Blog

Unless you are old enough to remember early TV shows sponsored by 20 MULE TEAM BORAX, there’s a good chance that you have never heard of boron.

As a close cousin to carbon on the Periodic Table of Elements, boron is a very lightweight element that appears worldwide on land and in the oceans in various concentrations. Scientists have not universally agreed whether boron originally comes from the sea and aerosols to land or dissolves from land sources and finds its way to the sea via surface water discharge. It doesn’t exist naturally as the element boron, but rather as solid boric acid (H3BO3) or as borax (Na2[B4O5(OH)4].8H2O). Both forms are readily water-soluble, so boron can also be found in well water supplies because it dissolves in rainwater and percolates through the soil into aquifers. Aquifers in contact with borax mineral deposits as well as those with seawater intrusion will also have elevated boron levels.

Commercial uses for boron compounds range from improving rare earth magnets for electric vehicle batteries to a detergent additive. As a detergent additive, borax (see above formula) actually precipitates the calcium (hardness) and leaves the sodium in the water. This process is similar to physical water treatment non-salt water softeners which are rapidly replacing salt-type water softeners with devices that use zero water and discharge zero pollutants to drain.

Both the medical and the agricultural communities refer to boron as a micronutrient. In this status, some presence of boron is vital to human and animal development as well as plant health. For humans and animals, boron works in concert with vitamin D to assist the assimilation of calcium which is necessary for bone, tooth, and brain tissue growth and maintenance. Its importance is so much so that those with a deficiency of vitamin D, maybe due to a lack of sun exposure, often take vitamin d drops to maintain this balance. Ideally, humans will ingest approximately 1 mg of boron daily through the consumption of green, leafy vegetables, drinking water, and non-citrus fruits. Above 3 milligrams daily some health issues may arise including diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, and headaches. Fatal doses are in the 15,000 to 20,000 range. Drinking water has the potential of raising the boron intake above healthy levels, thus the USEPA sets a non-mandated limit of 2 (children) to 3 (adults) milligrams per liter; the World Health Organization limit is 2.4 mg/l, and states including California set an upper limit of 1 mg/l.

In plant growth, the effective uptake and use of phosphorus and calcium are assured with only trace amounts of boron available at the roots. This presence follows Liebig’s Law of Minimums meaning that in the absence of boron, plants will not absorb phosphorus or calcium at sufficient levels regardless of how much is applied. Unlike standard human upper tolerance levels, damages to plants begin at in-the-water levels of >0.5 mg/l for blackberries and cannabis to >15 mg/l for asparagus.

If there is insufficient boron present, there are readily available supplements for humans, animals and crops. Excess boron, especially in water, is an entirely different issue. The go-to technology of reverse osmosis simply doesn’t work. The low energy of the boron ion negates ion diffusion upon which osmosis membrane rejection depends upon. Likewise, traditional ion exchange resins fail to remove boron regardless of what regenerant chemical is used. Recently, an adsorption filter medium selective to boron and not interfered by other ions has become available. Devices are available as disposable point-of-use cartridges for point-of-use drinking water applications as well as regenerating small and large pressure vessels for agricultural applications. Typically, a bit pricey, but proven to be effective. The agricultural versions often mean having a viable business or not.

‍

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior USGS division, 70% of all fresh water worldwide is consumed in growing crops. Some countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and states like California, Florida and the Dakotas, have higher percentages. With drought conditions predicted in 2021 and 2022 for much of the world and the western US in particular, treatment opportunities for water professionals should be significant.

The problem associated with much of the accessible irrigation water is brackishness that slows or stops water from adequately following the xylems (capillary network) in plants. This results in the need to over water and if not over watered, plants and their nutritional value are significantly reduced. Needless to say, this excess water is subtracted from available supplies for homes and industry.

Historically, the brackishness is countered by continued over watering (until sources are exhausted) or by employing R.O. systems which in addition to high capital and operating costs is counterproductive because of waste streams. Much of the World has found relief by employing magnetic devices especially in Russia, Eastern European countries and Israel where resources are scarce. One of the best university studies is available through Research Gate www.researchgate.net/publication/284724980 “Impact of Magnetic Water on Plant Growth” coauthored by Jaime da Silva of Japan and Judit Dobranszki of Debrecan University in Hungary. Typical reported results document water savings in the 10% range which could ease drought conditions by billions of gallons in the US.

All published effectiveness reports on magnetic water treatment for irrigation come up short on the issue of why the process works, which understandably creates skepticism at a professional level. The answer may be found in a recently published research book by Gerald H. Pollack, PhD Engineering titled The Fourth Phase of Water. Numerous and well-documented experiments on the properties of water were carried out by Dr. Pollack and his research assistants at his laboratory at the University of Washington. His work reveals that energy (infrared and EMF) applied to water causes a particular hexagonal structuring of water molecules while simultaneously releasing hydrogen ions that create hydronium (H 3 O) molecules in close proximity water. Further tests in the book postulate enhanced capillary action and a unique look at why this occurs.

We believe that a magnetic field can be the energy that changes the water structure to that described by Dr. Pollack. As an explanation of this phenomenon, think of how an electrical generator works: In its simplest form, an outside energy source such as an engine or a turbine moves a conductor (wire) in an electro magnetic field which results in movement of electrons in the wire which defines electricity. The quantitive expression of this is FARADAY’S LAW or EMF = v x B x L x sin A where:

EMF = Electro Motive (or Magnetic) Force or Volts (V) output

v = the velocity of the conductor in meters/sec. (Velocity is a vector which must include direction as opposed to speed which doesn’t require a directional component.)

B = magnetic field strength in Gauss units as opposed to Tesla units

L = length of conductor in meters

A = the angularity of the conductor relative to the magnetic field which defines velocity vs. speed. It is 90 0 in a pipe configuration with magnets on the circumference as most existing systems are constructed. The sin of 90 0 = 1, so it does not affect the voltage value.

In our math modeling of a system, the outside energy to run the “generator” is the water pump feeding the irrigation line, the wire (conductor) is water which of course is conductive unless it is D.I. or distilled water, the velocity is the result of flow rate, length of conductor is the length from in to out of device and field strength is the result of typically permanent magnets along with their type, quantity and placement. By applying the right-hand rule, the positive pole is on the inlet of the device. Knowing the resistance of the water column within the device by either measurement or using a TDS/CONDUCTIVITY CHART resistance can be determined and using OHM’S LAW V=IR with voltage from above I (amps) can be solved for as I = V/R. Finally, we can determine the energy going into the water which is derived from WATT’S LAW P=VI where P = Power in watts, a universal expression of energy. Through algebraic manipulation of ohms law, P in watts can also be expressed as P = I 2 R. Trial calculations show volts, amps and watts in the milli range.

This presentation is an expression of DC (Direct Current) power. Multiple magnet fields will produce a pulsing DC voltage and by axially changing magnetic field polarization from field to field, AC (Alternating Current) power will be produced. Hopefully this presentation will overcome some of the stigma associated with magnets and provide a plausible explanation for their efficacy in agricultural water applications.

We encourage people in the traditional water conditioning industry to align themselves with one of the many suppliers of agricultural magnetic systems. By offering such devices, we believe many millions of gallons of irrigation water can be diverted to residential and commercial uses which is especially important during drought conditions. For further interesting information on water properties, we recommend purchasing and studying Dr. Pollack’s book.

Las Vegas, known for its glitz and glamour, is no stranger to the challenges posed by water scarcity. With drought conditions persisting, the city now faces the possibility of water rationing. This article explores how such measures can impact the typically abundant water supply to households and potentially increase water bills. Let’s delve into the intricacies of water conservation in Las Vegas during this period of drought.

