 85 percent water; drinking water keeps the brain hydrated and is essential for proper functioning.
Healthy skin. Water hydrates from the inside out, helping to maintain the elasticity of the skin. Hydrated skin helps you look younger, complete with that healthy youthful glow.

‍

‍

The shade balls are not necessarily a new invention to help solve our global water issues, they have been around for quite a while, but they have known by the name or “Bird Balls”, “Hallow Balls” or “Armor Balls”, and they have been used by the airports to prevent birds from nesting on the runways. The FAA approved them and it was such a good solution to their problem with wildlife that they are still using them today.

However, the novelty about these shade balls is that now, they are being used to prevent water from evaporation. The city of Los Angeles has coated its reservoirs in millions of black plastic balls, being the first city to use this type of innovation for water quality control. In a press release, the city claims shade balls are a “cost-effective way to reduce evaporation each year by nearly 300 million gallons, enough to provide drinking water for 8,100 people for a full year.” LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) is the first utility company to use this technology and the deployment of 20,000 shade balls on August 10 marked the final phase of an effort that involved the deployment of 96 million shade balls into the 175-acre reservoir.

The balls cost 36 cents each, for a total of $34.5 million. Located in Sylmar, the reservoir holds up to 3.3 billion gallons, which is enough to supply the city with drinking water for up to 3 weeks. This project brings the LA Reservoir into compliance with new federal water quality mandates and is expected to save $250 million when compared to other tools considered to meet this goal. The shade balls will also prevent the annual loss to evaporation of about 300 million gallons of water. The utility has been testing the concept since 2008, reporting that shade balls reduce evaporation by 85% to 90%.

Shade Balls Used as a Health Prevention Method

Since this water was meant for public consumption, an emergency method was needed to reduce the amount of bromate to levels accepted by the health standards. On the other hand, the construction of another reservoir was approximated to take about four years to complete, but people could not afford living with a water shortage for such a long time. As far as the water storage facilities are concerned, the shade balls have also been used to cover the open reservoirs in LA since 2008. Because at that time the Ivanhoe Reservoir registered high amounts of bromate, they had to protect the water from the sunlight.

The solution proved to be very efficient because these shade balls, being spherical, would reverse osmosistate and keep up with the water level and would also cover over 90% of the water surface, which was exactly what they were looking for.

In the midst of California’s historic drought, it takes bold ingenuity to maximize my goals for water conservation. This effort by LADWP is emblematic of the kind of the creative thinking we need to meet those challenges. Together, we’ve led the charge to cut our city’s water usage by 13%, and today we complete an infrastructure investment that saves our ratepayers millions and protects a vital source of drinking water for years to come.

Mayor Eric Garcetti

Shade Balls: Keeping Our Water Clean

Depending on their intended purpose, the shade balls have a ballast filling, which makes them weigh around 160g to 275g, and have a constant diameter of 4 inches. The amount of ballast keeps them 30% to 50% submerged, keeping them floating even on windy weather. The thick membrane cover is not affected by rain, snow or ice, and the special formula of polyethylene does not accommodate vegetarian growth on top, nor the formation of algae underneath the water.

They also serve as an air-water separation mechanism and keep the airborne dust, dirt and grime out of the water, which is another advantage of using them. If there is a lower amount of water or a lower amount of turbidity that has to be filtered, they ultimately save a lot of money out of pumping cost. Because all that water from a reservoir has to be filtered somewhere along the line and the cleaner the water is the less pressure it takes to drive it through their filters.

Shade Balls Reduce Global Water Evaporation

The 4 inches thick water cover acts as a shield against evaporation. By being used to separate the water from the heat of the sun, the average temperature of the surface water is going to be kept lower, and therefore, there is going to be less evaporation and you will save a lot of water. The manufacturers (XavierC, Artisan Screen Process, and Orange Products) say the balls should last about 25 years.

Many people have wondered why these shade balls are a heat-absorbing black instead of light-reflecting white. The purpose of those balls has nothing to do with keeping the reservoirs cool! They block sunlight, so the ultraviolet light does not catalyze bad chemical reactions. The balls are coated in carbon black, a food-safe pigment with an albedo near zero. Both these characteristics are vital in explaining why the balls are a dull light-absorbing black instead of a shiny light-reflecting white.

The balls are painted black because the color provides more protection than any translucent or opaque color would, as Sydney Chase, a spokeswoman for XavierC said.

After decades of testing, black has been deemed the color that provides the best protection. The other issue is sun protection — sunlight reflects right off the surface instead of penetrating through, like it would with translucent colors. The color concentrate is made of a certain material, and that also has to be tested to make sure it complies with drinking water standards.

Sydney Chase, spokeswoman for XavierC

Why Are Shade Balls Efficient?

It is a pretty good concept, they are inexpensive, and it surely makes a whole lot of sense to use them. The shade balls work best as air-water separation system when they are used to cover open reservoirs that have a nice concrete side to it and are of a clean geometrical shape, like a rectangular or even an oval. To learn more about how you can save water during these difficult times, contact us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our engineers.

Resources:

• http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/08/150812-shade-balls-los-angeles-California-drought-water-environment/
• https://gizmodo.com/why-are-drought-balls-black-instead-of-white-1724040253
• https://mashable.com/archive/los-angeles-reservoir-shade-balls
• https://www.ladwpnews.com/category/water-conservation/

‍

Swiss food giant Nestlé might be forced to shut down its water bottling plants after Eddie Kurtz, the executive director of the California-based Courage Campaign has petitioned the California Water Resources Control Board regarding Nestlé’s water consumption. The company (as well as many others) is using the bottled water industry to bottle for profit water that they pipe from public lands, pump from the desert and draw from municipal water supplies.

While citizens are asked to watch and reduce their own water consumption, the company’s 5 bottled water plants and 4 food factories in the state collectively consume about 1 billion gallons of water each year, which amounts to 0.008% of the 13 trillion gallons of annual water use in the state. However, a shutdown of operations in California will not fix the drought, as Nestlé explained on their website.

Bottled Water Industry and Water Use

Despite the bottled water industry’s size, the amount of water used is relatively tiny compared to tap water volumes. According to the UCLA Institute for Environment and Sustainability, at almost 80%, agriculture is the largest user of water in the state, followed by urban residential use at 13%. Have you ever wondered what the water footprint of products we purchase is? High water use can also be less obvious. For example:

• 1 pound of beef – 1,799 gallons
• 1 pound of chicken – 468 gallons
• 1 ounce of chocolate bar – 200 gallons
• 1 pound of potatoes – 119 gallons
• 1 egg – 53 gallons
• 1 apple – 18 gallons
• 1 slice of bread – 11 gallons

Bottled water is a very efficient water user, as 100% of it is intended for human consumption. Conversely, only about 2% of tap water is used for human consumption, according to the International Bottled Water Association. Drinking bottled water is a healthy choice, reducing the overall beverage environmental footprint and keeping people away from unhealthy soft drink consumption. Also, bottled water is comprehensively regulated by the FDA, which has regulations governing the safety and quality of bottled water at least as stringent as the EPA standards for tap water.

How Is Bottled Water Made?

Many bottled water companies use public water sources for their purified bottled water products, thus supporting a strong public water system, which is important for providing people with safe drinking water. Many people believe that purified bottled water is just plain tap water in a bottle, but, once the water enters the bottling plant, there are several processes employed to ensure the water meets the FDA purified water standard. Bottled water treatments may employ one or more of the following processes:

• reverse osmosis
• distillation
• micro-filtration
• carbon filtration
• ozonation
• UV light treatment

The finished water product is then placed in a bottle under sanitary conditions and sold. In an era where more and more people are concerned about their water quality, an excellent business to consider is a water store. Dime Water Inc. provides a range of water store/water bottling units and we build them in a variety of different sizes, anywhere from 1000 gallons a day up to 100.000 gallons a day. Call us today at 760.734.5787 for specifics.

Resources:

• http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/california-drought/ban-bottled-water-industry-scrutinized-parched-california-n357256
• http://www.bottledwater.org/
• http://www.bottledwater.org/california-drought
• http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/BuyStoreServeSafeFood/ucm077079.htm

‍

Improving Water Education:

21 federal grants were recently awarded to universities for the purpose of supporting critical water education programming in agricultural watersheds and rural areas across the country. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, through the institute’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative “Water for Agriculture” challenge and the National Integrated Water Quality Program.

The University of Wisconsin- Madison has received one of those 21 grants, and their portion of the more than $10 million in agricultural water grants is $900,000. These grants represent the first year of funding for the Water for Agriculture program.

“Think Water”

“Water is our most precious resource, one that is essential for both human survival and well-being, and for our ability to grow our crops and livestock,” said Sonny Ramaswamy, institute director. “By funding research, extension and education for citizens and the agriculture community, we are able to proactively create solutions to water-related issues like drought and its impact on food security.”

The University has a long tradition of providing leadership in multiple areas of agriculture and, with the new grant, educators will broaden the project’s water-education focus beyond youth to include water education for adults and research specifically focused on crucial agricultural water-use and –impact issues.

What is ThinkWater? NEW from Cabrera Research on Vimeo.The UW was initially awarded a $2.6 million federal grant in 2011 for their project, which focused on improving water education for youth to create greater understanding and caring with regard to water issues.

Why Should We Be Concerned About Agricultural Water?

Agricultural water is water that is used to grow fresh produce and sustain livestock. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), water used for irrigation accounts for nearly 65% of the world’s freshwater withdrawals, excluding thermoelectric power. There are 330 million acres of land used for agricultural purposes in the United States that produce an abundance of food and other products. Agricultural water is used for:

• irrigation
• pesticides
• fertilizer applications
• crop cooling
• frost control

Poor planning of industrial sites, animal farms, and barnyards and feedlots can easily affect the water quality. Poor water quality can affect the quality of food crops and lead to illness in those who consume them. Agricultural water can become contaminated through a variety of ways and can potentially spread bacteria, viruses, and parasites to crops and animals. Agricultural activities that cause nonpoint source pollution include:

• overgrazing
• overworking the land (for example, plowing too often)
• poorly managed and ineffective application of pesticides, irrigation water, and fertilizer
• poorly managed animal feeding operations

Certain microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium, blue-green algae, or Staphylococcus, can be toxic to animals and cause symptoms like diarrhea, lack of coordination, labored breathing, or death. Ill animals can then release millions of infectious microbes into the soil that can further contaminate other water sources. Disease-causing organisms can rapidly spread if animals are drinking from the same trough, so it is important that livestock are provided with adequate amounts of quality water, free of contamination. Also, irrigating crops with contaminated water can lead to contaminated food products, which will lead to illness when eaten.

Water Treatment Solutions for the Agriculture Market

Agriculture-related operations produce a range of wastewaters requiring a variety of treatment technologies and management practices. Water treatment technologies employed for the agriculture markets include:

• biological treatment
• disinfection
• filtration
• mixing/aeration
• reverse osmosis
• ultrafiltration

At Dime Water Inc., our engineers are always prepared to help you choose the right water treatment technology to meet your needs. Contact us at 760.734.5787!

Resources:

• https://www.agriview.com/news/crop/agriculture-water-issues-uw-receives-federal-grant/article_831956f7-b146-5fc7-ae36-b51855fb8771.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/other/agricultural/index.html
• https://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/footprint/agriculture/impacts/water_use/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_wastewater_treatment

‍

New line of custom-built water treatment products

Wellness enthusiasts and water purists rejoice! Dime Water Inc. is proud to announce our new line of custom-built water treatment products in the wellness industry, which we call WFP (Water for Purists). Since our inception, we evolved with the thought that innovative ideas regarding our drinking water are most welcome, thus, we are always researching and experimenting with products that we believe can bring significant changes to a household’s drinking water quality.

Water for Purists is an idea born considering our human nature and the ever-growing need to know what it is in our water. People are becoming more and more informed and aware of water’s properties as a result of numerous scientific studies and publications. Many authors have contributed to elevate the awareness of the public as to how can water quality be improved, and many people have started taking action and considering various water treatment units for their homes and businesses.

We at Dime Water Inc. have a passion for water. Inspired by renowned scientists from all over the world such as Dr. Batmanghelidj, Wm. D. Holloway, Herb Joiner-Bey, Masaru Emoto, Viktor Schauberger, Dr. reverse osmosis Becker, Bruce Taino, just to name a few of those who contributed to elevate awareness of the mysteries of water, we have developed a new product line, actually series of products that we refer to as WFP (Water For Purists) units.

Dianne Kuypers, President of Dime Water Inc.

5 Series with Incredible Efficiency

These custom-built units are designed to treat a single point of use or the entire house, depending on what our clients request. The series developed by our talented, skillful and experienced team includes:

• WFP-1 Series: Filters
• WFP-2 Series: Oxygenation
• WFP-3 Series: Vortexing
• WFP-4 Series: Frequency Addition
• WFP-5 Series: Ozonation AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process)

WFP-1 Series: Filters

This series includes single and dual counter top cartridge filters. The units we provide are portable, adaptable to faucet spouts and allow selection of treated/untreated water through a diverter valve. They are specially designed to keep under control:

• alkalinity
• chloramines
• chlorine
• electrolytes
• fluoride
• heavy metals
• TDS
• volatile organics

WFP-2 Series: Oxygenation

These custom-built units restore the oxygen level in your drinking water to a level of your choosing. The units can also be added to existing reverse osmosis units or incorporated into other Dime Water Inc. products. Our custom-built systems use 80% pure oxygen. Another advantage is that the presence of oxygen in drinking water assists protective coating formation on the inside of metal water transport pipes.