In a city heavily dependent on imported water resources, the threat of water rationing looms large. Las Vegas, situated in the arid Mojave Desert, relies on Lake Mead and the Colorado River for its water supply. However, with these water sources experiencing historic lows due to drought, rationing becomes an essential tool for managing the available resources.

Water rationing would mean a significant departure from the usual instant and limitless water supply enjoyed by Las Vegas households. Residents may face restrictions on outdoor water usage, including limits on lawn watering, car washing, and pool filling. Such measures are necessary to prioritize essential water needs and ensure equitable distribution among residents.

Las Vegas has long recognized the importance of water conservation. Rationing serves as a reminder to implement additional conservation measures. Residents can take proactive steps to reduce their water consumption by fixing leaks, installing water-efficient appliances, and adopting sustainable landscaping practices. Embracing these changes will not only help mitigate the impact of water rationing but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of Las Vegas water resources.

While water rationing aims to balance supply and demand, it can have financial implications for households. As water becomes a scarcer resource, water bills may see an upward trend. The reduced availability of water coupled with the cost of implementing conservation measures and maintaining water infrastructure could lead to higher rates. It becomes imperative for residents to prioritize water conservation efforts to mitigate the impact on their Las Vegas water bills.

As the drought persists and water rationing becomes a reality, it is crucial to strike a balance between meeting household water needs and conserving water for future generations. The Las Vegas community must come together to explore innovative strategies for water management, such as utilizing reclaimed water and implementing advanced irrigation techniques. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs can play a vital role in fostering a culture of water conservation among residents.

Las Vegas Water Conservation Solutions

We have all become accustomed to our utilities– electricity, water, natural gas– being available 24/7 with the flick of a switch, turn of a faucet handle or turn of an oven knob. Some homes and offices designated as being “smart” actually control the utility use from a computer controller programmed for convenience or conservation with remote access for immediate changes to accommodate altered situations.

The result of this convenience has caused there to be an attitude that the utilities will always be there when needed. Demographics, climate and government policies are for sure going to alter this attitude. Demographics indicate that an older population will be shifting to warmer urban centers such as Phoenix, Las Vegas and San Diego in the southwest and almost any city in Florida and Georgia in the southeast. Electricity production, regardless of its source and cost, can be increased and diverted. Natural gas, which is in surplus supply⁽¹⁾, too can be diverted to growth areas.  The remaining utility, water, cannot be diverted or new sources produced, so somehow an increase in population in certain areas (read U.S. southwest) must be accommodated by existing sources. The answer is conservation.

Water district bills, newspapers and radio/TV ads encourage conservation. Phoenix and Las Vegas are apparently going to “force” conservation by limiting the amount of water each connection will be entitled to. Surely others will follow especially if their approach and methods are successful.  Apparently, tiered pricing has not encouraged the affluent or the entitled to sufficiently cut back.

One conservation approach is mostly overlooked. That is the water discharged to drain by water softeners and filters. It’s not unusual for this to be 150 gallons a week or more. Don’t be fooled by high efficiency softeners. They do not waste as much water per regeneration cycle, but regenerate more frequently thus the same waste over a period of time. The answer may be a Dime Water Aquafer. These whole home treatment systems prevent damaging hard water scale, discharge zero water to drain, use no salt or chemicals, have no valve requiring service and have a demonstrated service-free life averaging 15+ years. In addition, these systems filter chlorine out of water, significantly reduce chloramines, permanently remove heavy metals and the filter medium acts as a biocide to prevent fouling within the system. The Aquafer is an excellent replacement for an existing water wasting water softener or softener/filter combination. Inside, garage or outside installation. For space issues or the budget conscious, we offer the scale prevention feature only as our ESF-2.0 product.

1. The current crop of politicians is virtue signaling by turning thumbs down on natural gas. California is leading the drive by a mandate forbidding sale of all NG appliances and not issuing permits for gas lines to new construction. Unknown is how rapidly technology can overcome available mineral shortages, distribution buildout and supply chain issues to keep up with exponential growth in electricity needs.

To maximize their retirement and/or entertainment dollars, many US and Canadian citizens select Mexico or a Central American country such as Costa Rica for full time or part time living.   In addition to the lower cost of living, many parts of these countries offer heavenly weather, beautiful beaches, breathtaking views and great sport fishing.  Left out of most benefit discussions is household water.

Most Mexican and Central American water systems are significantly different from what North Americans are familiar with.  First, local regulations and inspections for safety are often lax or missing.  Second, most sources deliver low flow, low pressure water to individual facility storage tanks called cisterns that can expose the water to additional contamination.  Third, many of the water distribution systems are overtaxed and in need of repair thus causing entrance points for even more contamination.  The overall potential for water issues confirmed by laboratory testing are bacteria, viruses, cysts, discoloration, insecticides, pesticides, waste chemicals, hardness, tastes and odors sometimes attributed to extremely high chlorine levels.

What to do?  We often get requests for whole home reverse osmosis system from US and Canadian property owners in Mexico and Costa Rica.  This is the Ideal solution and we have provided some.  However, because of size, cost, power consumption, waste water, installation issues and future service, interest soon wanes.  To address all of these problems, we developed the ESF PLUS in the early 2000’s. This compact, wall mounted, easy to install system treats every drop of water in a facility and provides safe, clear, soft feeling water at a fraction of the cost of a whole house reverse osmosis system with no salt or chemical used.

NOTES:

1. Some trace level of one or more heavy metals exists in many public drinking water supplies.
2. How the drinking water limits were established is not published. Actual laboratory testing or knowledge obtained by reviewing public health records of populations on a contaminated source?
3. There appears to be no published information on health issues that arise when two or more of the listed metals exist in the same supply.
4. Reduction to below detection levels of trace heavy metal levels within a home:
   • Aquafer
   • Whole House Reverse Osmosis
   • Under Counter Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Unit

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.

‍

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.

Every few months, a vibrant brochure arrives in the mail from newly established water filter manufacturers, accompanied by alarming warnings about the quality of your home’s water. They offer an enticing new water treatment solution and even the chance to win a trip to Bermuda if you act immediately.

While it’s true that residential water filtration systems offer numerous health and quality-of-life benefits for your family, not all manufacturers can be trusted. Some unethical providers come and go quickly, charging exorbitant prices for water treatment systems that fail to deliver on their promises.

When you’re ready to explore your options, it’s important to choose a reputable company that has stood the test of time and presents factual information instead of exaggerated claims.

Our advice is to look beyond the sales pitch, scare tactics, and exaggerated assertions about maintenance-free systems that are supposedly cheaper than anything else on the market.

With over 20 years of experience, Dime Water is a reliable choice. We offer a range of water filtration solutions tailored to different situations, acknowledging that what works for one scenario may not be equally effective elsewhere.

Our proven residential water filtration solutions are designed to meet your current and future needs, and we’re always transparent about installation, maintenance, warranty, and cost.

Get the facts about water filtration by calling Dime Water now: (760) 734-5787.

ESF 2.0 (ENVIRO SCALE-FREE)

PREVENTS HARD WATER SCALE WITH:

• NO SALT OR CHEMICALS
• NO ELECTRICITY
• NO WATER TO DRAIN
• NO SERVICE —— EVER

The ESF-2.0 is a patented update to the ESF first offered by Dime Water, Inc. in 1996. The original and still available ESF has enjoyed decades of success preventing hardness scale in hotels, motels, nursing homes, apartment buildings, and homes. Additionally, they have successfully replaced costly, high-service water softeners and chemical feed systems pretreating hundreds of commercial and industrial reverse osmosis systems.

The 2.0 version incorporates a unique magnetic chamber following the catalytic chamber that employs a proprietary magnetic field arrangement and field strength enhancement that improves the unit’s overall performance by 25%. The magnets used are Neodymium class 52 which are the strongest permanent magnets available. Magnets are not in the water stream. Wetted parts are 304 Stainless Steel, bronze/lead-free brass, schedule 80 PVC, and EPDM elastomers.

In addition to tremendous CAPEX and OPEX savings, these ESF 2.0 systems occupy virtually no valuable space which is yet another cost benefit. This feature is particularly important in motel, restaurant, and retail store applications. Often used to replace aged salt-based water softeners especially when the old system is too large to be economically removed or in situations where existing softeners are taken offline because of municipal salt restrictions.

Pressure drop characteristics are a fraction of those created by the valves, resin columns, and distributors used in water softener construction. The water scale prevention effects remain relatively constant from minimal through maximum flow rates and last for up to 72 hours. Custom small hot water “booster” units are available for tank/recirculation hot water systems.

Available Models

‍

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.

In response to the ongoing drought conditions as well as the overall worldwide shortage of potable water, Dime water has prepared for the imminent release of a vastly improved offering of zero water waste, no salt treatment products.

Since 1995, Dime Water has been an international leader in producing environmentally friendly water purifier products around their patented catalytic-magnetic process. From its inception through 2021, it is estimated that this technology has prevented the loss to drain of 130 MILLION GALLONS of potable water and the discharge of 30 MILLION POUNDS of salt into the environment.

The revised technology will be referred to as Aquafer and ESF 2 POINT O and offers the customer a 20 % longer effective water treatment hardness scale prevention life. Also, in addition to addressing the most common calcium carbonate scale, the revised units will also significantly reduce scaling caused by calcium sulfate, strontium sulfate, barium sulfate, calcium fluoride and calcium phosphate which are particularly important for home and commercial reverse osmosis applications. The Aquafer offers treated water for less than $1 a day.

The entire process relies on creating microscopic seeds of at least one of the scale forming minerals. For reasons often referred to as phenomena, this encourages formation of seeds of the remaining minerals mentioned. Once accomplished, a strong heterogeneous magnetic field in our products reacts on the microscopic mineral particles which causes them to cluster and not go back into solution. In the clustered form, there is no charge that permits them to cling to surfaces which then eliminates scale.

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.

The ever-present message from news outlets, government officials from the top down, and peer pressure is that Worldwide we all must wear a mask to prevent the spread of Covid 19. There is compelling evidence that the most common materials used in their fabrication have pore sizes much larger than viruses thus not particularly effective. The analogy referred to is to think of throwing sand at a chain-link fence. Apparently, this has become common knowledge, thus a recent push to wear 2 masks simultaneously. Personal hygiene and immune improvement through diet and supplementation have all but disappeared from the dispensed advice.

The push for masks has been so effective that billions have been distributed and the numbers continue to grow. The vast majority are disposable and carelessly discarded as evidenced in parking lots, parks, and along roadways. This issue goes way beyond litter and affects our health and the food chain.

The most popular materials used to manufacture masks are cotton, polypropylene, and polyester with the last two being manmade plastic materials. The manmade materials are processed into microfibers for maximum filtration efficacy. This processing is responsible for microfibers getting into our water and food as the masks degrade. The primary effect in humans is the disruption of intestinal chemistry plus the unknown long-term exposure to slowly dissolving polymers in our gut. Environmentalists have now concluded that these particular microfibers are further degrading to Nanoparticles which plausibly causes uptake into the bloodstream.

What to do? The damage is done, so changes in mask material or disposal regulations will not change things because of lead times and delays. The only thing that can be done is to filter the drinking water in your home and the only filtration process that can remove harmful water particulates down to Nanosize is reverse osmosis. Add this situation to the ever-growing list of actual or potential health-compromising items in our drinking water that a functioning reverse osmosis unit can remove. Bottled water is NOT the answer.

We have all heard the cautionary statement “what could possibly go wrong here?” This usually applies to seeing someone standing on the top rung of a ladder, shaving while driving, or repairing an electrical device near a body of water, but not always. I have always had concerns about hack-prone remote control of everything from home appliances, home security systems, and even automobiles. Even worse would be control over the electrical grid or, heaven forbid, a public water system. The latter happened the week of Feb. 7, 2021, in Oldsmar, FL according to a report in today’s edition of Industrial Equipment News.

According to the article, a hacker took control of the chemical treatment process and released excess amounts of sodium hydroxide into the water supply. In properly controlled levels, this chemical is common and harmless and used to raise the water pH to prevent corrosion of the pipes in the distribution system. High levels are toxic and damaging to tissue. Fortunately, a utility employee was viewing the facility online, noticed what was occurring, and blocked his/her efforts.

Had the employee’s attention been diverted or delayed,  this could have been a disaster. Chances are this particular chemical would be noticed by taste or odor at points of use and consumer use minimized. Had it been a different chemical such as a fluoride compound frequently introduced in municipal water supplies, significant human damage could have occurred.

This scenario will probably be repeated more and more frequently as utilities rely heavily on remote control and monitoring to keep labor costs low and give the appearance of being technologically advanced.

What to do?  There’s no substitute for adding a layer of protection in your home — namely, an under-counter reverse osmosis system to provide much safer drinking and cooking water in your home. Properly installed and maintained, these units last for many years, provide peace-of-mind and safe water.

We offer multiple reverse osmosis systems. All provide extra safety with efficient water use and upscale systems can add ultra-high water use efficiency,  alkalinity addition, remineralizing, structured water, crystals, etc., etc.

ccording to the CDC website, as of April 3, 2020, there has been no report of COVID-19 being in a drinking water source. This particular virus went from being known and understood by a segment of the scientific community to general awareness in about 60 days. There is no direct statement by the CDC that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted via drinking water, but they do state that filtration and disinfection chemical processes used by most municipal water systems should remove or inactivate the virus. Words like most and should are not particularly reassuring. Intuitively, if any of these particular viruses exist in the water, danger would exist via inhalation or facial and oral exposures.

The entrance of the virus into the water seems to be via incompletely treated sewerage being discharged into bodies of water that are ultimately used as drinking water sources. The sewerage has the virus present because it has recently been found in human stool samples. I would assume leachate from septic systems and land fill disposal sites containing diapers could also be sources. These sources will quite possibly remain active after the face-to-face transmission has subsided.

For protection at the entrance to a facility (POE) there are options such as adding extra chlorine with a properly sized retention tank or as a convenient alternative a properly sized Ultra Violet (UV) system matched with a 5 micron or finer cartridge filter. For protection where water for drinking and cooking is obtained (POU) a reverse osmosis unit paired with a small UV light is the approach to take.

Ozone systems can also be adapted for POE and POU applications.

Before committing to any company or individual for treatment of water for this virus or any related water issues, be certain that you are working with knowledgeable people that have a long history and an interest in your wellbeing.

‍

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

‍

To begin this discussion it helps if we first understand hard water. It was a term coined in the early 1800s by machinists trying to mix soap into water to be used as a coolant for drilling or lathe turning metal parts. When the soap wouldn’t readily dissolve in the water they referred to the water as being hard to mix and subsequently hard water. The problem went away when using water from certain streams and rivers and ultimately chemists determined the difference between acceptable water and hard water was the presence of calcium and bicarbonate alkalinity in the hard water and absent or in diminished quantity in the good water. With the opposite of hard being soft the term soft water was born. It was soon learned as industries developed that the hardness components in the water not only caused interference with soap but also interfered with food and chemical processing, caused boilers to explode because of scale formed as the calcium compounds dropped out of solution, plugged water pipes for the same reason and, of course, laundry problems, leading to people looking for a plumbing company near them who would be able to come out and fix the issues they were having.