WFP-3 Series: Vortexing

The WFP-3 Series are available for whole house systems, drinking water-only units but can also be incorporated in Maxicure™, Aquafer™, Aquafer Plus™ and ESF™ units. The vortex phenomenon, which these units are able to recreate, is able to bring back vital life into your water. The Aquafer offers treated water for less than $1 a day.

WFP-4 Series: Frequency Addition

We have designed custom units that impart the frequency of 62-68 cycles per second, which is believed to be a healthy body’s natural intracellular frequency. Users can also adjust the frequency from 8-20,000 cycles per seconds for drinking water-only or for all water in their home.

WFP-5 Series: Ozonation AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process)

Dime Water Inc. has designed and manufactured the WFP-5 Series for drinking water and whole house applications. Combined with UV light treatment, ozone is known to be extremely effective in removing bacteria and organics from the water, leaving your water free from any organic contaminants of concern.

We manufacture all items so you can be assured of excellent value in pricing, quality and durability. If anyone is interested in a process not displayed in our series, we can always be contacted with requests.

Michael Colburn, Vice President and Chief Engineer at Dime Water Inc.

Prices for our custom-built WFP units are all available upon request. Contact us at 760.734.5787 for more information about our products!

Resources:

• http://www.prweb.com/releases/pure-water/wellness/prweb12421348.htm

The residents of Lorain, OH have been facing the issue of brown water running out their faucets for more than 6 years and dozens of fire hydrants outside their homes are not working. There are 3,200 hydrants in the city and currently 220 are what the city calls non-operational or low flow. The residents of this close knit community have been reassured however that in the event of a fire, fire fighters will have enough water to put it out despite not being able to use the hydrants.

Some residents use home filtration systems to treat the water but even after that they avoid drinking it. City of Lorain Director of Public Safety reverse osmosisbert Fowler said the problem lies below the ground and blames the old water lines for the low pressure to the fire hydrants. More than $75 million will be spent to replace the pipes, and the process is expected to be completed early next year. No doubt the replacement pipes will have been carefully made, and potentially have even gone through somewhere like this induction hardening in Wisconsin company to ensure that they are going to be fit for purpose and able to handle the volume of water that will be flowing through them. Officials say this should fix many of the water issues throughout the city.

What Is the Cause of My Brown Water Problem?

In order to choose the right water treatment system for your household, we first need to identify the problem we are dealing with. Contaminants can be health threatening at the MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) but are not considered to present a risk at the SMCL (Second Maximum Contaminant Level). Secondary standards have been set by the EPA to give public water systems some guidance on removing these chemicals to levels below what most people will find noticeable. The EPA also requested that households still dealing with brown water get in touch with a plumbing service that offers drain cleaning services such as Apollo Plumbing (https://www.apolloplumbing.net/services/drain-cleaning/), which can help to clean and purge their system, ridding it of any excess contaminants.

This step is to be taken should any of the following problems present themselves. There is a wide variety of problems related to secondary contaminants, which can be grouped into 3 categories:

• aesthetic effects: undesirable tastes and odors
• cosmetic effects: do not damage the body but are still undesirable
• technical effects: damage to water equipment, reduced effectiveness of treatment for other contaminants

Aesthetic Effects

Taste, color and odor are useful indicators of water quality. Present methods to measure taste and odor are fairly subjective, and some odors are noticeable even when present in extremely small amounts, making it very expensive and often impossible to identify, much less remove the odor-producing contaminant. Color can indicate:

• dissolved organic material
• inadequate treatment
• high disinfectant demand
• the potential for the production of excess amounts of disinfectant by-products
• inorganic contaminants (metals, for example)

Foaming can also occur, being caused by detergents and similar substances when water has been agitated or aerated. Foaming is commonly associated with an off-taste, described as oily, fishy or perfume-like.

• Standards related to odor and taste: chloride, copper, foaming agents, iron, manganese, pH, sulfate, threshold odor number (TON), total dissolved solids, zinc.
• Standards related to color: aluminum, color, copper, foaming agents, iron, manganese, total dissolved solids.

Cosmetic Effects

Silver and fluoride are 2 great examples of contaminants that cause cosmetic effects. Silver ingestion can cause skin discoloration, called argyria. Although it does not impair body function and has never been found to be caused by drinking water in the US, the EPA has set a standard for silver because it is used as an antibacterial agent in many home water treatment systems. Excess fluoride in drinking water has been a subject of debate for many years, being linked to a number of health effects in children.

Technical Effects

Corrosivity, staining related to corrosion, scaling and sedimentation are processes which have economic impacts, apart from affecting the aesthetic quality of water. Corrosion of iron and copper may stain household fixtures and can give the water a metallic taste, apart from red or blue-green color. If corrosion occurs at the distribution system pipes, the water flow will be reduced. If there is a lot of piping under the foundation of the home that is experiencing this corrosion, it could lead to foundation issues with the need for foundation crack repair in St Louis MO services to be called in to assess what needs to be done to repair and replace the materials in the foundation.

• Standards related to corrosion and staining: chloride, copper, corrosivity, iron, manganese, pH, total dissolved solids, zinc.
• Standards related to scale and sediments: iron, pH, total dissolved solids, aluminum.

Water Treatment Solutions for These Problems

If you notice issues with your water or if you are concerned that your water may be contaminated, the first step to take is to identify your local public water system. Next, contact your local public water system and inquire about your supplier’s monitoring for secondary contaminants. You may receive a public notice regarding drinking standards and a list of secondary contaminants, which are being monitored.

Lorain residents have 2 options when it comes to treating their water. If they want to treat all of the water in their house, then a backwashing filter should be used. The filter needs to contain mixed media, one media being an activated manganese ore and the other being a material called a filter A+, put together in the same tank. The backwashing filter is considered a POE (Point-Of-Entry) system and will provide nice, clear water throughout the house.

If the concern is just in drinking water areas, then they can put a 5-micron cartridge filter underneath the bathroom or kitchen sink. This is a POU (Point-Of-Use) system. The good news is that Lorain’s water can be filtered out, as the problem comes from old water pipes. Even if it is yucky-looking, typically there would not be any health issues with it.

At Dime Water Inc., our engineers are always prepared to help you choose the right water treatment technology to meet your needs.

Contact us at 760.734.5787!

Resources:

• https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/secondary-drinking-water-standards-guidance-nuisance-chemicals

How contaminated water affects your health

Our bodies are about 60% water and every organ depends on water to function properly. Apart from drinking enough water every day, its quality is also very important for our health. The US EPA has set standards for more than 80 contaminants that may occur in drinking water and pose a risk to human health. Microbial and organic contaminants cannot always be detected by human senses and you might go years before realizing a problem exists. Whether your water comes from a community water system, a well or you are using bottled water, you can unknowingly be increasing your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other conditions arising from contaminated water.

Some common waterborne contaminants include: aluminum, ammonia, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chloramine, chromium, copper, fluoride, bacteria, viruses, lead, nitrates/nitrites, mercury, and uranium.

Low Quality Drinking Water Affects Your Health

A typical American uses around 80 to 100 gallons of water every day. Everyone knows that water and health are linked, but good quality water can also help your appliances function properly and have a longer lifespan. According to the CDC, the top causes of disease outbreaks related to drinking water are Giardia intestinalis, hepatitis A, norovirus, and Shigella.

Delays in physical and mental development, short attention spans, and learning difficulties in children are linked to high levels of lead in drinking water. Also, Cryptosporidium is responsible for life-threatening diarrhea and arsenic in drinking water can lead to nerve, heart, skin and blood vessel damage.

Arsenic is highly dangerous even in trace amounts that naturally occur in well water, doubling the risk of developing stroke and dying from it, heart disease and atherosclerosis. Diabetes, skin, bladder and lung cancer can develop if one consumes water contaminated with arsenic. Arsenic can also cause oral problems, such as tooth decay and cavities. If these cavities are left untreated, it could lead to more serious dental issues. You could look for a dentist who specialises in dental fillings waco tx (or something similar in your location) to find out more about this procedure.

Softened water can save you money by keeping your appliances working at top efficiency and the amount of dish and laundry detergent you use can be cut by half. Studies conducted by the independent test firm Scientific Services S/D, Inc., of New York, revealed the following benefits of softened water:

• in washing machines, softened water can reduce detergent use by 50% and save energy by making it possible to wash in cold rather than hot water
• cold water washes with softened water achieved the same or better results when it came to removing stains and whitening fabrics
• in dishwashers, softened water can achieve the same cleaning results as unsoftened while using less detergent

Fluoride has long been in the center of attention for many who claim that water fluoridation is harmful to health. The American Dental Association admitted that fluoridation does not reduce the number of cavities. If cavities are left untreated, they will soon become larger and can even affect the deeper layers of your tooth. This can lead to severe toothache, infection, and even tooth loss. As a result, you may want to look into options such as dental implants to see how they can restore your smile and improve your overall oral health. But it is important to be aware that fluoride doesn’t prevent cavities from occurring. Your dental health is extremely important, so to make a cleaning appointment on a regular basis can help you achieve a better dental hygiene plan. Also, according to US regulatory agencies, 3 parts per million of fluoride in water:

• produces severe fluorosis of the teeth and bones
• is neurotoxic
• is a cell toxin
• produces organ damage

Dentists that I know say they can always tell when a patient has been drinking fluoridated water because the enamel of their teeth is soft. Fluoride destroys the teeth – that’s what fluorosis is. It just starts making little pits in the enamel, and the whole idea was that you were supposed to be making your teeth stronger. It doesn’t – it destroys them.

Dr. Russell Blaylock, renowned neurosurgeon and editor of the Blaylock Wellness Report

Again, if you have concerns about the condition of your teeth, you might want to do some research into implant dentistry. Dental implants are a unique treatment option for people struggling with one or more missing teeth. If yoor more u’d rmatiln aike tod wi t makeou reaeatment varies widely between practitioners.

Fluoride can also injure the nervous system and even cause cancer. Degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s are possibly linked to drinking fluoridated water. Cancer, behavioral problems, thyroid suppression, male infertility and impotence are also some examples of what may happen to the body when too much fluoride is present. Once in the body, fluoride is very difficult to remove, but some nutrients, including vitamin C and magnesium, can decrease its toxicity.

Dr. Russell Blaylock, renowned neurosurgeon and editor of the Blaylock Wellness Report

Water Treatment Solutions

Depending on what contaminants are present in your drinking water and your daily water use, you can either choose point-of-use (POU) solutions or water treatment systems for the entire building. POU solutions provide the final barrier to the contaminants of concern before water is consumed or used. Some POU technologies can also be applied at the point-of-entry and include:

• activated carbon
• reverse osmosis
• UV technologies
• distillation

Periodically, especially if you are on a well system, you should get your water tested by a reputable laboratory. If the test results show that your water is contaminated with arsenic, chromium or other contaminants, you will need to find someone who is able to correctly interpret the results in order to find the best water treatment solution for your problem.

At Dime Water Inc., our engineers are always prepared to help you choose the right water treatment technology to meet your needs. Contact us at 760.734.5787!

Resources:

• http://www.newsmax.com/Health/Headline/drinking-water-health-dangers/2015/04/05/id/636533/?ns_mail_uid=6054019&ns_mail_job=1615632_04062015&s=al&dkt_nbr=3ssouten
• http://www.wqa.org/Improve-Your-Water/Benefits-of-Good-Water-Quality

‍

The end of Water Problems in Ethiopia

Water is a precious resource in Africa, especially in countries such as Ethiopia, where women are forced to walk for miles to the nearest water source, just to draw contaminated water from shallow, dirty ponds. Unfortunately, most of the times the water is not safe to drink and many people suffer from the lack of access to clean drinking water.

According to the World Health Organization, 34% of Ethiopia’s rural population lacks access to clean drinking water, one of the reasons that 54,000 children die each year from diarrhea. However, a humanitarian approach to architecture and design might be the end of water problems in poverty-stricken countries.

Arturo Vittori is a man with a clear goal set in his mind: providing a relatively cheap, easy to build and maintain eco-friendly alternative water source for Ethiopians. Vittori, founder of the Italian firm Architecture and Vision gathered a team of fellow designers and visited Ethiopian villages in the country’s mountainous northeastern region in 2012. After assessing the water issue in the area, Vittori’s team responded to the problem by developing Warka Water, an alternative water source project with architecturally stunning water collection towers.

The Birth of a Project

Infrastructure is scarce in rural areas of Ethiopia and building a well is neither easy nor affordable. To find water source, you need to drill deep in the ground up to 1,600 ft (500 m) and bringing water to the top requires pumps and electrical equipment, which are both expensive and difficult to maintain.

Air always contains a certain amount of water, irrespective of local ambient temperatures and humidity conditions, making it possible to produce water from air almost anywhere in the world. Locations with high rates of aerosol and humidity are best to install WW, such as the mountainous regions of Ethiopia.

Warka Water (WW) is named after the Warka tree, which is a giant wild fig tree native to Ethiopia. This tree has a very important part in the local culture and ecosystem and serves as a central gathering place in many villages. It is designed to be owned and operated by villagers, and not only provides a fundamental resource for life, but also creates a social place for the community, thanks to its design. WW is a vertical structure designed to harvest potable water from the atmosphere by collecting rain, fog and dew.

However, Warka Water should not be considered as the solution to all water problems in developing countries but rather as a tool that can provide clean water in selected areas, particularly in mountainous regions where conventional pipelines will never reach and where water is not available from wells.

Inspired by Nature

Many plants and animals have developed unique micro- and nano-scale structural features on their surfaces that enable them to collect water from the air and survive in hostile environments, where water is scarce. The Warka’s water harvesting technique and construction system are inspired by several sources found in nature:

• the Namib beetle’s shell
• lotus flower leaves
• spider web threads
• integrated fog collection systems in cactus
• termite hives

The team identified specific materials and coatings that can enhance dew condensation and water flow storage capabilities of the mesh used in the construction of the Warka towers. The design of the outer shell, its airflow, shape and geometry was influenced by termite hives. Weirdly enough, no one like termites and yet here we are designing something after their hive. Obviously, it’s better because no one is struggling with a termite infestation. However, if this is something that you are experiencing then don’t worry, all you have to do is call up someone like termite control los angeles to help you out with your problem. There are a lot of people who suffer from a termite problem. They love wood you see and so reverse osmosistting wood or wood that hasn’t been looked after properly attracts them. This is when there are different types of termite treatment available. The WW team also looked at local cultures and vernacular architecture, incorporating traditional Ethiopian basket-weaving techniques.

Warka Water 3.1 Characteristics

Below are the key details of Warka Water 3.1:

• Daily water collection: 13 to 26 gallons (50 to 100 L), annual average.
• Water tank storage: 264 gallons (1000 L).
• Construction: 4 days, 6 people (by hand, no electrical power machinery required).
• Assembly: 3 hours, 4 people.
• Weight: 132 pounds (60 kg).
• Materials: Bamboo, hemp, metal pins, bio-plastic.
• Dimensions: Height 33 ft (10 m) – Footprint Ø 13 ft (4.2 m).
• Surface Area: Mesh 262 sq ft (80 sq. m), Collector 141 sq ft (43 sq. m), Canopy 285 sq ft (87 sq. m).
• Cost: ~ $1,000 (production in Ethiopia).
• Maintenance: easy to be maintained, cleaned and repaired.

Warka Water 3.1 consists of 5 modules that are very easy to assemble, from top to bottom. The outer frame structure, made with split bamboo elements, is structurally optimized for lightness and strength:

• elegant design of the triangulated frame geometry offers both stability and reverse osmosisbustness
• joints are made with metal pins and hemp reverse osmosispes
• a network of reverse osmosispes provides additional stability
• the tension in the diagonal guy-wire, combined with the compressional strength of the bamboo structure, allows the tower to withstand strong winds
• 8 fixation points placed radially at 26 ft (8 m) distance from the WW base and tightened with 8 polyester reverse osmosispes, which are very low-stretch and ultraviolet resistant
• Inside the bamboo structure hangs the plastic mesh that collects droplets of water from the high humidity in the air and the collector where the dew condensation can happen at night
• a textile canopy around the WW bamboo structure creates a shaded area

Help Warka Water Make a Difference in Ethiopian Villages

So far, Vittori’s team built 9 water towers, one in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, and is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to construct and test 10 new Warka Water 3.2 prototypes. Many usually look for means to give the money directly to the communities (through https://charity.gofundme.com/c/giving-tuesday methods or others), which has its merits, but by developing this product a long term solution could be found. There are 19 days to go and a $40,000 goal, with a little over $16,000 pledged for the project. Vittori and his colleagues also plan to offer training courses to village inhabitants, teaching them how to construct, use, and care for the towers. The water WW collects from the atmosphere in rural regions will likely comply with WHO standards for drinking water purity.

It’s about answering a need. I believe we all should do something to make our planet a better place for all of us and not thinking only to our immediate interests.

Arturo Vittori, CEO and founder of Warka Water

Warka Water Kickstarter Campaign

This is definitely a project that deserves public support and many people will be excited to hear that it could become a reality. Warka Water is a great opportunity to help those truly in need for safe, clean drinking water and could help save thousands of lives each year. Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today to learn more about sustainable water saving practices to apply at home.

Resources:

• http://hyperallergic.com/176874/a-promising-design-solution-for-ethiopias-water-problem/
• http://www.warkawater.com/
• https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/366225655/warka-water-32

‍

Polluted Water Problem Resolved

In recent months, the public has learned that the 2 hot water tanks at Memorial Elementary School in Burlington, MA had failed. The tanks were installed with the new Memorial building in 2011 but failed before reaching their 5-year guarantee, leaving 14 months before they expired. This led to a variety of polluted water problems. In an effort to not have this as a recurring issue, the newly-installed tanks are stainless steel with a 15-year warranty.

High levels of copper and lead were reported in one sink in the cafeteria during one of the several water quality tests conducted annually by the town’s Water Department at each school. The sink was the only one found in the area to test positive for elevated levels of copper and lead. A water fountain was also tested and did not have the same levels.

The School Department subsequently conducted its own investigation with the help of some expert plumbing professionals similar to those at Metro Vancouver Plumbing. The results revealed the need for replacing a back-flow preventer. A new backflow preventer was installed and after another water test was conducted, the department reported copper and lead levels well below the Department of Environmental Protection’s threshold.

Everything is back on and usable except for the one sink in the kitchen, which is not being used for cooking. It is more of a discoloration issue, not a polluted water issue, as the levels are all below where they need to be. It just does not look attractive.

Craig reverse osmosisbinson, Director of Finance and Operations

Copper and Lead in Drinking Water

Copper and lead turn out in our water source as a result of erosion of natural deposits, corrosion of household plumbing systems, or a lack of safety equipment like a back-flow preventer. The latter two can be inspected for and resolved by a plumbing service similar to https://www.americaneagleplumbing.net/lago-vista-plumber/. Should these metals enter your fresh drinking water supply then they can cause health problems – especially if present in public or private water supplies in amounts greater than the drinking standards set by the EPA.

How Will I Know If There Is Copper or Lead in My Water?

If you are concerned about the presence of these metals in your drinking water, the first thing to do is to have your water tested by a certified laboratory. Water testing is the only sure way of telling whether there are harmful quantities of copper or lead in your drinking water since you cannot see, taste or smell these metals dissolved in water. Once the testing is done, you might want to call for a great plumber in Milford or somewhere near your location to check how this problem could be fixed. In our on-site laboratory at Dime Water Inc., we reverse osmosisutinely test for:

• Physical appearance -pH -DO -TDS -Conductivity –Copper
• Calcium and magnesium hardness -All forms of iron -Manganese -H2S
• Chloride -P and M alkalinity -Nitrates/Nitrite -Oil -Bacteria P/A -Calculate LSI
• Arsenic -Fluoride -Chlorine -Chloramines -CO2 -Tannins –Silica

How to Reduce Elevated Copper and Lead Level in Your Drinking Water

Public water suppliers should use corrosion control, which is an effective treatment technique to reduce the amount of copper in drinking water. As for lead, the more time water has been sitting in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. Most lead in household water usually comes from the plumbing in your house, not the local water supply. You may want to have your pipes replaced by professionals such as those from this website (https://macvik.com/plumbing/plumbing-service-areas/denver/).To reduce lead in drinking water at home:

• flush your pipes before drinking
• only use cold water for consumption
• flush your cold water pipes by running the water until it becomes as cold as it will get, anytime a particular faucet has not been used for 6+ hours
• use only water from the cold water tap for drinking, cooking and baby formula

Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today to learn more about removing copper and lead from your drinking water.

Resources:

• https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule
• https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/drinking-water-regulations

Flint River’s Concerns

Since the city of Flint, MI began using the Flint River as its source of water in April 2014, council members said they continue to hear complaints from residents about differences in the taste, smell and color of drinking water. The switch to the Flint River as a source of drinking water came after 50 years of the city buying water that comes from Lake Huron, treated by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.

The most vocal outcry against Flint water problems began earlier in January this year, when the city informed customers it was in violation of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act because of the high level of total trihalomethanes (TTHM). At the time of the switch from Lake Huron water to Flint River water, city and state officials assured residents there would not be any difference in the smell or taste of tap water once the river was tapped.

However, citizens began complaining almost immediately about the smell, color and taste of river water. Within 4 months, tests showed bacteria, including E. coli, in the water system boil and water advisories were issued for parts of the city. The city cleared up the bacteria problem by upping the level of disinfectant and implementing other changes.

Flint received another blow when General Motors said it would no longer use the city’s water in one of its plants there because high chloride levels were causing corrosion in engine parts. Despite quality problems, a Flint consultant reported the water is safe to drink and currently meets all state and federal standards.

By mid-2016, the city is expected to start receiving raw water from Lake Huron through the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline that is currently under construction.

What Are Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)?

To protect drinking water from disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, water suppliers often add a disinfectant, such as chlorine, to drinking water. The major challenge is controlling and limiting the risks from pathogens and disinfection byproducts. The main goal of water suppliers is to provide protection from pathogens, while simultaneously minimizing health risks to the population from disinfection byproducts.

Trihalomethanes occur when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic materials in the water react with the disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine. The EPA regulates the following trihalomethanes:

• bromodichloromethane (75-27-4)
• bromoform (75-25-2)
• dibromochloromethane (124-48-1)
• chloroform (67-66-3)

People who drink water containing TTHM in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems and an increased risk of cancer. MCLs for disinfection byproducts are set at the following levels:

How Will Disinfection Byproducts Be Removed from My Drinking Water?

Water systems that use surface water/ground water under the direct influence of surface water and which use conventional filtration treatment are required to remove specified percentages of organic materials. These organic materials may react with disinfectants to form disinfection byproducts, prior to disinfection. Other control strategies include modification of disinfection practices, but this must be done in a manner that still provides adequate protection against pathogens.

Trihalomethane (THM) compounds are the byproducts of decaying vegetation reacting with one of the halogens, which in this case is chlorine. They can be effectively reduced virtually to the point of elimination by passing the water containing the offending THM through activated carbon, either for the entire facility (Point of Entry – POE) or at drinking water faucets (Point of Use – POU).

Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today!

Resources:

• https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2015/01/flints_dilemma_how_much_to_spe.html
• https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2015/02/flint_consultant_tells_city_de.html#incart_related_stories
• https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2015/02/unofficial_results_show_flints.html#incart_story_package
• https://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/disinfectionbyproducts.cfm
• https://cityofflint.com/?p=6251

chloride, flint river water, Flint Water, water concerns, Water Filter Systems

‍

So, you’ve gone to an inground swimming pool builder and had a luxury pool installed in your backyard… what now?

Making sure your pool stays clean and safe is always a priority, from pool barrier checks melbourne to making sure there is adequate signage for potential slips. Preventing dangerous bacteria from thriving in your pool is also a major health and safety concern and this often means the use of harsh water conditioners which can also cause health problems. And, if you happen to have an inverter swimming pool heat pump, make sure that you provide the necessary care to it along with other concerns. However, for now, there is another option that we will talk about in this article and that is water filtration.

Many filtration processes are accomplished without the use of chemicals. Dime Water Inc. has gone beyond that point and we utilize processes which replace traditional water conditioners that use chemicals such as salt, chlorine, potassium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, and others. So, if you have a pool already installed, or you are looking at a free-standing pool from somewhere like BNCPOOLS.COM, we have a new filtrations system for you. We use an ozone water treatment system for pool owners to help keep their water clean. Pool owners are often facing issues related to water sanitizing, and non-chemical treatment solutions for keeping their water clean.

In a world that is under constant pressure from chemical contamination, it is vitally important to eliminate as many pollutants as possible. Pool water quality can be drastically improved and costs can be saved on the long term if you apply ozone for swimming pool water treatment.

What Is Ozone?

Ozone is sometimes called “activated oxygen” and contains 3 atoms of oxygen, rather than the 2 atoms we normally breathe. Other interesting facts about ozone include the following:

• ozone is the second most powerful sterilant
• it can be used to destroy bacteria, viruses, and odors
• it is a pungent gas created naturally in the earth’s upper atmosphere by the action of ultraviolet sunlight on oxygen molecules
• ozone can also be produced by sending air through a chamber radiated by intense ultraviolet light
• ozone can be created for water treatment or other purposes by sending air through a special chamber containing a high-voltage spark; this creates a blue plasma corona
• being short-lived, ozone readily decays back to normal oxygen

Ozone Disinfection Mechanism

Due to the ozone’s high oxidation potential, cell components of the bacterial cell wall are oxidized. Once ozone has penetrated the cell wall, it oxidizes all of the cell’s essential components, such as enzymes, proteins, DNA and RNA. When the cellular membrane is damaged during this process, the cell will fall apart, a process called lysis. This mechanism differs from that of halogens, such as chlorine, which is known to penetrate cells by diffusion.

Ozone is capable of destroying all cysts, fungus, viral agents and bacteria INSTANTLY, whereas, chlorine is not effective in destroying protozoa cysts. If you are using chlorine, it may take 30-60 minutes to destroy bacteria or other agents. Ozone is much more capable of penetrating and destroying bio-films in distribution systems and water wells than chlorine.