The 100 Year Old Technology

Over a period of 100+ years, many processes were developed to overcome the hard water problems. Eventually, a natural mined mineral Zeolite was selected and soon followed by synthetic zeolite (currently called resin) which to this day is found in virtually all devices called water softeners. The water softeners using this now nearly 100-year-old technology remove the calcium along with magnesium and some other positively charged ions BUT they are replaced with Sodium and in some cases Potassium which must be replenished with bags of sodium chloride or potassium chloride. The definition of soft or more appropriately softened water is water with calcium removed and replaced with sodium or potassium. The softening process entails equipment that has numerous moving parts requiring occasional servicing, needs electricity, needs replenishment of salt, and of most importance discharges a relatively high volume of water to drain that is laden with salt.

Hard water’s high mineralization content can result in rock-hard, chalky limescale inside pipes. The longer hard water is allowed to flow through pipes, the thicker the build-up becomes. This can reduce the flow of water through your pipes and can cause clogs. If you continue to allow hard water to flow through your pipes, the blockages may worsen. Installing a water softening system may prevent your pipes from clogging further due to the hard water residue scale. As softer water runs through your pipes on a regular basis, the limescale might gradually begin to dissolve. In fact, a master plumber may use soft water to clear clogged pipes because it might leach heavy metals from pipes and appliances.

Soft Water Without Waste

Because of the discharge of salty water to drain and the high cost of service, alternatives to the salt-based softeners are dramatically increasing in popularity. There is absolutely no reason to remove a desirable electrolyte such as calcium from the water if the calcium and alkalinity can be brought together as water enters the home to form microscopic particles of hardness that flow through the plumbing system without attaching to water heaters, plumbing fixtures or pipes and will not interfere with cleaning products. But when it comes to having salt in water, it might affect the plumbing system. Salt can remain in the system for an extended period, either dissolved in saltwater or as salt crystals themselves. Salt might react with the lining of the pipes and cause them to corrode. If that is the case, it might require the assistance of Lynchburg plumbing services or plumbing services offered at any other place. And hence, need to be fixed as soon as possible so that the rest of the pipes are not affected. This is the reason, we offer a number of products based on the contemporary technology that uses no chemicals or salt, discharges no water to drain, uses no electricity and has no moving parts. The Aquafer offers treated water for less than $1 a day.
‍

Vibrant Crystal is an under counter home reverse osmosis system. This is undoubtedly the most complete drinking water system available.

The story behind the product

We have a passion for water and are avid readers of the writings of geniuses in the fields of hydration, structuring, and chemistry such as Viktor Schauberger, F. Batmanghelidj, W.D. Holloway, M. J. Pangman, Dr. G. Pollack and many others. Their writings tell us to strip our water of everything including negative messages and then add bioavailable electrolytes for alkalinity and pH elevation before structuring and implanting new good messages. That we have accomplished with the following:

Product description and processes

– 5-micron filtration. First stage particulate filtration.
– Dual biocidal media cartridge for removal of chlorine, chloramines, organics and trace heavy metals.
– Special non-electric pump to increase the production and quality of the RO water and prevent storage quality loss.
– Custom reverse osmosis membrane. Eliminates 96% of everything dissolved in the water and filter to 0.0002u.
– Special non-electric pump to increase the production and quality of the RO water and prevent storage quality loss.
– Custom material to add carbonic acid to water. NOT a D.I. mixed resin. It further reduces water TDS.
– Addition of magnesium bicarbonate and molecular hydrogen to the water for alkalinity and pH elevation.
– Passage through multi neodymium magnetic fields to replicate passage through Earth’s magnetic fields.
– Storage in an inert bladder backed by air pressure to assure forceful faucet delivery.
– Cascading flow through a vortex chamber to erase negative messages.
– Flow-through hematite and selected crystals to impart positive energy frequencies.
– Final polish through special coconut based carbon for exquisite taste.
– Water quality meter and pressure gauge built-in.

Specifications

– Daily water production — 100 gallons based on <500 PPM water at 77 Deg. F
– Treated water storage — 2.6 gallons. 4.4 gallon nominal tank size
– Dimensions — Unit 19”H. x 16”W. x 5-1/2”D. Takes same space as traditional. Tank 11”D. x 14”H.
– Included items — 100% tested unit, tank, faucet, inlet valve with adapter, drain fittings, tubing, instructions
– Water pressure — 40 PSI min. / 85 PSI max.
– Water temperature — 100 Deg. F max.
– UPS / FedEx shippable — Yes. Single carton 30 lbs

WE INVITE YOU TO REVIEW OUR NO-CHEMICAL, NO SALT, NO DRAIN, NO ELECTRICITY WHOLE HOME AQUAFER TREATMENT UNITS FOR CHLORINE, CHLORAMINES AND HEAVY METALS REDUCTION AS WELL AS SCALE PREVENTION TO PROTECT PLUMBING.  VIBRANT CRYSTAL COULD BE PERFECT FOR YOU.  THE AQUAFER OFFERS TREATED WATER FOR LESS THAN $1 A DAY.

‍

Having clean water isn’t enough when it comes to home use. A water filtration system will give people clean water, but that water can still have elements that make it hard for other uses. Hard water is still safe to drink, but not all that tasty and very difficult to clean with. Enter the water softener experts like Silkflow.

The water softener that we know and use today was first started in the1940’s. As technology improved–major changes in non-corrosive materials, meters, timer electronics, etc.-so too did the function and reliability of water softeners.

A water softener is a device that utilizes either sodium chloride (salt) or potassium chloride (also salt) to remove calcium and magnesium from water, replacing them with either sodium or potassium. The softening process is also effective at removing iron, manganese and other metals. The end result is softened water without all the hard minerals.

Water can have little to no naturally occurring calcium or magnesium present and sometimes it needs to be removed by an exterior process. These processes can include membranes, EDI, or CDI. It will still be soft water, even if those minerals are replenished.

Softened water does well with multiple applications and reacts better with soaps, shampoos and detergents than hard water. An added bonus is the elimination of the dreaded bathtub ring. Also, it prevents mineral scale formation in pipes and faucets. There are lots of benefits of softened water compared to hard water, but you can get some help from aquariuswaterconditioning.com if you’d like to learn more.

Vibrant Water manufactures a complete line of water softeners for commercial and home use. Small homes, large hotels, motels, hospitals and factories-Vibrant Water has the perfect water softener to suit all needs.

Through our advanced processes, our systems minimize the wastewater created as well as the salt needed for softening. The waste stream from a water softener typically contains chlorides, however, the EPA frowns on that process. In accordance with that regulation, some water districts will not install these. Drought-prone areas also impose limits on their use. To overcome these restrictions, Dime Water offers a wide variety of systems that use no salt or safer chemicals and with minimal waste water.

Dime Water has the right system for any water softening needs.

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.

It’s very difficult to respond to a customer requesting the best water filter. Are they referring to price, treated water quality, the quantity of water produced, number of treatment steps or what?

We believe that the best water filter is the one that does precisely what the customer needs and will do it reliably for years.