Swimming Pool Water Pollutants

A bit hard to believe, swimming pool water pollution is mainly caused by swimmers. Each swimmer carries a large number of microorganisms and many of these microorganisms may be pathogenic. This dynamic pollution is dependent on the number and types of swimmers, but generally, swimming pool pollutants can be divided up into 3 categories:

• dissolved pollutants: can consist of urine, sweat, eye fluids and saliva; when these compounds react with chlorine in swimming pool water, the incomplete oxidation can cause chloramine formation
• microorganisms
• undissolved pollutants: mainly consist of visible floating particles, such as hairs and skin flakes, but also of colloidal particles, such as skin tissues and soap remains.

Ozone is very suitable for swimming pool water treatment; however, because of its strong oxidation and disinfection mechanism, ozone is only permitted for use as a supplementary measure.

Dime Water Inc.’s Ozone Water Treatment Systems

Ozone is probably the most effective source of oxidizing that we have in our “arsenal” for killing bacteria or oxidizing iron. Its reaction time with bacteria and oxidizing iron and manganese can be measured in just seconds; it takes place rapidly and very effectively. The beauty of the light approach with the UV is that you do not have to pre-treat the air for moisture and you got a pretty good predicted life, typically the bulb will last one year before replacement, which is an economical approach to produce ozone. See our ozone water treatment units.

If you are a pool owner and are concerned about the harmful effects of chlorine in your pool water, call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today!

Resources:

• https://dimewaterinc.com/non-chemical/ozone/
• https://dimewaterinc.com/ozone-water-treatment-pool-owners/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_purification

Even the best water purification systems on the market require monitoring for total dissolved solids to ensure the filters and/or membranes are effectively removing the bacteria and unwanted particles from your water. Besides drinking water, where a lower level of TDS (purer water) is preferred, a TDS level is specific for each application and particular usage.

Fish and plants require water with widely varying TDS levels, most of which are higher than what we deem to be healthy drinking water for people. TDS in water supplies originates from natural sources, sewage, and urban/agricultural run-off.

What Are Total Dissolved Solids?

TDS, or total dissolved solids, is the term used to describe the inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter present in solution in water. The principal constituents are usually:

• calcium
• chloride
• hydrogen carbonate
• magnesium
• nitrate anions
• sodium and potassium cations and carbonate
• sulfate

Total dissolved solids are differentiated from total suspended solids (TSS), in that the latter cannot pass through a sleeve of 2 micrometers and yet are indefinitely suspended in solution. Salts used for reverse osmosisad de-icing can also contribute to the TDS loading of water supplies. Concentrations of TDS from natural sources have been found to vary from less than 30 mg/L to as much as 6,000 mg/L, depending on the solubilities of minerals in different geological regions.

Why Should You Measure the TDS Level in Your Water?

The presence of dissolved solids in water may affect its taste. The palatability of drinking water has been rated by panels of tasters in relation to its TDS level as follows:

• EXCELLENT –  less than 300 mg/L
• GOOD –  between 300 and 600 mg/L
• FAIR –  between 600 and 900 mg/L
• POOR – between 900 and 1,200 mg/L
• UNACCEPTABLE – greater than 1,200 mg/L

Parts per million (ppm) is the weight-to-weight ratio of any ion to water.

The EPA Secondary Regulations advise a maximum contamination level (MCL) of 500mg/L (500 parts per million) for TDS. However, numerous water supplies exceed this level and when TDS levels exceed 1,000mg/L it is generally considered unfit for human consumption. A high level of TDS is an indicator of potential concerns, and further investigation should be done. Most often, high levels of TDS are caused by the presence of potassium, chlorides and sodium.

Water with extremely low concentrations of TDS may also be unacceptable because of its flat, insipid taste. Certain components of TDS can influence corrosion or encrustation in water-distribution systems. Excessive scaling in water pipes, water heaters, boilers, and household appliances such as kettles and steam irons can occur with high TDS levels (>500 mg/L). High TDS levels can shorten the service life of these appliances and others. Reliable data on possible health effects associated with the ingestion of TDS in drinking water are not available.

Measuring Water TDS at Home

TDS handheld meters are a great and generally inexpensive way to test the water quality in your home at any given time. They come factory calibrated and are ready to use out of the box, are designed to stay consistent. A TDS meter is based on the electrical conductivity (EC) of water. Recalibration is necessary after prolonged usage and you will need a commercial standard Na-Cl-based solution. Here are a few tips on how to care for your TDS meter:

• always rinse the sensor pins in distilled water and allow them to air dry before replacing the cap
• clean the electrodes to prevent residue build-up after repeated usage in high TDS water
• do not drop or completely submerge the unit in water or dip beyond the maximum immersion level
• do not store the unit in high temperature or direct sunlight
• if the tip is heavily fouled with organic material, soak it in alcohol or bleach; gentle wiping with a soft, non-abrasive cloth may also be acceptable
• make sure that the battery compartment and probe gasket ring are firmly tightened before submerging in water
• pH and ORP electrodes must be stored in a special storage solution
• TDS electrodes should be stored dry
• the batteries may need to be replaced after extended usage or lifespan
• when necessary, clean the electrodes by soaking the tip in an acid (e.g., vinegar or diluted hydrochloric acid) and then rinsing well in water

How Do You Reduce the TDS in Your Water?

Common water filter and water purification systems that have proven to reduce the TDS in water include:

• carbon filtration
• reverse osmosis (RO)
• distillation
• deionization (DI)

Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today!

Resources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_dissolved_solids

‍

Many people tend to imagine that purity is the ultimate indicator of the quality of drinking water. However, 100% ultra-pure water is not good for our health because water (H2O) purely comprised of hydrogen and oxygen does not provide our body with the natural electrolytes and salts that we need to survive.

Truly pure water does not exist in the natural world! You can take water from the purest springs and lakes, and analyze a sample and you would still find small amounts of dissolved minerals, such as sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride.

What Is Pure Water?

To better understand pure water, we need to clarify terminology. Ions, or electrolytes, are formed when minerals dissolve in water. You may have heard about the importance of electrolytes in our bodies, which are essential for transmitting electrical impulses along nerves and for muscle contraction, allowing all our “bioelectrical” functions to work properly. So, maintaining the correct concentrations of these ions in and outside cells in the body is important for our health and well-being.

Drinking plenty of pure water not only does not provide you with these essential electrolytes, but it also tries to “rob” you of the ones already in your body, creating a possible fatal imbalance.

Is Pure Water Harmful to Our Health?

Actual information concerning the health effects on the human body is hard to come by, but there is a plethora of opinions on this matter, including scientists and medical professionals who take strong positions on both sides of this issue. Purified water is an active absorber – when it comes into contact with air, it absorbs carbon dioxide, making itself acidic.

The more purified water a person drinks, the higher the body acidity becomes. Being essentially mineral-free, pure water is very aggressive, tending to dissolve substances with which it is in contact. Ultra-pure water will even strip the copper off the inside of a pipe, to understand just how aggressive it can be. However, as pure water enters the mouth, it mixes with our natural fluids and ceases to be aggressive.

People consume many commercial beverages and soft drinks that are made from purified water. There have been a number of studies, which have consistently shown that heavy consumers of soft drinks (with or without sugar) spill huge amounts of calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals into the urine. This has been linked to a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and a long list of degenerative diseases, generally associated with premature aging.

Purified water is extremely soft. There is a correlation between the consumption of soft water and the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Development of mineral deficiencies and an acid state can appear the longer one drinks pure water and if one consumes purified water exclusively. Even if you supplement your purified or distilled water intake with trace minerals, you will still be inadequately nourished in minerals considering other non-purified water drinking people. If this is something you were completely unaware of, and have been drinking pure water for quite some time now, it is high time you stop this practice. And it would also be advisable to get yourself checked for any mineral deficiency and your heart health examined for any cardiovascular problems (websites similar to https://cvgcares.com/ could be helpful in this regard).

Because purified water tends to be acidic, it can only be recommended as a way of drawing poisons out of the body, or for short-term detox treatments. Once this is accomplished, continuing to drink purified water is generally a bad idea.

Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today!

‍

Oil Spill Contamination in Montana

An hour-long breach in a pipeline along the Yellowstone River near Glendive, Montana contaminated the drinking water supply of the city after up to 50,000 gallons of oil entered the city’s water on January 17. This oil spill contaminated the majority of Montana city’s water supply. A break in a 12-inch pipeline owned by Wyoming-based Bridger Pipeline Co. has rushed residents to buy bottled water until the danger was over.

Truckloads of bottled water were expected to be brought on Tuesday, January 20, and people were warned not to drink or cook with tap water. In such situations, it is advisable to switch from the city water supply to a privately owned water supply. This can be done with the help of portals like https://www.switchwatersupplier.com/ that can help you easily switch the water connection. However, the advisory against ingesting tap water from the city’s treatment plant was issued late Monday, 2 days later after the crude oil spill. Oil spills can be dangerous to the citizen’s health. Some may even say used oil can also be harmful; however, one can check out the used oil waste classification that can provide such data. Oil spills, whereas, can pollute water sources along with groundwater and can lead to diseases in humans as well as marine livestock.

Preliminary tests from Montana and the US EPA representatives did not show a cause of concern. Additional tests were ordered and carried out after residents complained of a petroleum- or diesel-like smell coming from their tap water.

Tests revealed the water contained elevated levels of benzene, a cancer-causing component of oil. The elevated amounts of benzene found were above the levels recommended for long-term consumption but do not pose a short-term health hazard, as scientists from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

Facts about Benzene

The major sources of benzene in drinking water come from discharge from factories, and leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills. EPA regulates benzene in drinking water to protect public health. Benzene may cause health problems if present in public or private water supplies. Other facts you should know about benzene:

• it is a volatile organic chemical, a clear, colorless aromatic liquid
• it is highly flammable which will need to be stored in protective cabinets (click here) when needed
• it is formed through natural processes, such as volcanoes and forest fires, and also from industrial processes
• it is a natural part of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke
• used as a building block for making plastics, rubber, resins and synthetic fabrics
• used also as a solvent in printing, paints, dry cleaning
• people who drink water containing benzene in levels that are above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could experience anemia or a decrease in blood platelets, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer

As for EPA’s drinking water regulations for benzene, the MCLG set for benzene is zero. EPA has set an enforceable regulation for benzene, called a maximum contaminant level (MCL), at 0.005 mg/L or 5 ppb. However, states may set more stringent drinking water MCLGs and MCLs for benzene than EPA.

When reverse osmosisutine monitoring indicates that benzene levels are above the MCL, your water supplier must take steps to reduce the amount of benzene so that it is below that level. They must notify customers as soon as practical, but no later than 30 days after the system learns of the violation.

Additional actions, such as providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to public health.

Removing Benzene from Water

Water containing more than 0.005 parts per million of benzene should not be used for domestic water supplies! Benzene requires a specific treatment process for removal from water. Granular activated carbon or charcoal are recommended to remove benzene from well water if your water source comes from a well. Activated charcoal or granular activated carbon filters:

• improve the taste
• remove odor of the water
• remove some contaminants in water supplies
• are effective in removing benzene, as well as vola ­tile organic compounds (VOCs)

A typical water softener will not remove benzene from the water! Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today.

Resources:

• http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/benzene.cfm

‍

Over 15 million US households drink well water, according to the CDC. These private wells are not covered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that protect public drinking water systems. As a private well owner, this means that you are responsible for ensuring the quantity and quality of your own water supply.

Ground water has been used in California since the first inhabitants began using water that seeped from the springs. However, in some areas, the use of water is threatened by high rates of extraction and inadequate recharge, or by contamination of aquifers as a result of land use practices. Poor quality water is enough to make anyone want to change water providers. If you represent a commercial entity, you can find out how to switch your water supplier online. Although our country has one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world, sources can still become contaminated through:

• naturally occurring chemicals and minerals
• local land use practices
• malfunctioning wastewater treatment systems
• other sources

Top Causes of Outbreaks in Private Wells

If a private well was contaminated, it can impact not only the household it serves, but also nearby households using the same aquifer. Ground water is not 100% pure water and always contains some dissolved minerals, as it collects in the tiny pore spaces within sediments and in the fractures within bedrock. The presence of contaminants in drinking water can lead to health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, neurological disorders and reproductive problems.

The top 6 causes of outbreaks in individual (private) wells are:

• Hepatitis A
• Giardia
• Campylobacter and E. coli (tie)
• Shigella
• Cryptosporidium and Salmonella (tie)
• Arsenic, gasoline, nitrate, phenol and selenium (tie)

Private wells should be checked every year for mechanical problems, cleanliness, and the presence of coliform bacteria, nitrates and any other contaminants of concern. The well should be located so rainwater flows away from it, because rainwater can pick up harmful bacteria and chemicals on the land’s surface. If this water pools near your well, it can seep into it and could cause health problems.

Common Sources of Potential Ground Water Contamination

The following table shows the most common sources that lead to ground water contamination.

The Need for Water Testing

Because bacterial contamination cannot be detected by smell, sight or taste, the only way to know if a water supply contains bacteria is to have it tested. The EPA does not regulate wells and there is no requirement to have private wells, springs or other sources tested – it is up to the individual homeowner to do it. Those who depend on a private well should test their water source at least 4 times per year but if not possible, at least 1 time is mandatory. Also, checking for leakage in the pipes that supply the well water to the home, can be useful. Sometimes even when the well water is tested pure, people may get waterborne diseases due to some impurities in the water caused by the leakage in the supply pipe. It is advisable to get hold of a reliable plumbing service that can come in any time when requested to help with issues such as leakage. You can use the internet to find plumbers in your locality, for instance, someone from Sydney can just type ‘24 hr plumber Sydney‘ on the internet, and get many results for local plumbers that can help them. Additionally, private water supplies should generally be tested for bacterial safety as follows:

• any time a component of the water system is opened for repair
• at least once a year
• when a laboratory test indicates high nitrate and human or livestock waste is suspected
• when a new well is constructed
• when an existing well is returned to service
• whenever bacterial contamination is suspected, as might be indicated by continuing illness
• whenever the well is inundated by flood waters or surface runoff

Testing for all individual pathogens is impractical and expensive. Bacterial safety of drinking water is monitored by testing for coliform bacteria. If tests reveal the presence of coliform bacteria, there is an indication that pathogenic bacteria, protozoa and viruses may also be present in the water. Some city/county health department laboratories as well as most commercial water testing laboratories provide bacterial testing for private well owners, for a fee.

You can contact the nearest laboratory and ask for a drinking water bacterial purity test kit that will allow you to collect a sample of your well water and send it to the laboratory for testing. The laboratory must receive the sample within 48 hours of collection, otherwise it will not test it.

Well Water Treatment Options

If testing confirms the presence of coliform bacteria in your water, you should use an alternative water supply or disinfect your water supply until the problem can be corrected. Whilst a water heater can be used to kill off bacteria that enters the home it is best to err on the side of caution. First American amongst other advisors warn that if the temperature of the water heater is too low, bacteria like legionella can fester inside the heater itself. All in all, it is probably better to treat the bacteria at the source. Treatment methods that include the use of UV light disinfection tools (provided by the likes of R-Zero Systems) tend to be effective for the removal or inactivation of some pathogens like enteric viruses, Giardia, Legionella, or Cryptosporidium. Following are some of the most common treatment methods:

• disinfection and/or filtration
• disinfection with UV light
• disinfection with ozone
• disinfection with chlorine

The easiest cure and overall least expensive is to install an Ultra Violet (UV) system. Properly matched to the water peak flow, the UV will provide years of protection with the only maintenance required being an annual bulb change. Energy requirement is less than most light bulbs and installation is quite simple.

Resources:

• https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/diseases.html
• https://water.epa.gov/drink/info/well/whatyoucando.cfm
• https://www.water.ca.gov/waterconditions/drought/wellinfo.cfm
• https://www.water-research.net/index.php/bacteria
• https://www.waterandhealth.org/newsletter/private_wells.html

‍

Nowadays, many businesses such as car washes are facing water treatment issues that include an ever-increasing demand for high-quality water. You might be surprised to learn that as well as having good quality maintenance carried out on the interior of your vehicle, at somewhere like Landmark which specializes in BMW repair in Bellevue, you also need to look after the exterior of your car if you want it to perform at its best level. This explains why there is now a new demand for car washes to improve the quality of water they use. Treatment and handling regulation compliance are major issues confronting many segments of the market. Water treatment technologies employed for businesses include a wide range of filters, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis systems, sulfate/nitrate removal units, UV systems, and water softeners.

Car washes, for example, are major water-consuming businesses and will require proper water treatment, in order to save water and provide the best results for their clients. A water softener takes less soap to break the bond between the dirt and the vehicle, making it a great water treatment system to consider.

Reverse Osmosis Systems for Car Washes

The wash-rinse cycle is done in 2 steps: the initial rinse and final rinse. The majority of car washes today use reverse osmosis systems to take the minerals out of the water. The final rinse uses water processed through reverse osmosis and by taking the dissolved solids or most of the dissolved solids from the water, they end up with a spot-free water.

In most cases, RO requires a minimum of 3 gallons of waste to 1 gallon of product water. Wastewater is required to carry the minerals away from the membrane so they will not clog up and stop producing mineral-free water. Most car washes blow the excess water with high-velocity air, but there are those who advertise the hand wash and there they have people with towels and shammies that take the water off, and, in both cases, the quality of washes greatly improves. There are other advantages as well, if anything happened to your car, the insurance would cover it. Insurance 4 MotorTrade can provide some insight into how these policies would work.
Industrial water in a car washing installation can be microbiologically contaminated so both personnel and customers need to be protected against a possible health endangerment.

Dime Water’s reverse osmosis systems produce ultra pure water, which can be used to flush away marks in the car wash. Also, reverse osmosis treated water leaves no line marks on the car lacquer while it dries up.

Washing cars out on the street has been restricted for a long time in many communities for ecological considerations. Washing water will end up in soils poses a threat to groundwater because it contains oils and lubricants, heavy metals, suspended matter, tar, and microorganisms.

For the disinfection of the water, the following procedures are most commonly used:

• ozonization
• UV treatment
• peroxide treatment
• thermal treatment

Water softeners, backwashing carbon filters, and backwashing turbidity filters can also be used in the car washing industry. We provide a wide range of award-winning water recycling solutions that are engineered considering our clients’ needs.

We can help you reduce your water and trade waste costs with systems that pay for themselves through savings. Our systems are durable and compact, built to last and provide guaranteed performance for your car washing business. Dime Water has the knowledge to provide any business with a tailored solution. Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today!

Resources:

• Brown, C. (2000) Water Conservation in the Professional Car Wash Industry

Bottled water has been a subject of high interest in the latest years, not only considering its health advantages, but also considering ocean pollution.

Around 1,500 bottles are consumed per second in the US and, out of the 50 billion water bottles consumed each year in the world, about 30 billion of them are consumed in the US.

Despite well-intentioned recycling campaigns, the bottled water industry and our addiction to drinking bottled water contribute greatly to global pollution.

There can be other causes of water pollution, such as oil spills and leaks, which can cause severe damage to ocean animals and plants. Such incidents, however, can be avoided by adopting new technologies like software solutions for water quality monitoring. By utilizing software to ascertain water pollution levels, production and other relevant practices can be fine-tuned to reduce environmental impact. This helps take a step towards sustainability and pollution reduction.

There are also other technological developments that help businesses and organizations work on their pollution trends. These see the likes of sensors that can provide reliable and accurate information in extreme, harsh environments. Companies similar to Sentech (learn more about Sentech’s work with subsea lvdts) may provide oil businesses such environmental technology.

While oil spills and other industrial water pollution issues can be solved with technology; however, plastic waste in water bodies might only get controlled with the help of every human being participating in the cause.

85% of PET bottles are either thrown away or end up in the oceans! The best estimate is 11 million tons of plastic waste material is entering the ocean every year. Businesses and organizations wanting to play their part in creating a greener world may want to rent plastic balers from phs Wastekit to manage waste effectively and free up valuable storage space while lowering the impact on the environment.

Ocean Pollution: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean and is also known as the Pacific trash vortex, spanning waters from the West Coast of North America to Japan. The patch is actually comprised of the Eastern Garbage Patch, located near Japan, and the Western Garbage Patch, located between the U.S. states of Hawaii and California.

The amount of debris in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch accumulates because much of it is not biodegradable. Many plastics, for instance, do not wear down but they simply break into tinier and tinier pieces. In the presence of sunlight, many of these plastics break down into petroleum byproducts, which are the natural source of material for producing plastic.

The materials that result from the breaking down of the plastic are ending up in marine life and doing some terrible things to the health of fish and other ocean-dwelling life forms. We’ve all seen shocking images of dolphins playing with plastic bags and sea turtles and other animals What Eats A Jellyfish caught up in plastic rings, so this isn’t a new idea to us. As we eat fish, these materials will ultimately end up as part of our food chain. So, apart from looking like a terrible mess out in the ocean, it is also going to have consequences on our health.

Under Counter reverse osmosis units Replace the Need for Having Bottled Water

We should consider filtration in our homes and that is where we, Dime Water, come in with our under counter reverse osmosis unit. We have a particular under counter reverse osmosis unit that uses less water to waste than any other under counter reverse osmosis unit on the market.

We should stop using bottled water, especially this that comes in plastic bottles! Not only do we protect ourselves but also our entire environment, which will lead to cleaner waters and healthier marine life. Contact us today at 760.734.5787 to find out more about how an under counter reverse osmosis water purification system can help you lead a happier and healthier life.

Resources:

• https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/about/media/how-big-great-pacific-garbage-patch-science-vs-myth.html
• https://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/great-pacific-garbage-patch/?ar_a=1

Throughout the United States, the process of treating sewage and then throwing the water away into an ocean outfall, or into a river or a lake someplace is becoming obsolete. Because water is so hard to get, the approach is going to be to take the water from whatever source the municipality has and treat it so that it becomes good, potable tap water.

Then, when the water is finally consumed and goes down the sewer, it will be collected, treated and reused as a source of good quality water. Although houses have different types of sewage, the aim is to save and reuse as much water as possible. For example, if you own a septic tank, it is crucial to get regular Colorado Springs septic tank cleaning, or septic tank cleaning wherever you are based, in order to try and preserve as much water as possible once it is clean enough to be recycled. The new way to save water is to treat the water that already exists.

“Indirect Potable Reuse” Got a Bad New Name: “Toilet to Tap Water”

The term that is used quite often is “toilet to tap” and this week in the city of San Diego, which is the 8th largest city in the United States, the city Council approved the “toilet to tap” approach and will be funding the treatment to do that. From the public standpoint there is what they call the “yuck factor”, as people think that they are drinking their own sewage water.

Modern water-purification technology is considered totally reliable, using micro-filtration and reverse osmosis, which pumps water through permeable membranes, and ultraviolet light to remove all contaminants. So the “yuck factor” will only be imaginary. So if you are wanting to see if you can install this water system into your house to start conserving water, you can have a look at sites such as https://bouldenbrothers.com/how-plumbing-services-help-conserve-water/ and others that will give you options to conserve on your water usage.

But from a realistic standpoint, this has been going on forever. If you go to cities like Milwaukee, Wisconsin or Chicago, Illinois, both of them being on the shores of Lake Michigan, they have a water intake in the lake and have been discharging their treated sewage out there for many years, probably 50 years or more. So in reality, “toilet to tap” has been taking place and it is a beautiful thing because we will finally be able to conserve water the way we should be conserving it.

Water Conservation to Help Meet Future Needs

Being in the water business the way we are and the number of years we have been in it, we know the technology is there to do it correctly. I think that the technical people, the Boards of Health and the regulatory agents should come out with a better study on the effectiveness of removing pharmaceuticals from the water. It is being done, but from a personal standpoint I do not know the molecular weight or the physical size of the pharmaceutical compounds that are in the sewage.

Having pharmaceutical distribution experts organizing the medication and ensuring that the deposits are safely stored and not entering water supplies is essential however in this case, I am sure that the technology will take it out but I would like to see the technical people involved in this process make the public more aware that one particular fact is that we know we can kill the bacteria, the viruses, the cysts, we know that we can make the water perfectly clear and clean-looking, we can take care of the taste issues, but the lingering concern from somebody like myself and many others in the industry is: can we prove to the public that the residual pharmaceuticals are coming out of their wastewater prior to being used as drinking water?

Public education campaigns are very important for spreading the news on the benefits of recycled sewage water. For example, every day, the outflow of L.A.’s treated wastewater (about 400 million-plus gallons) amounts to the state’s fifth-largest river running into the Pacific Ocean. In these dry times, it makes perfect sense to stop throwing it away! The secret to successful recycling programs is complete transparency from officials. Transparency and proper public education will lead to minimal opposition from the general public.

Resources:

• https://www.latimes.com/opinion/la-op-haefele26aug26-story.html

Clean water has become one of our most precious resources in the 21st century, but 1 in 9 people live without access to clean and drinkable water. The access to clean water is a human right that everybody should have, regardless of their race, gender, location or social status.

Clean water is not a privilege, but a right of every human being. However, around 780 million people lack access to clean water, which represents more than 2 and a half times the United States’ population! Some people live with dirty water due to having a faulty water heater. If you know anyone in a situation like this, they may be grateful to find this!

Here are 5 water facts to make you cherish water in all its purity:

1. Only 3% of Earth’s water is fresh water. 97% of the water on Earth is salt water.

Of all the water used in the US in 2000, (about 408 billion gallons per day of fresh and saline water), about 21% came from underground sources and water from surface sources accounted for the remaining 79%. Almost 99% of groundwater came from freshwater aquifers.

Our nation’s rivers, streams, creeks, lakes and reservoirs are vitally important to our everyday life. The availability of freshwater varies from country to country, with Suriname and Iceland having the most freshwater resources, and Egypt together with the United Arab Emirates have the least freshwater resources. Salt water on Earth has an average salinity of 3.5%, roughly equivalent to 34 grams of salts in 1 kg of seawater.

2. 36% of US rivers and streams are too dangerous for fishing or drinking!