Reviewing some of the definitions for best:

• Price. Imported components, inexperienced assemblers, lack of post-sale service are popular ways to drive prices down but end up being costly
• Smaller unit. Undersized equipment running 24/7 to keep up is a short term savings.
• Missing or improper pre-treatment. Costly early and repeated R.O. membrane cleaning and or replacement
• owntime. What could be more costly than waiting for assistance or parts from a non existing or non knowledgeable customer service?
• Out of spec water quality. Too late. If the system is built wrong, replacement or rebuilding may be the only answer.

The only way to get the best water purifier is to work with a responsive manufacturer staffed with experienced engineers and express your expectations.

Thank you for helping us better identify the whole house water treatment systems that may best suit your needs. Based on your input we have determined that a combination of the DRO-100HE Plus & the Aquafer are the whole house water treatment systems that are perfect for you. Below is two quick videos explaining the benefits of using the DRO-100HE Plus & The Aquafer.

A member of our team will contact you shortly.

If you would like to speak with a member of our team now you can contact us at (760) 734-5787.

Thank you for helping us better identify the water filtration system that best suits your needs. Based on your input we have determined that the DRO-100HE Plus is the perfect solution for your water filtration needs. Below is a quick video explaining the benefits of using the DRO-100HE Plus. A member of our team will contact you shortly. If you would like to speak with a member of our team now you can contact us at (760) 734-5787

Thank you for helping us better identify the water filtration system that best suits your needs. Based on your input we have determined that the Aquafer is the perfect solution for your water filtration needs. Treated water for less than $1 a day.  Here is a quick video explaining the benefits of using the Aquafer. If you would like to speak with a member of our team now you can contact us at (760) 734-5787.

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’s nothing you can buy to treat the water in your home that can do as much for you as the Aquafer Water Conditioner System. Treated water for less than $1 a day.

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.

‍

Do you need a water softener? In all but a very few parts of the world, the answer should be YES. After you answer the following questions about why soft water is for you to read on about exciting 21st-century technology to make it happen.

1. How does my laundry look? Water hardness interferes with soap and detergents. Result? Water that doesn’t get ‘sudsy’ enough to clean, a fabric-damaging film on clothes, and unsightly surface scum left behind in your washer.

2. Is there a white, chalky substance on my faucets and shower walls?
That’s mostly limescale, a material made of calcium carbonate. You can scrub it off but it will keep coming back as long as you use your sinks and shower. It’s one of the most obvious signs of hard water. If you’ve just had a renovation done, be it one with Glass Shower Direct shower walls or with other products, seeing this buildup can be frustrating, and water softeners may be the best counter you could do.

3. Has the water pressure dropped?
Once again, the culprit is limescale. It accumulates on the inside of your pipes when they are exposed to hard water, and those deposits will continue to build up until they begin restricting the flow of water.

We have offered products for years that solve hard water problems and are environmentally perfect — no use of salt or chemicals, not a single drop of water goes wastefully to drain, no electricity used and no moving parts that require service. Our Aquafer and ESF units replace traditional softeners that use technologies from the 1920s that discharge salt and wastewater to drain, require electricity, and are plagued with costly service calls. The Aquafer offers treated water for less than $1 a day.

You’ll find several environmentally friendly products on our website. Please contact us if you need help deciding which water softener solution is best for your home or business.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

It happens every few months – a colorful brochure arrives from new water filter manufacturers in the mail with dire warnings about the quality of the water in your home, and offering an exciting new water treatment solution, and maybe the chance to win a trip to Bermuda if you call right now.

These pitches are right about one thing – residential water filtration system offers many health and quality-of-life benefits for your family. But not all water filter manufacturers are alike. There are unscrupulous fly-by-night providers that will overcharge for water treatment while providing a product that doesn’t get the job done.

When you are ready to explore your options, you are more likely to get a quality product from a company that has been around for a while and offers facts instead of inflated claims.

Our advice? Look beyond the sales pitch, the scare tactics, and trumped-up claims about systems that are maintenance-free and cheaper than anything else on the market.

Dime Water has been around for more than 20 years. We offer an array of water treatment solutions, instead of trying to convince you that the same system that works for one type of situation would be equally effective elsewhere.

Our proven residential water filtration solutions include one that can meet your present and future needs, and we will always be upfront with you about installation, maintenance, warranty, and cost.

Get the facts about water filtration by calling Dime Water now: (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

‍

Water Treatment Values

Commercial Water Treatment filters provide better tasting and better smelling drinking water by removing chlorine and bacterial contaminants. Point-of-use water filters remove lead from drinking water immediately prior to consumption, thus preventing this harmful substance from entering the body. Dime Water, Inc.’s residential water softeners can help you feel the difference between good water and excellent water in San Diego, California!

‍

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.

‍

There is currently a huge increase in interest in water treatment products. This interest level crosses all market segments- residential, commercial and industrial and appears to be fueled by health and water shortage issues at the residential level. Water treatment products interest in the commercial and industrial markets is motivated by a number of factors primarily water conservation, product improvements, and regulatory demands.As time goes on we anticipate the interest in and demand for treatment products to continue at an even higher rate driven by the publicity of water contaminants, water scarcity, increase in industrial sophistication and bureaucratic pressures.

One of the more positive results of an interest increase is the increase in water treatment options. Prior to developments in the 1970s water treatment options consisted of ion exchange, distillation, and a few filter media selections. Water got treated but chemical and salt waste (pollution) were high, water waste was out of control, energy consumption was out of line and spent media disposal loaded with toxic materials was the norm. Today, we are equipped with better water treatment plants and also highly regulated waste water treatment centers. Also, there are different stormwater prevention plan companies in houston tx (and elsewhere) that could make sure that the waste water from sewer systems, construction sites, and industrial areas are treated properly.

Current water treatment options still include ion exchange, distillation and media filters to be used judiciously and are now supplemented by new treatment products including reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, electro deionization, capacitive deionization, ultraviolet, advanced oxidation process, cartridge filtration, non-chemical (physical) hardness scale prevention, long life redox media and ultrasonic devices.An entirely new family of water options appealing to a rapidly growing group of water purists consists of treatment products and processes to increase alkalinity, add electrolytes, add elemental hydrogen, add crystalline vibrations, add magnetic impulses, follow the Golden Ratio, energize via vortex and improve hydration through surface tension reduction.

As a prospective purchaser of water treatment products, there is wisdom in doing due diligence and explore your water treatment options to obtain precisely what is best for you. Further, you are best served by working with a prospective supplier that offers more than one or two options and is prepared to discuss them at a technical level and not simply provide a glossy brochure.

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

Water Infrastructure in Question after Water Main Breaks

When the water main broke in San Diego, it gave rise to several questions about water infrastructure. A water main rupture left most of Shelter Island without functional plumbing through the late morning and the entire afternoon Friday, January 23, when the failed 63-year-old concrete pipeline began drenching the reverse osmosisadway in the 2300 block of Shelter Island Drive about 9 am.

The flow was under control in about 45 minutes and no structural flooding was reported. According to workers, a corroded connector attaching 2 segments of the 12-inch-diameter main, not the pipe itself, had given way. Water service was restored to the area around 5 pm after repairs were completed.

A week earlier, another water main broke in Little Italy on January 14, shutting down the local businesses. Nearly 20 restaurants, 6 apartments, and 5 other businesses were without water for most of the day. You can read the news report here.

In the US, a Water Main Breaks Every 2 Minutes

That is a lot of wasted water if you do the math… Unfortunately, money also goes down the drain when a water main breaks – the cost of fixing a problem after it occurs is much more than that of fixing it in advance. Since 2010, San Diego has paid at least $3.9 million for issues related to water main breaks. In 2013, the city estimates 6.6 million gallons gushed from ruptured mains, which is enough water for the average San Diegan for 205 years, according to the city’s estimated average daily use of 88 gallons per person each day.