Back in 1998, over 290,000 miles of 840,000 miles of assessed rivers and streams did not meet water quality standards. The Great Lakes were also studied, with 90% of their shoreline miles being assessed, indicating pollution exceeding water quality standards.

A 2012 survey conducted by the EPA concluded that more than 13,000 miles of rivers have fish with mercury levels that may be unsafe for human consumption. 9% of assessed river and stream miles were found unsafe for swimming and recreationdue to high bacteria levels. 27% of the nation’s rivers and streams have excessive levels of nitrogen, and 40% have high levels of phosphorus. These nutrient pollutants cause toxic green slime outbreaks that are harmful to public health.

3. 18 States are currently facing droughts, according to the US Drought Monitor.

Severe to extreme drought affected about 8% of the contiguous United States as of the end of October 2014, an increase of about 5% from last month. About 12% of the contiguous U.S. fell in the severely to extremely wet categories.

4. 60% of US lakes are too dangerous for swimming or drinking.

The pollutants found in water can lead to acute symptoms like nausea, sore throat, vomiting, dizziness, headache, fever, muscle and joint pain. The pollutants can also trigger allergic reactions such as asthma, lung irritation, eye irritation, skin rashes, blisters around the mouth and nose, liver damage and sometimes even death. If someone is experiencing symptoms like breathing problems then they need to seek medical attention right away, and if they notice prolonged issues such as asthma, it may be wise for them to speak to a lung specialist like Gwinnett Lung or a specialist in their area for treatment. Asthma can be exacerbated by their surroundings, so if a doctor’s diagnosis has been administered then it is important to follow medical guides on how best to calm an attack and make sure there are no triggers, e.g. mold in the home. Homeowners can buy mold test kit to check their home and get it sorted out as quickly as possible.

5. Water makes up between 55-78% of a human’s body weight.

Staying hydrated not only helps with your alertness, controlling appetite, and improving activity and sport performance, but it also keeps every day symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and dry skin away. Daily water intake must be balanced with losses to keep and maintain your total body water. Some people even add things like CBD oils UK to their water to increase the effectiveness of the water in aiding these symptoms as well as improving relaxation and overall health.

Losing body water can adversely affect your functioning and health! Once you start feeling thirsty, you have lost about 1% of your body water and at this point you are dehydrated. A 2% water loss means you could experience serious fatigue and cardiovascular impairments.

This Thanksgiving we are grateful for clean water!

Resources:

• https://water.org/water-crisis/water-facts/water/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_distribution_on_Earth
• https://www.eoearth.org/view/article/152861/
• https://earthjustice.org/news/press/2013/new-survey-same-evidence-our-streams-and-rivers-are-dangerously-polluted
• https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/drought/

Copper (Cu) is a metal found in natural deposits such as ores and is widely used in household plumbing materials and various industrial applications. If you are interested in buying copper and other metals online then you can visit https://www.aluminiumwarehouse.co.uk/. Copper and copper alloys have been used for many years to handle water and seawater. The addition of nickel to the copper element improves the strength, wear, erosion and corrosion resistance. Copper-nickel alloys with 10% and 30% nickel are used widely for heat exchangers and seawater pipework, retaining the resistance to marine fouling, which is displayed by copper. Humans can handle proportionally large concentrations of copper, but health problems are sure to appear in this case.

EPA’s Drinking Water Regulations for the Copper Element

The Safe Drinking Water Act passed by Congress in 1974 requires EPA to determine the level of contaminants in drinking water at which no adverse health effects are likely to occur. Maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) are non-enforceable health goals, based solely on possible health risks and exposure over a lifetime with an adequate margin of safety. Contaminants are considered to be any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substances or matter in water. If you’re unsure about having these things in your house, you should speak to a plumber (like Nance Services, for instance) to help you decide what is safe and what may not be in your home.

EPA has set the MCLG level of protection for copper at 1.3 mg/L or 1.3 ppm, based on the best available science to prevent potential health problems.

Does Copper Have Any Health Effects?

Copper in excess of the action level may cause gastrointestinal distress with short-term exposure, and liver or kidney damage with long-term exposure. We absorb eminent quantities of copper each day by drinking, breathing and eating and the absorption of copper is necessary, as it is a trace element that is essential for human health.

Exposure to copper through breathing is negligible because copper concentrations in air are usually quite low. People who live in houses that still have copper plumbing and have not had them changed out by a plumber (Paul The Plumber) are exposed to higher levels of copper than people who do not have copper plumbing, because copper is released into their drinking water through the corrosion of the pipes. Other effects of copper exposure include:

• headaches
• stomach aches
• irritation of the nose, mouth and eyes
• metal fume fever
• atrophic changes in nasal mucous membranes (industrial exposure to copper fumes/dust/mists)
• Wilson’s Disease (chronic copper poisoning): hepatic cirrhosis, brain damage, demyelization, renal disease, copper deposition in the cornea

When copper ends up in soil, it strongly attaches to organic matter and minerals. It hardly ever enters groundwater, but in surface water it can travel great distances, either suspended on sludge particles or as free ions. Polluted farmland soils are particularly dangerous for animals, as they will absorb concentrations that are damaging to their health. Sheep suffer a great deal from copper poisoning.

Copper in Drinking Water

The major sources of copper in drinking water are the corrosion of household plumbing systems and the erosion of natural deposits. Pipes, fixtures, faucets and fittings can also be a source. The amount of copper in your drinking water depends on these 6 factors:

• the types of minerals in the water
• the amounts of minerals in the water
• how long the water stays in pipes
• the water’s acidity
• the water’s temperature

We cannot see, taste or smell copper dissolved in water, so testing the water is the only sure way of telling whether there are harmful quantities of lead in your drinking water. You should test your water if your home has copper pipes and you notice the following signs:

• frequent leaks
• rust-colored water
• signs of corrosion
• stained dishes or laundry

One of the ways to do this is to hire a professional plumber from reputed companies like Queens Charlotte Plumbing to check for copper content in your water. There could be many reasons for high copper concentration in water, and these queen charlotte plumbing experts might just be the people who could find a solution to your problem.

Antimicrobial Properties of Copper

Copper and its alloys are natural antimicrobial materials and its antimicrobial properties are still under active investigation. According to a comprehensive literature, technology and patent search that traced the history of understanding the “bacteriostatic and sanitizing properties of copper and copper alloy surfaces”, which was conducted in 1973, demonstrated that copper, in very small quantities, has the power to control a wide range of molds, fungi, harmful microbes and algae. In concentrations above 10g/L, copper inhibits:

• Actinomucor elegans
• Aspergillus niger
• Bacterium linens
• Bacillus megaterium
• Bacillus subtilis
• Brevibacterium erythrogenes
• Candida utilis
• Penicillium chrysogenum
• Rhizopus niveus
• Saccharomyces mandshuricus
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Other observations from the research that are noteworthy:

• Achromobacter fischeri and Photobacterium phosphoreum growth is inhibited by metallic copper
• Candida utilis is completely inhibited at 0.04 g/L copper concentrations
• Paramecium caudatum cell division is reduced by copper plates placed on Petri dish covers containing infusoria and nutrient media
• Poliovirus is inactivated within 10 minutes of exposure to copper with ascorbic acid
• Tubercle bacillus is inhibited by copper as simple cations or complex anions in concentrations from 0.02 to 0.2 g/L

An abundance of peer-reviewed antimicrobial efficiency studies plus others directed by the EPA in the past 10 years resulted in the 2008 registration of 274 different copper alloys as certified antimicrobial materials that have public health benefits. There is a variety of techniques used to disinfect fluids and surfaces. Dime Water can provide the following water treatment solutions for disinfection:

• chemical feed system feeding chlorine or hydrogen peroxide
• ultra filtration
• UV
• reverse osmosis
• ozone

Resources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_properties_of_copper
• https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/drinking-water-regulations

‍

Water Ionizers: Process Explained

Water ionizers claim to produce “pure alkaline water”, but it is extremely unlikely this “pure alkaline water” would have any effect on health. Because the pH of blood is tightly regulated at about 7.4, alkaline water would not have any effect on blood pH, nor would it be desirable to alter blood pH.

A water ionizer is a device where you pass in an electric current through water and when you do that, water will break apart. Instead of being H2O, it will break into an ion of Hydrogen and an ion of Hydroxyl, which is OH. The Hydrogen portion will make water quite acidic and the Hydroxyl portion will make water on that side basic. So, it is just a way of breaking water apart and ending up with two water sources or two water samples, one with a low pH and one with a high pH.

“Ionized water” is an essentially meaningless term. Water can contain dissolved ions (electrically-charged atoms or molecules) and almost all water found in nature acquires ions such as bicarbonate and calcium as it comes into contact with reverse osmosiscks and sediments. Pure water consists almost entirely of H2O molecules, which are loosely bound in a network-like structure in which individual molecules are constantly changing partners.

These water molecules do exhibit a very slight tendency to dissociate (ionize) into Hydrogen and Hydroxide ions. Because the reverse of this reaction is much more rapid, the extent of this reaction is severely limited and only about 2 out of every billion water molecules is dissociated. No electrical device or chemical additive is capable of increasing these ion concentrations in pure water above these levels.

Ionization Advantages and Disadvantages

In my opinion, “ionized water” is nothing more than sales fiction. The claims about the health benefits of drinking alkaline water are not supported by credible scientific evidence. Pure water can never be alkaline or acidic, nor can it be made so by electrolysis. Alas, there are many websites and companies with emphasize on the importance of drinking ionized and the health benefits it provides for those who want to achieve better health. Some of these advantages include:

• ionized water is up to 6 times more hydrating than conventional water
• ionized water improves cellular hydration
• ionized water acts a a powerful antioxidant
• ionized water restores the body’s pH balance
• ionized water improves the taste and quality of food

The disadvantages of alkaline water include:

• the cost
• there are no official studies to verify the validity of the claims deeming it pure and safe to drink
• it is an overpriced version of the water available on tap in nearly every American home

Purified water is a must not only for human consumption but for a variety of other purposes, including meeting the requirements of medical, pharmacological, chemical and industrial applications. Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids and gases from contaminated water, with the sole goal of producing water that fits a specific purpose.

In general, the methods used to purify water include:

• physical processes (filtration, sedimentation, distillation)
• biological processes (slow sand filters, biologically active carbon)
• chemical processes (flocculation, chlorination)
• electromagnetic radiation processes (ultraviolet light)

Sometimes, the general public hardly distinguishes scientific fact from pseudoscientific hype when the two are closely intertwined and when the public lacks the scientific background to do so. Many of the clinical uses of ionized water are done in Japan and Korea, where water ionizers are certified by the Korean and Japanese Ministries of Health as approved medical devices. They have been using them for over 40 years but they do not follow the same guidelines as the United States for testing.

To conclude, I hope that these two blogs have shed a little more light on water ionizers and deionzers, the processes they involve and the pros and cons of owning one of these water treatment devices.

Alkaline water is commonly known as ionized water and has a pH level greater than 7. Many people believe that alkaline water features a number of health benefits. It is generally produced with the aid of a faucet-based water ionizer, or alkalizer. Alkaline means you have a low number of Hydrogen ions in the water and a higher number of either Bicarbonate or Carbonate, or Hydroxyl ions, which contribute to a higher pH and thus the definition of “alkaline”.

5 Apparent Benefits of Drinking Alkaline Water

If you read articles on the physiology of the body you will find that once something of a different pH hits the back of your throat, your body will be aware of it. For instance, if you take something that has a high pH or alkaline, your body will sense it almost immediately. However, once the body senses it, it wants to protect the low pH or acid environment of your stomach, by pumping extra acid in the stomach to neutralize that elevated pH. There are 5 benefits to alkaline water that alkaline water supporters believe in:

• better hydration
• detoxifies your body
• works as an antioxidant
• effective disease protection
• protects bone, tissue and teeth

The only advantage of drinking alkaline water I can think of is that it causes a placebo effect to those who consume it, triggering the reaction of drinking more water and less dehydrating material such as coffee or alcohol. Just the very fact that you are finally hydrating with water and getting rid of sodas and coffee, you are going to feel better.

A Cheaper Way to Make Alkaline Water

In my estimation, if you want to make alkaline water, just take a good, high quality reverse osmosis system, produce water that has little to no mineral content to it and add a pinch of baking soda. For low cost, you will have the high purity water and you have the alkaline, if that is what you desire.

Resources:

• http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/what-is-alkaline-water.html
• http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/how-alkaline-water-can-improve-your-health.html

Pharmaceutical Leftovers In Our Water

In the last 10 years, traces of pharmaceutical leftovers and personal care products (PPCPs) have been reported in the water cycle. Surface waters, wastewater, groundwater and to a lesser extent drinking water have been contaminated with PPCPs at levels in the nanograms to low micrograms per liter range.

Although they have an impact on human health, PPCPs have a much greater impact on fish, other aquatic wildlife and the environment in general. But what can we do about it? Proper disposal of PPCPs can prevent misuse of pharmaceuticals and keep the environment free from contamination.

What Are PPCPs and How Do They Get into Our Water?

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products include a wide range of drugs and care products:

• prescription and over-the-counter drugs
• veterinary drugs
• cosmetics
• fragrances
• sun-screen products
• diagnostic agents
• nutraceuticals (vitamins for example)

PPCPs get into our water from many different sources as a result of improper disposal. Pharmaceutical industries, hospitals, medical facilities, households and agricultural areas have a big impact on the environment due to operations involving a wide range of PPCPs. Pharmaceuticals, including sex hormones, antibiotics and antidepressants have been found in at least 41 million American’s drinking water supplies!