According to city officials, it is too expensive to do the reverse osmosisutine inspections of water lines to reveal which ones are close to collapse and need replacing. Only about 5 ½ of its 505 miles of large transmission pipelines and none of San Diego’s 2,958-mile network of smaller distribution pipelines were inspected since 2005. According to an analysis of city data by inewsource, mains are breaking at a pace of more than 100 per year.

The solution to this infrastructure crisis is to replace all the 100-year-old cast iron pipes first. Rupture-prone cast iron pipes should be replaced with PVC, which is not as apt to rupture, and professionals will know whether Schedule 40 PVC vs. schedule 80 PVC, or a different type of pipe altogether, will be best for this particular job. Additionally, water breaks can often be seen at the point where a pipeline ends and the reason could depend on various factors such as blind flange rust, improper flange fit, etc. To address this issue, using rust-proof stainless blind flange could be considered. Since 2007, only 51 miles of the most rupture-prone cast iron pipes have been replaced and there are still 129 miles to go. Double Block and Bleed Valve technology can also be fitted to pipes, relieving pressure and reducing the chances of rupture.

Smart Pig Technology for Water Pipes

Smart pigs or Pipeline Inspection Gauges (PIG) are large pieces of machinery pulled together with powerful technology that helps with the maintenance of transmission pipelines. These devices are used to detect stress corrosion cracking, general and pitting corrosion and in specific, gouges, dents, pit corrosion, anomalous weld seams, longitudinal cracks/grooves and general pipe corrosion.

Although used to inspect oil pipelines to see where the problems are, smart pigs could be used in water pipelines obviating the necessity of digging up the pipeline in order to inspect it. Some common components of smart pigs include:

• odometers
• calipers (detect reverse osmosisundness)
• tilt sensors
• capacitive sensors
• ultrasonics – the same technology found in ultrasound equipment

Unfortunately, San Diego does not know exactly where the biggest problems are. Considering the difficulties in which our state is with the water shortage, something must be done to reduce the chances of water main ruptures.

EPA is committed to promoting sustainable practices that will help ensure that citizens continue to have access to clean and safe water. 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:

• https://www.kpbs.org/news/2015/jan/23/shelter-island-businesses-without-running-water-af/
• https://sandiegofreepress.org/2015/01/water-main-breaks-cause-major-problems-in-san-diego-and-nationwide/
• https://inewsource.org/2012/02/27/cost-of-main-breaks-water-loss-add-up-for-city/
• https://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/sustain/index.cfm

Water Shortage Solution

As the state and northern region grows, Colorado faces a water shortage as the population grows and becomes more and more dependent upon a limited resource. Inaction could lead the communities being stranded in a dry river with only a paddle if the population does not identify new sources.

Of high importance is also the need for conserving the existing supply as possible. In tandem with other efforts, the Northern Integrated Water Supply project is key to solving Colorado’s water problem. The population of Colorado is expected to double to 10 million by 2050 and the growth rates in Fort Collins and Larimer are expected to mirror that of the state.

With Growth Comes a Need for Water

Conservation efforts in Northern Colorado are working, according to the city’s 2013 water conservation report. In an 11-year period, from 2002 to 2013, the water use per person in Fort Collins was reduced from 183 gallons per day to 141. This multi-faceted water conservation program is based on public education, incentives, assessments and enforcement, being guided by the Water Conservation Plan.

The WCP set a goal of 140 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) by 2020. The incremental target to reach this goal was 149 gpcd for 2013 and the average demand (adjusted for weather) in 2013 was 147 gpcd.

The Northern Water agency would like to build 2 reservoirs, pipelines and water pumping stations to help secure the region’s water source. Their project is estimated to cost around $500 million and has been named the Northern Integrated Supply Project, or NISP. Although the idea of this project was conceived long ago, it has long been a source of conflict.

NISP would supply customers, rural or urban, with approximately 40,000 acre-feet (or more) of new, reliable water supply each year through pumping stations, pipelines and 2 new reservoirs at Glade (which will be built northwest of Fort Collins) and Galeton, northeast of Greeley. The amount of water will be slightly larger than the Horsetooth Reservoir.

Northern Water is set to receive a long-awaited report from the Army Corps of Engineers later this year. However, the statement has been postponed at least twice and the study will probably not be released until spring 2015, according to Northern Water spokesman Brian Werner. Colorado might not have a lifetime to wait for more water, according to draft versions of the Colorado Water Plan completed this summer.

The state is on track to be short 500,000 acre-feet of water by 2050, enough to cover half a million football fields in one foot of water. The Fort Collins-Loveland Water Conservation District has already passed its water shortage date and by 2005, the district was short 1,100 acre-feet of water, an amount that could grow to 7,500 acre-feet by 2050, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

Saving Water at Home

Considering the situation in Colorado, we could all take notes on how we could better save water in our own homes, as California is facing its worst drought in the last years. Click on the image below to read more than 200 water-saving tips!

Since the world has become more “green” aware, products offering to save water are flooding the market. WaterSense-labeled products used in your home, yard or business can help you save and protect the environment with just a few simple steps.

These products included in the EPA WaterSense Partnership program have been certified to be at least 20% more efficient without sacrificing performance. Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today to learn more about how you can save gallons of water in your household!

Resources:

• https://www.coloradoan.com/story/opinion/editorials/2015/01/25/northern-integrated-supply-project-key-solving-region-state-water-problem/22164815/
• https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/local/2014/11/08/plan-massive-new-reservoir-delayed/18748323/
• https://www.northernwater.org/
• https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/2013_Water_Conservation_Annual_Report_2.pdf
• https://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve-water/?view=list

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!

‍

Each month, 3.9 million gallons of drinking water is consumed in the US and for many Americans, the idea that the country might someday run out of fresh water is horrifying. Global water consumption has tripled in the last 50 years and the demand for fresh water in the US is estimated to exceed the supply by 40% by the year 2030, according to a report. This is quite alarming, although we have faced severe droughts over the past years. This water scarcity that we might confront results from short- and long-term droughts and of course, human activity.

The amount of water that we use in the United States is so significant that we are running out of fresh water. Aquifers are drying up. Whilst this may mean some businesses need to find out how to switch your water supplier, for others this means that the chance of having no water at all is very high in the future, and so we need to consider changing our water retention system. For example, Germany has long ago been on an austerity program as far as the use of water and interestingly enough, their water consumption is done in such a way that the water table is rising. And it is rising to the point that they are actually having problems with building supports and basements. If we start using our heads and getting more involved in conservation, we might duplicate what is going on with Germany and the aquifers and reservoirs could indeed be refilled in a relatively short period of time.

3/4 Million Gallons per Capita Use of Drinking Water Annually

According to a recently issued report by The Journal of the American Geophysical Union, the last 3 years of California drought have been the worse experienced in 1,200 years, with 2014 being the worst of all. Scientists came to this conclusion after studying the growth rings in over 200 ancient California trees and coordinating results with at least one university. Some of the solutions that are believed to contribute long term to more available water come in the form of:

• diverting rain runoff into more reservoirs
• employing seawater to drinking water processes
• constructing wastewater reuse facilities
• weather manipulation, either individually or in combination

More conservation should be employed in the short term and it appears that diet changes can also have an impact on the draught as well. With all of us being part of the problem, we must all make personal choices to be part of the cure! The 3/4 million gallons per capita use of water annually for all uses in the US is simply unsustainable. At home, people can save water by using:

• drought resistant landscaping
• low flow toilets
• low water clothes and dishwashing appliances
• shower flow controls
• water treatment devices that use less or no waste water

Have you ever wondered what the water footprint of the 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 a chocolate bar – 200 gallons
• 1 pound of potatoes – 119 gallons
• 1 egg – 53 gallons
• 1 apple – 18 gallons
• 1 slice of bread – 11 gallons

Of course, we are not talking about days or weeks, but rather in a generation we could be back where we belong if we just practice good policies as far as the use of good water. Germany is exceptional in what they are doing – they are using a water quantity per person that is 50% or less of what we are doing here in the United States. They are prospering and I hope that we can take a lesson from them.

Water Conservation Tips

The average home in California uses 192 gallons of water a day, according to a 2008 study by the state Department of Water Resources and the Urban Water Conservation Council. A small lawn of 1,000 square feet takes about 35,000 gallons of water per year!

Water agencies around the Bay Area offer rebates to replace grass with more drought-tolerant plants such as native grasses and wildflowers, succulents and other plants. The East Bay Municipal Utility District pays 50 cents a square foot to people who replace lawns with native, drought-tolerant landscaping, and up to $2,500 a yard. The Santa Clara Valley Water District pays $1 per square foot.

“It’s pretty easy to save 20 percent. You want to remember that your plants – even with it being dry outside – are not needing as much water this time of year because it is cooler than in the summer,” said Chris Brown, former executive director of the California Urban Water Conservation Council, a nonprofit group in Sacramento. “The easiest way to save water is to save it outdoors.”

Among other tips that experts recommend:

• take a 5-minute shower instead of a 10-minute shower: it saves you 12.5 gallons with a low-flow showerhead, and 25 gallons with a standard 5 gallon-per-minute shower head
• turn the faucet off while brushing teeth or shaving: it saves you about 10 gallons a day
• use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios instead of a hose: this saves 8-18 gallons a minute
• fix the worn washers in a faucet with a slow steady drip saves you 350 gallons per month, and 2,000 gallons a month if the leak is a small stream. If you could have the necessary skills to repair your faucet, you might consider buying it from reliable online stores such as Home Depot. That said, you could also look at this great site which could help you get some discounts on your purchases from the aforementioned site!
• putting a new flapper in a leaking toilet can save 7,000 gallons a month (to test for leaks, put food coloring in the tank and do not flush; 10 minutes later if you see color in the bowl, you have a leak). If you have a leaky toilet you can get in touch with a plumber (see this page here) who can fix the leak, doing this can also help to prevent the leak in the future and save water.
• installing a water-efficient clothes washer saves up to 16 gallons a load
• a water-efficient dishwasher saves up to 8 gallons a load
• soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while scraping them clean
• replacing a pre-1990 toilet, which can use 5 gallons per flush, with a newer high-efficiency model can save 38 gallons a day per toilet.

Most Bay Area water agencies offer free water use inspections. An expert will come to your house to check for leaks and offer tips on how to save water and lower your water bill. Call us at 760.734.5787 and get in touch with one of our water experts today!

However, if you are from Maryland (especially from Jessup) and are unable to avail our services, then you can search for T.E. Spall & Son plumbing services in Jessup online to find a reliable plumber who could do the job of plumbing and water inspection for you.

Resources:

• https://www.nationaljournal.com/s/71122/america-is-still-running-out-fresh-water/
• https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/01/20/california-drought-tips-for-conserving-water/
• https://gizmodo.com/berlin-is-threatened-from-below-by-its-rising-water-tab-1562805223

‍

Water Management Tips – Water is a precious gift and must be used wisely by each and every one of us. When it comes to conserving water, even small adjustments can have a significant impact. The water management tips that you will learn are going to help you save water.

After two years of drought, California finally experiences the arrival of rain. Studies have shown that the 2012-2014 drought has been the worst in 1,200 years, and the state could be waiting for years to recover, as above-average precipitation will be necessary to rebalance the state’s water resources.

Although the current period of low precipitation is not unusual in California’s history, the rainfall deficits combined with sustained record-high temperatures created the current multiyear severe water shortages. 80% of groundwater measurements taken in the spring of 2014 showed decreasing levels from the spring of 2013 and much of the agricultural land in the Central Valley and in California’s thirstiest coastal cities have recorded 50-foot drops in groundwater levels.

Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry reverse osmosisom Water Management Tips

We use large amounts of water in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry reverse osmosisom, especially when we’re using hot water, but unfortunately, even more, water is lost in the process of washing dishes, clothes, or bathing. All ways to save water start with us and our willingness to do so. Here are a few tips to help you save water:

Kitchen

• cook food in as little water as possible
• designate one glass for your drinking water each day, or refill a water bottle
• dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand
• for water efficiency and food safety, defrost food in the refrigerator
• cut back on rinsing if your dishwasher is new
• keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap
• reuse leftover water from cooked or steamed foods to start a nutritious soup
• soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean
• compost vegetable food waste and save gallons every time
• wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap
• do not let the water run when washing dishes by hand

Bathroom

• be sure to test your toilet for leaks at least once a year
• drop tissues in the trash instead of flushing them and save water every time
• if your toilet flapper does not close properly after flushing, replace it
• install water-saving aerators on all of your faucets
• plug the sink instead of running the water to rinse your razor (save up to 300 gallons a month)
• shorten your shower by a minute or two (you will save up to 150 gallons per month)
• take 5-minute showers instead of baths
• time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes (you will save up to 1,000 gallons per month)
• turn off the water while washing your hair (save up to 150 gallons a month)
• turn off the water while you brush your teeth (save up to 4 gallons a minute)
• when running a bath, plug the bathtub before turning on the water and adjust the temperature as the tub fills
• when washing your hands, turn the water off while you lather
• while you wait for hot water, collect the running water and use it to water plants

Laundry reverse osmosisom

• compare resource savings among Energy Star models when shopping for a new washing machine (some can save up to 20 gallons of water per load).
• have a plumber re-route your greywater to trees and plants rather than the sewer line but check with your city and county for codes
• match the water level to the size of the load when doing laundry
• wash dark clothes in cold water (it saves water and energy and helps your clothes retain their color)
• when buying a washer, check the Consortium for Energy Efficiency website to compare water use between models

California Faces a Multi-Stage Recovery

Drought has multiple phases and there is a distinction between the so-called meteorological drought and hydrological drought. There is often a lag between these two. Even if there is abundant rain, it will not translate immediately into more water in reservoirs. Intermediate forces such as trees, soils, and the Sun each take their own share of the resource, preventing precious water from reaching California’s historically low reservoir levels.

Before precipitation can generate significant runoff, most of the state’s soil has a long way to go to become truly moist. The ideal rain that would allow soils to saturate several feet below would be slow and soaking. Although the recent rains have provided a small but welcomed boost to reservoirs so far, there still is a long way before California is completely out of the water crisis.

However, the violent cloudbursts that are lately happening across the state are not that good. They may only dampen the first few inches of soil and the Sun dries out the top layers quite fast, but the real problem sits in streams, where these cloudbursts produce a quick flush of water resulting in flash floods.

Resources:

• https://www.circleofblue.org/waternews/2014/world/yes-raining-california-drought/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=yes-raining-california-drought
• https://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/?view=list
• https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141205124357.htm

‍

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

California Proposition 1, or the Water Bond, is a legislatively-referred bond act and replaces a previous measure known as Proposition 43. Upon voter approval, the measure would enact the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 and will allow California to issue bonds to pay for water infrastructure projects. Coming up in the 4th of November 2014 elections, Prop 1 would allow California to issue $7.12 billion in general obligation bonds.