There is a growing concern about the pharmaceuticals’ contribution to health problems. Also, biological impacts of exposure to higher concentrations of PPCPs in untreated water can lead to:

• feminization of male fish and masculinization of female fish
• delayed sexual development in fish
• embryo mortality
• abnormal hormone levels
• structural and neurological damages

The animation below was funded by the European Union within the research project PHARMAS and was conceived for a general educated public with no prior knowledge of the PPCPs issue.

How Do I Properly Dispose of PPCPs?

Depending on the source and the ingredients, there are various ways in which the public can properly dispose of pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Often, there are community drug take-back programs that collect drugs at a center location for proper disposal. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) periodically promotes local take-back programs and the program called the National Take Back Initiative.

However, if no program is available, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of National Drug Policy emphasize on following the subsequent measurements:

• take the prescription drugs out of their original containers
• mix drugs with cat litter or used coffee grounds
• place the mixture into a disposable container with a lid (sealable bag for example)
• cover up any personal identification with a black marker that is on the original pill containers
• place these containers in the bag with the mixture, seal them and place them in the trash

Although logistically challenging, removing pharmaceutical traces from drinking water is no impossible task. Reverse osmosis systems are widely agreed upon as the best available treatment method, removing heavier molecular particles common in many pharmaceutical drugs. reverse osmosis systems also filter small impurities and remove contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, lead, sodium, nitrate and nitrite, cysts, copper, chloride taste and odor, and dissolved solids.

Resources:

• https://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/htm/whats-in-your-water/pharmaceuticals
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impact_of_pharmaceuticals_and_personal_care_products

‍

Bottled water has been a subject of high interest in the latest years. Bottled water is healthy water, or so marketers would have us believe with labels and ads showing deep, pristine pools of spring water, mountain peaks and healthy, active people consuming bottled water during their workouts.

The truth is bottled water is just water and in terms of sustainability, it is a dry well. There are about 50 billion water bottles consumed each year and about 30 billion of them consumed in the US, which means we consume reverse osmosisughly 60% of the world’s water bottles.

1,500 bottles are consumed per second in the US and 9.1 billion gallons were sold in 2011, which is 29.1 gallons per person, the highest in sales and volume in history!

There are many reasons why you should stop buying bottled water. Here are the top 5 reasons!

1. Environmentally Unfriendly

The bottled water industry and our addiction to drinking this water contributes greatly to global pollution, despite well-intentioned recycling campaigns. About 85% of PET bottles are either thrown away or end up in the oceans, posing a threat to marine life. Also, the production of bottled water used the equivalent of 17 million barrels of oil, releasing more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2006.

2. Too Expensive

Municipal water costs about 1 cent per gallon. Saying you buy a 20 ounce name brand for $1, that works out to 5 cents an ounce! Bottled water can cost 500 to 3,000 times more than tap water and shockingly, most bottled water is simply just filtered tap water. Some companies filter or radiate the tap water with UV light before selling it to you at several thousand times the cost of municipal tap water. Think twice before buying this glorified tap water!

3. Poor Quality

You should be aware that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict guidelines for tap water but does not oversee bottled water regulations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has weaker regulations and applies the EPA’s regulations only selectively to bottled water. They inspect bottled water only if it crosses state lines, but approximately 70% of it never does,making it exempt from FDA oversight.

4. Harmful Bacteria

A study conducted by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which involved testing more than 1,000 water bottles, including 103 bottled water brands, revealed that a third of the brands contained arsenic, bacteria and synthetic organics exceeding allowable limits. Also, Canada’s C-rest laboratories in Montreal found high levels of heterotrophic bacteria in 70% of the dozen bottled water they tested.

These bacteria can be pathogenic and can cause infectious diseases like E. coli. According to the US Pharmacopoeia, heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water should not exceed 500 colony-forming units (CFUs) per millimeter. The highest recorded level from the sample was 80,000 CFUs per millimeter!

5. Plastic Chemicals

Plastic is not just bad for the planet, it is not good for us either. Most small 16-20 oz bottled waters are made from polyethylene terephtalate (PET), which are known to leach harmful plastic chemicals and hormone disruptors into the water. A study conducted in 2000 found that 8 out of 10 large 5-gallon jugs tested left the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) in the water, which has been linked to breast cancer, prostate cancer, reproductive development disorders and diabetes. Leaching of plastic chemicals increases with age and heat, so storing bottled water is not a good idea.

Alternatives to Bottled Water

Before you choose pure hype over pure water, you should be aware of the alternatives to bottled water. Tap water and home water purification systems are cheaper and healthier alternatives in the long run. Tap water is regularly tested for bacteria and toxins, falling under the jurisdiction of the EPA. Chlorine, chloramines, and fluoride are reverse osmosisutinely added to tap water and water contamination can occur at a thousand different entry points during the trip from the water plant to your home. Thus, every family should seriously consider installing a water purification system in their home for drinking water.

Water purity could be a cause for concern as Each year, it is estimated that contaminated drinking water causes 485,000 deaths. With the high risk of contamination, water treatment techniques should be utilized in households. As essential water might be to all, it would be equally essential to drink clean, drinking water. This is where reverse osmosis systems come in handy, being a great water purification choice as they produce an unlimited amount of ultra-pure drinking water, all from the comfort of your own home. Reverse osmosis removes up to 99% of bacteria, chemicals, heavy metals, organics, and radioactive pollution, producing delicious and fresh drinking water at a fraction of the price of bottled water.

Resources:

• https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11193/7-reasons-to-never-drink-bottled-water-again.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/bottled/

Manganese is a chemical element that naturally occurs in reverse osmosiscks and soil. It is frequently found in iron-bearing drinking waters. Being more rare than iron, manganese may also be present due to underground pollution sources. In coal mining regions, for example, it is found frequently with iron may also appear from both deep and surface mining activities. They often occur together in groundwater, but manganese usually appears in much lower concentrations than iron.

Manganese is seldom found in the water supply. In low concentrations, it produces extremely objectionable stains on everything it comes in contact with. Manganese deposits collect in pipelines.  When found in tap water, it will contain black sediment and turbidity as a result of precipitated manganese. Iron is readily apparent in drinking water supplies as well. It imparts a strong metallic taste to the water and causes staining. Iron and manganese are most common in private wells and springs in northern and western counties of Pennsylvania. Excessive iron concentrations were found in 17% of the private water supplies sampled in the state.

Drinking Water Standards

Because private water systems serving individual homes are not subject to state or federal drinking water standards, the following information only provides guidelines for the proper management of these types of water supplies. Thus, drinking water is recommended to have no more than 0.3 mg/L (0.3 parts per million) of iron and less than 0.05 mg/L of manganese.

For many industrial purposes, the U.S. EPA Secondary Drinking Water Regulations recommend the manganese content should not exceed 0.01 to 0.02 mg/L, which is considered excessive in some cases. This metal may become noticeable in drinking water by impairing color, odor, and taste in concentrations higher than 0.05 mg/L. Health effects are not a concern unless concentrations are approximately 10 times higher, according to the EPA.

Can Manganese Cause Health Problems?

High exposure to these metals has been associated with toxicity to the nervous system, producing a syndrome that resembles Parkinsonism. It is unlikely to cause cancer or reproductive damage and it can be consumed from our diet and in our drinking water. Manganese does not penetrate the skin and does not get into the air. Bathing and showering in water with manganese does not increase exposure. However, if you notice orange-brown or black stains in your water or a metallic taste, you should arrange to have your water tested for iron and/or manganese.

Water Treatment Options

You can obtain a list of certified commercial water testing laboratories from your local Extension office. Our 200 square feet laboratory located in Vista, CA allows us to study the chemistry of our clients’ water before we make recommendations on products or services. Depending on both the form and concentrations of iron and manganese in the water, they can be effectively removed using a number of treatment processes:

• water softening (ion exchange)
• polyphosphate addition
• oxidizing filters
• oxidation followed by filtration
• other treatment methods (aeration, ozonation, catalytic carbon)

Since iron and manganese are aesthetic problems, they must be removed from all water entering the home using POE (Point-of-Entry) treatment devices.
Contact us today at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with our water treatment experts!

Resources:

• http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/secondarystandards.cfm#two

Dehydration effects can range from mild to life threatening and dehydration affects numerous body systems. Water is an essential compound of our body, making up a large percentage of blood and lymphatic fluids. Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water, with an accompanying disruption of metabolic processes but it is a lot more than just not drinking enough water.

If the body does not receive a continuous, safe and reliable supply of water, essential systems throughout the body can become impaired and various conditions or diseases will appear. Studies have shown that the vast majority of people are chronically dehydrated.

Long-term health conditions can develop and evolve if proper hydration is neglected. Unfortunately, lack of water can lead people into choosing more flavorful alternative such as alcohol, caffeinated drinks and sugar-laced replacements, but they become unknowingly further dehydrated. And, of course, people can become addicted to alcohol, which causes a whole host of other problems in their lives. They may not even realize that they have an addiction, although resources like thid https://www.aristarecovery.com/drug-addiction/alcohol-addiction/am-i-an-alcoholic-quiz/ quiz can help out with that – the sooner they admit their problem, the sooner they will feel able to seek the help that they need in order to overcome their addiction so that they can live a sober, healthy life.

Dehydration Effects on the Human Body

Water makes about 60% of one’s body weight! Most people can tolerate a 3-4% decrease in body water without difficulty. If you lose 5-8% you will experience fatigue and dizziness, and over 10% decrease can cause physical and mental deterioration, along with severe thirst. Fatality occurs when there is a decrease of more than 15-25% of the body water.

Studies have shown that dehydration affects the brain negatively and contributes to depression, requiring treatment with CBD products (such as those available through Blessed CBD) or other medications. The lymphatic system is also affected, as dehydration inhibits its effectiveness and allows cellular waste products to linger in the body. Nerves suffer when a person is dehydrated and once a nerve dies, it will not regenerate back within the central nervous system. Headaches, diminished memory, a sensation of pain, fatigue, low energy, poor endurance and loss of muscle strength are also important symptoms of dehydration you should keep an eye out for.

How Do You Prevent Dehydration?

If you do feel dehydrated, then you can have a look at the Magnak website as they explain how to rehydrate fast, however sometimes, prevention is better than cure. Dehydration is obviously avoided by drinking sufficient water; adults require 2-3 L of fluid per day, including water content of food. Fruits and vegetables are full of water and tomatoes for example are 94% water. Maintaining proper electrolyte balance becomes an issue when a large amount of water is lost through perspiration and concurrently replaced by drinking.

The treatment for minor dehydration, which is considered the most effective, is drinking water and stopping fluid loss. Fluid loss can happen for a variety of reasons such as:

• external or stress-related causes
• infectious diseases
• malnutrition
• diabetes insipidus
• foodborne illness
• Crohn’s disease

It is important to know that plain water restores only the volume of the blood plasma and inhibits the thirst mechanism before solute levels can be replenished. Solid foods can contribute to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, dehydrated patients are given the necessary water with a proper balance of replacement electrolytes through oral rehydration therapy or fluid replacement by intravenous therapy. As dehydration (including the more severe cases) is becoming more common nowadays, many are looking into places such as icryo (as iCRYO offers iv therapy franchising) to delve into this subject in the business world, so they can help the many people suffering from it. There are a few different forms of treatment out there for dehydration, the first one is the treatment of choice as it is less painful, less expensive and invasive and easier to provide. Water plays a significant reverse osmosisle in the maintenance of health and prevention of disease, so make sure you always keep yourself hydrated. Contact us at 760.734.5787 for your water-related questions!

Resources:

• https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/647040-dehydration-a-leading-cause-of-diseases.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydration

Many of Maine’s communities rely on private well water but the water they use for drinking, bathing, and other activities goes untested and is not subject to any state or federal guidelines. People are advised and encouraged to get their water regularly tested to ensure that worrisome levels of bacteria and naturally occurring minerals have not crept in, but many residents fail to do so. If you think that the water in your well may be harmful, it might be a good idea to check out this well water filter by AquaOx, this will ensure that water in the well is safe and clean.

Maine is well-known for its picturesque waters and breathtaking mountains and views, yet the granite mountains affect the quality of water throughout the state. Excess fluoride is leaching out of granite and into Maine’s drinking water, potentially affecting other New England states as well.

The Effects of High Fluoride Levels In Private Well Water

Newly released data shows that in 10 communities in the state, private well water have dangerously high levels of fluoride, some of them containing more than double the level that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has deemed acceptable. When incorporated into the teeth, fluoride can harden the enamel, making it resistant to demineralization, which is the leading cause of tooth decay and cavities. And it may get worse if not treated on time. That is why, if you notice tooth decay in your mouth, contact the dentists Herndon first and then request a water inspection to determine the level of fluoride content in the water you drink.

Excess fluoride may damage both brain and bone in humans and can lead to pitted teeth and discoloration –which might result in people looking for a dentist near them using sites similar to https://www.1800dentist.com/. It also makes bone become brittle and more prone to fractures. Also, recent studies have also linked high levels of fluoride exposure with IQ deficits. Two dozen relevant studies performed outside the States indicated that high fluoride exposures reduced children’s IQs by an average of about 7 points.