The money raised from the bonds would be used for a litany of water-related infrastructure projects if the majority votes “YES”. Also, it would require that money from the general fund be used to pay off the bonds. Certain water projects will be required to find 3rd party non-state sources to match the money they would receive from Proposition 1.

California Proposition: Yes or No?

I personally believe we should vote “YES” on Prop 1 because water is precious and we desperately need it. But whether you vote for or against it, one of the most important things is to start using water more responsibly. The way we use water is very important and I believe that we need to eliminate the use of the water that has been treated to drinking water, for doing nothing more than watering grass, plants and shrubs. Irrigation water needs to be used more wisely to and another important step would be to produce more water with the help of sea water desalination systems on the coast and capture more water with building reservoirs and dams.

Other PRO arguments include:

• Proposition 1 will help California prepare for droughts by enhancing local water supplies and increasing our ability to store water so it is available when we need it
• Proposition 1 will ensure reliable water for farms
• Proposition 1 will clean up contamination of drinking water by removing pollutants from streams and rivers
• Proposition 1 will protect against the collapse of our water system in an earthquake
• Proposition 1 will repair the Delta, one of the most important ecosystems on the West Coast
• Proposition 1 will fix vital infrastructure and create jobs
• Proposition 1 will NOT increase taxes, as it is funded through existing funds
• Proposition 1 will protect tax payers with strong fiscal safeguards

However, there is a campaign against the measure led by Vote NO on Proposition 1. The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance issued a “statement of opposition” to Prop 1 and provided 14 reasons to vote against the proposition. The following are just a few of those reasons:

• Proposition 1 undermines the public trust doctrine
• Proposition 1 undermines the principle of beneficiary pays
• Proposition 1 crowds out other critical investments
• Proposition 1 ushers in a new era of big dams
• Proposition 1 undermines the principle that projects should mitigate adverse impacts
• Proposition 1 is fiscally irresponsible
• Proposition 1 sabotages efforts to meaningfully resolve California’s continuing water crisis

California’s Water and Prop 1’s Objectives

Most of the state’s water supply comes from northern Californian rivers, snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains and groundwater. The main objective is to provide water throughout the state, while supporting and maintaining the environment. To do so, we often use:

• pipelines
• watersheds
• irrigation systems
• pumping stations
• dams and canals
• waste management plants

The state of California’s primary water-related responsibilities are to conserve, store and transport water around the state, protect water quality, fish and wildlife habitats and to provide flood control. The objectives of Proposition 1 would be to increase water supplies and flood protection, improve water quality, and protect and restore watersheds. Specific spending proposals in the Proposition are shown in the figure below.

The fiscal impact of Prop 1 would be an added $7.1 billion of debt to California, which will be in the form of general obligation bonds that the state would issue. It would take around $360 million each year for about 40 years to pay off!

I think the time has come that, either through legislation or through some changes in infrastructure, we get rid of lawn watering and watering of shrubs with water that has been treated to the point that it is good for drinking water. It just seems to be a very expensive thing to do; we should give people tax credits or whatever to get rid of the lawns for something that does not require watering. We all are part of this and we have to use water a lot more judiciously. Vote “Yes” but keep your eye on how the money is being spent.

Resources:

• https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_1,_Water_Bond_(2014)
• https://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/en/propositions/1/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3mbHP3XMXw

‍

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.

Water Deionizers: Process Explained

There are many ways to deionize water, some are small and simple, while others are large and complex. The method used will be determined considering the volume of water deionizers and the desired purity. Deionization or ion exchange is a rapid and reversible process, in which impurity ions present in the water are replaced by ions released by an ion-exchange resin. Ion exchange resin has an attraction for dissolved inorganics, which are typically about 95% of known water contaminants.

The resin must be periodically regenerated to restore it to the original ionic form. There are 2 basic types of resin:

• cation-exchange resins – release Hydrogen (H+) ions or other positively-charged ions in exchange for impurity cations
• anion-exchange resins – release Hydroxyl (OH-) ions or other negatively-charged ions in exchange for impurity anions

Calcium and Magnesium ions are removed when the water passes through the first ion exchange material. The exchange material releases its Hydrogen ions on a chemically-equivalent basis as metallic ions in the water affix themselves to the exchange material. A Sodium ion (Na+) displaces one Hydrogen ion (H+), a Calcium ion (Ca++) displaces 2 Hydrogen ions and a Ferric ion (Fe+++) displaces 3 Hydrogen ions and so on.

The solution will become very acid as a result of a relatively high concentration of hydrogen ions, and, at this point, the deionizaion process is only half complete. Water now contains positive Hydrogen ions and the anions originally in the water before treatment. The partially treated water will flow through a second unit with anion exchange material, which consists of replaceable Hydroxyl anions and fixed irreplaceable cations.

The negative ions in solution (anions) will be absorbed into the anion exchange material, which releases Hydroxyl anions. The result of the entire process will be ion-free water, which contains:

• positive Hydrogen ions released in the initial exchange
• negative Hydroxyl ions released in the second exchange

Now, through their combination, these ions have produced water molecules, which are not different in any ways from the water in which they were produced. This two-stage ion exchange process results in mineral-free water.

Deionization Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of deionization include:

• removes over 98% of contaminants
• no wasted water
• no need for electricity
• fast flow rate
• no need for a storage tank
• relatively inexpensive initial capital investment
• regenerable (service deionization)

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.

Distilled water and deionized (DI) water are the most common forms of purified water. The first order of business is to determine what is meant by high purity for the proposed application. We must also consider suspended solids, dissolved solids, dissolved gases, organics, and the biology of the water. A few of the most common uses of distilled water are aquariums, laboratory experiments, steam irons, and car cooling systems. It is not uncommon for companies such as Golyath distilled water to promote their products for commercial purposes as well.

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)

If it is used in combination with activated carbon, deionization can remove organic chemicals and parasites, and can protect the resin from chlorine. The limitations of this process involve a diminished capacity when used on water supplies with a high mineral content.

Also, it does not effectively remove particles, pyrogens or bacteria. If the resin is not regenerated at proper intervals, contaminants can return to the water. Deionization beds can generate resin particles and culture bacteria over time. It also has high operating costs in the long run.

Resources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_purification
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purified_water

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

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

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

What Is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water is water that has a pH above the neutral value of 7.0. This elevated pH may occur naturally or by the addition of a mineral salt with an anion component such as hydroxide, carbonate, or bicarbonate. One popular approach is to apply a DC voltage to the water with electrodes separated by a membrane. The water molecule of H2O is split into H + OH. The water on the side of the membrane with the electrode producing the OH or hydroxide radical becomes the water with a temporarily higher pH and is to be consumed for good health.

What Level of pH Is Desired?

Requests and product performance claims vary greatly within a range of 8.5 to 10.5 with little or no published information validating one pH level being best. Some municipal water sources have increased their pH levels to the mid 8′s to prevent corrosion in pipe lines so many people are receiving alkaline water without knowing it. If on a municipal supply it may be worth contacting the water department before spending money. A pinch of baking soda or a few drops of milk of magnesia in a glass of water is a reverse osmosisute many people are taking.

Does it Improve One’s Health?

Other than testimonials there doesn’t seem to be any serious blind studies. Intuitively if someone takes the time and spends the money for water treatment they will drink more water thus hydrating and displace the consumption of sodas, coffee and juices, which have harmful ingredients. Add to that the time tested placebo effect and I’m certain that there are positive results regardless of the pH component.

Claims and testimonials are almost endless on the positive effects of such water on the human body by curing or preventing a host of maladies.