Maine Water Data

In Dedham, data from 37 private wells indicates that 37.8% of the water is above the state’s maximum exposure guideline. Surry, Franklin, Prospect, Sedgwick, Penobscot, York, Harrison, and Stockton Springs have more than 10% of the wells with fluoride levels higher than the state cutoff. Homeowners voluntarily sent water samples into state labs for testing, providing a first snapshot of the problem in Maine.

Many public health advocates argue that the state’s suggested limit of 2mg/liter is far too high. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has proposed adding fluoride to water in concentrations no greater than 0.7mg/liter to avoid any unwanted health effects.

Lowering Fluoride Levels in Private Well Water

People living in areas with high fluoride concentrations can take steps to mitigate the problem. People frequently take no action even if their water is contaminated with far more harmful chemicals. 27% of Mainers did nothing about the high levels of arsenic in their private wells. Reports have shown that people lack concern about arsenic and are reluctant to pay for any mitigation action.

There are 4 common solutions to the fluoride problem: distillation, reverse osmosis, activated alumina and BC-Carbon. Distillation is capable of removing just about anything, except volatile compounds from water. Time and energy consumptive, distillation leave water empty and lifeless. You will need to add minerals back to it and should consider structuring and energetically enhancing distilled water.

Reverse osmosis (RO) can remove between 90-95% of fluoride, depending on the efficiency of the system and on how the well system is maintained. Contaminants are trapped by the reverse osmosis membrane and flushed away in the wastewater. Quality reverse osmosis systems include pre-filters, which remove volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, hard water minerals, and other contaminants. You will have to add salts and reintroduce life force to the reverse osmosis water, in order to bring it back to energetic compatibility with the human body.

Activated alumina has a large surface area with a huge array of tunnel-like pores, and is the most commonly used fluoride removal media today. When used properly, it can remove arsenic and up to 98% of the fluoride in water. Although highly effective, the challenges with activated alumina are many:

• water must remain in contact with the media for a long time
• there is not enough time to absorb all the fluoride in the water when the flow rate is faster than ¼ gallon/minute
• the media becomes saturated with fluoride
• systems using activated alumina must be recharged/replaced often
• aluminum is released into the treated water

Bone-Char (BC) Carbon works similar to the way bones in the human body attract fluoride and has been used for centuries to remove naturally-occurring fluoride from water. BC-Carbon can remove up to 90% of the fluoride in water when used alone, but its efficiency can be improved by adding pre-filters that remove contaminants and heavy metals before exposure to the BC-Carbon.

Resources:

• http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-fluoride-in-private-wells-causing-an-iq-decline1/
• https://dancingwithwater.com/how-to-remove-fluoride-from-water/

‍

According to a new study by researchers from the University of Otago in New Zealand, water fluoridation does not lower IQ. The addition of fluoride into drinking water remains one of the hottest topics in the water treatment industry with those for and against the process, equally passionate about their stand on the issue.

Some people claim that fluoridated water is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. reverse osmosisutinely added to drinking water in the US and other countries as a supplement to safeguard against tooth decay, fluoride is added to public water supplies at an average concentration of about 1 part per million (1 ppm) or slightly below. Naturally occurring fluoride concentrations in surface waters depend on location but are generally low and usually do not exceed 0.3 pm. In 2012, researchers from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, casted doubts on the health benefits of fluoride in water supplies.

Water Fluoridation and the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Study

Researchers from the University of Otago conducted a study, which involved 1,000 people born in Dunedin in New Zealand during 1972-1973, comparing the IQs of study participants who grew up in suburbs with and without fluoridated water. They also took into account to what extent the participants were exposed to fluoride toothpaste or tablets while growing up.

The IQ scores of 992 participants were examined between the ages of 7-13. Of these people, 942 were tested again at age 38. Lead author Dr. Jonathan Broadbent describes the team’s findings:

“Our analysis showed no significant differences in IQ by fluoride exposure, even before controlling for the other factors that might influence scores. In line with other studies, we found breastfeeding was associated with higher child IQ, and this was regardless of whether children grew up in fluoridated or non-fluoridated areas.”

The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Study, by comparison, is world-renowned for the quality of its data and rigor of its analysis. Current optimal fluoride ingestion from all sources for a healthy adult should be 3-4 mg/day. If you wish to reduce fluoride in your drinking water, you have some options:

• Bottled Water. Beware! Many bottled waters come from municipal supplies that may or may not be fluoridated and may only be filtered or passed through UV light, neither of which will remove fluoride.
• Reverse Osmosis. 75% to 95% reduction depending on system design, water pressure and water chemistry.
• Hydorxyl Apatite Media Filtration. 75% to 95% reduction depending on flow rates and equipment design.
• Activated Alumina Media Filtration. Reasonably effective but only in a narrow band of water pH values.

Resources:

• http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277240.php
• http://www.livescience.com/37123-fluoridation.html

‍

Filter For Clean Drinking Water

ETH student Jeremy Nussbaumer set himself the goal of a contribution to solving the clean drinking water problem that affects people around the world. The 23-year-old spent a year researching a membrane filter and developing a prototype, working with researchers from a group led by Wendelin Stark, head of the Functional Materials Laboratory.

Roughly 780 million people around the world have no access to clean drinking water and, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 3.4 million people die from water-related diseases every year. Nussbaumer’s invention is ideal for development aid projects.

How Does It Work?

Called DrinkPure, the filter’s uniqueness is best represented by the fact that the filter can be screwed on to virtually any plastic bottle. “It does not require a pump or a reservoir, so it is very easy to use,” explains the student from the canton of Aargau. “You simply screw the filter onto a bottle containing polluted water, then you can put it straight in your mouth and take a drink.” The advantages of DrinkPure include:

• weighs less than 100 grams
• provides a high flow pressure
• possibility of purifying as much as 1L of water per minute
• less expensive
• easier to manufacture

What Makes DrinkPure One of the Most Reliable Devices on the Market?

The filter features 3 filtering stages. The first pre-filter captures large particles, such as sand and plant fragments; the second stage consists of an activated charcoal powder that removes odors and chemical contaminants; the third and most important part of the filter is a special polymer membrane that removes bacteria. Nussbaumer says this membrane does its job more reliably than virtually any other water filter intended for outdoor use.

The membrane was developed by two ETH doctoral students and patented three years ago. Since then, the polymer membrane has been used in a wide range of applications. The manufacturing process that the membrane is based on shows great potential.

Sending First Filters to Africa next January

The research team is currently looking for financial support in order to manufacture enough filters to use in developing countries. The proceeds will be used to purchase the tools needed for the manufacturing process. 80% of what is left over will be used to produce the filter and transport it to Africa and 20% to further develop the concept, as Nussbaumer declared. The first completed filters are expected in January 2015 and will be sent to project supporters and to Africa for use in a test phase.

Sources:

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/280093.php

‍

The term waterborne diseases is reserved largely for infections that are predominantly transmitted through contact with or consumption of infected water.

Water quality has always been a concern to all of us, no matter where we live. When it comes to protecting your health from unsafe drinking water, it is vital to know as much as possible about the types of waterborne cysts, bacteria and viruses.

What Causes Waterborne Diseases?

The water supply of households and commercial properties can be contaminated due to many reasons. A rather common cause here is the leakage of sewage into the soil, which then seeps through walls, and sometimes, into ruptured pipelines.

To prevent the osmosis of microorganisms and other contaminants into the water supply, it would be advisable to find solutions at prosewerrepair.com/service/sewer-scope/ or a similar website. By availing sewer scope services like the one in the portal mentioned, you can ascertain the condition of the drainage system of your home or establishment. This can be insightful in understanding whether your water supply is affected by leaking waste underground, or a different reason.

When there are leaks or other forms of contamination, the diseases are mostly caused by pathogenic microorganisms that most commonly are transmitted in contaminated fresh water. The infection mostly results during bathing, washing, drinking, in the preparation of food, or the consumption of food thus infected.

The most prominent examples of infection include various forms of waterborne diarrheal disease, which affect mainly children in developing countries, according to the World Health Organization.

Types of Infections

Microorganisms causing disease that characteristically are waterborne include protozoa, bacteria, viruses and parasites.

The most common symptoms for these infections are represented by:

• abdominal discomfort
• abdominal pain
• allergic reactions
• bloating
• blurred and/or double vision
• cramps
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• flatulence
• itches and rashes
• liver enlargement
• loss of weight
• muscle aches
• nausea
• nervous manifestations
• vomiting

If you have any of the above-mentioned urgent health problems that might require immediate attention, you can go for family urgent care to see a doctor who may be familiar with your previous medical records. And accordingly, he might provide you with medicines for instant relief. If you are unable to visit a local doctor due to an acute illness, you can make use of virtual consultation services for medical advice and prescription. Also, you can order prescribed medicines from an online chemist store (have a look at UK Pharmacy).

Socioeconomic Impact

Waterborne diseases can have a significant impact on the economy, locally, as well as internationally. The less developed countries are usually confronted with related costs and not seldom with a huge financial burden. Financial losses are mostly caused by:

• loss of manpower
• costs for transport and special food
• costs for medical treatment and medication

In developing countries, 4/5 of all the illnesses are caused by waterborne diseases, with diarrhea being the leading cause of childhood death. Some 1.1 billion people still lack access to improved drinking water sources and some 2.4 billion to adequate sanitation. The prevalence of waterborne diseases can be greatly reduced by provision of clean drinking water and safe disposal of feces. Water disinfection is used to prevent the growth of pathogenic organisms and to protect public health.

Common Methods of Water Purification

The 2 most common methods to kill microorganisms in the water supply are: oxidation with chemicals (chlorine, chlorine dioxide or ozone) and irradiation with ultra violets. Chlorine is universally accepted as a safe and effective water disinfectant. Becoming popular in the 1920’s, free chlorine (hypochlorous acid) is the most commonly used method of water purification in the world, saving millions of lives since it became popular to use.

As for UVs, the rays are known to prevent multiplying of organisms due to the disruption of their DNA/RNA. It is a truly chemical-free method of treating water for potability.

Home Water Treatments

More and more people are opting to use a home water treatment device. There are many different types of water treatment products on the market so it is important to first identify your specific water quality concerns. Home treatment water devices come in a wide range of styles, from plumbed-in systems (find more info here), to pour-through water pitchers and faucet-mount filters.

Before purchasing, verify that the system is tested and certified to meet your specific contaminant reduction needs. Most residential water systems require some type of regular maintenance or replacement of the entire unit after a certain number of gallons. Keep in mind that you will need to follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions carefully in order to provide your family with the best protection.

Resources:

• https://www.nsf.org/newsroom/whats-in-your-drinking-water
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterborne_diseases

Reverse Osmosis Systems for High TDS Water

Dime Water was asked to provide a reverse osmosis system to reduce an extremely high TDS water measured at over 5,000 ppm, which also had high sodium and sulfate levels. The pictured reverse osmosis system was designed and constructed for a cattle ranch in South Dakota, with the help of the United State Department of Agricultures’ engineers.

Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measure of the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances contained in a liquid in molecular or micro-granular (colloidal sol) suspended form. TDS is measured in mg/liter or parts per million (ppm). If the TDS is high, cattle will be reluctant to drink then, drink a large amount at once, causing the animal to become very sick and potentially die. The primary symptom of high TDS water in cattle is diarrhea.

The reverse osmosis system’s advantages:

• anti scale chemical feed to prolong equipment life
• fully automatic multi-tank filter system
• operation is fully automatic and controlled with a microprocessor housed in an environmentally sealed enclosure
• specially constructed for reverse osmosisbustness and exposure to harsh ambient conditions
• treated water quantity is over 16,000 gallons daily

Required for all life processes, water is the most important nutrient for range cattle. The total body water of cattle is usually between 56% and 81% of body weight and a loss of 20% of the body’s water will be fatal. This loss of body water occurs through milk production, fecal and urine excretion, sweat, and vapor loss. Water quality, especially sulfates, can affect animal gain and health. A water analysis is recommended if animal performance is disappointing.

What Is Ground Water Quality?

Groundwater quality is judged by the amounts and types of materials that are present in the water. Water contains a variety of dissolved substances including gases and ions, and it may also contain organic matter and suspended materials. Generally, good quality water is water that is safe for its intended use. A few substances such as lead, nitrate, or arsenic may be harmful to health, but most substances dissolved in water do not adversely affect the smell, appearance taste or hardness of the groundwater. The United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established enforceable and recommended drinking water standards for humans and livestock in the United States.

Dime Water also added a special feature to the system: a blending valve to adjust the final quality, get extra daily treated water volume, and maximize water efficiency.

The existing water chemistry found at the ranch prevented cattle from drinking as they should, which resulted in limited weight gain and a loss in revenue at the time of sale. Estimates showed weight gain may be as high as 50% once good water quality is provided. It is very important to do a TDS analysis for water quality and if the concentration is over 3,000 ppm TDS, then further analysis of sulfates should follow. Knowledge and management of stock water quality can be an important part of an effective ranch plan.

Resources:

• https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/30300000/Research/WATERQUALITYMKP6-09.pdf
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_dissolved_solids