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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

It Isn’t Good to Fool With Mother Nature – Contaminated Water
(AKA Reason #23 For Not Drinking Bottled Water)

In the first week of February 2024, a Las Vegas, NV Jury awarded $130,000,000 to the family of a woman who had died from drinking REAL WATER brand bottled water. The cause of death was liver failure due to non-viral hepatitis caused by consumption of water contaminated with hydrazine. In total, $228,500,000 was awarded to all who were affected.

This story goes back to 2020/2021 during which time a total of seven people ages 7 months to 69 years were hospitalized in the Las Vegas area with the particular form of hepatitis. The cause was determined by the FDA to be hydrazine and the source traced to contaminated, beautifully packaged Real Water Alkaline bottled water. Once identified, production ceased and all distributed product recalled.

Hydrazine is a very simple man-made inorganic compound with the formula N₂H₄ that is often used as a propellent in small rockets and munitions as well as a precursor to the production of other chemicals and pharmaceuticals.  It is harmful to exposed skin and is also carcinogenic. Fortunately, it is not found in nature. Its only association with use in water is confined to acting as an oxygen scavenger to reduce corrosion in boilers. The EPA doesn’t require testing for it in drinking water and a quick look at standard testing of bottled water by laboratories doesn’t list hydrazine as a test-for analyte.

How did hydrazine get into one water bottler’s product? The answer did not appear in the summary of the trial, but some interesting possibilities were published this week in the online Chem Jobber. It was established that Real Water started out with Las Vegas municipal water (void of hydrazine) which then was carbon filtered, treated with reverse osmosis, UV exposed, ozonated, potassium chloride added, electrolysis processed, potassium hydroxide, potassium bicarbonate, and magnesium chloride added, and finally into bottles. The FDA inspector as well as one responding chemist felt that the electrolysis step inadvertently created the hydrazine with its hydrogen from electrolysis and nitrogen from the air combining. Electrochemistry can be very unpredictable as this tragic case highlights. It is a discipline practiced by few and totally understood by fewer. Our take on the source includes the electrolysis but then its reaction to chloramines disinfection in LV water that were not removed by filtration.

Trying to “improve” water beyond removing contaminants proved to be counterproductive and, in one case, deadly.  We have seen the mentioned electrolysis process come and go many times over the years with names such as Redox water, ionizers, etc. At one time, marketing companies offering electrolysis equipment and its processed water were concentrated in the Salt Lake City, UT area.

We continue to advise people to avoid bottled water and employ a properly designed, installed, and maintained in-home reverse osmosis system.

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

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

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

A few years ago, while testing customer-supplied water samples in our lab to make equipment recommendations, I noticed a slight surface sheen in one beaker of water. Rather than immediately running a camphor test for the presence/absence of oil, the color prompted me to approach the surface with a flame. The material on or in the water sample ignited and supported a flame for a few moments. Had the material simply ignited in a single, rapid whoosh, methane caused by decaying organic material would be the cause, but this was obviously different.

Having tested thousands of water samples as a lab manager years earlier, the above was so unusual that it piqued my curiosity. All I knew was that the sample came from a residential well in the Ramona, CA area. A longtime resident and plumber in the area told us that beginning in the WWll era, defense manufacturers and others would bury drums of spent or dirty chemicals. At the time, what is known as East County now encompassing many communities, was sparsely populated and a tempting disposal area. It wouldn’t be a surprise if there were numerous such areas scattered around the US and elsewhere. I believe we recommended a combination of activated carbon and organically modified clay.

This is one example of a surprise contaminate in a well water sample. Typically, residential well water supplies are minimally tested when first drilled and not again until something obvious (discoloration, offensive odor, corrosion, etc.) is noticed or the home is sold. Be aware that the aquafer supplying a well can spread out for miles and be exposed to not only discarded chemicals but agricultural insecticides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers. Animal waste causing nitrates and harmful bacteria is also a common problem. Also be aware that a water test is a snapshot in time and that such things as heavy water use by a close, large well such a golf course, a new subdivision or heavy rainfall can alter test results dramatically.

Dime Water has staff engineers and an extensive array of products enabling us to identify and cure even the most difficult water problems. Of equal importance, we specialize in treating customers’ water with processes that often eliminate or dramatically reduce drain waste which is critical in areas where low production and questionable wells are very common. Additionally, these processes require no salt or chemicals which can negatively impact septic systems.

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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.

Contaminated Water In Our Drinking Supply

We have been proponents of home reverse osmosis (RO) drinking water units since our founding over 25 years ago. Our initial and continuing contaminated water concern was the glut of disposable plastic bottle waste impacting the environment. Every year the need for these RO units increases as new, harmful materials are discovered in our drinking water such as fluoride-based chemicals, microplastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. All are virtually impossible to remove at a municipal water treatment plant and the situation will become worse as new contaminants are found and available municipal funds shrink. Having a private well is no cure for the problems.

Managing Plastic Microparticles

While recently doing some research on the pervasiveness of contaminated water from microplastics in our drinking water and our food chain I discovered an article in the October 2019 issue of Water Technology publication that truly distressed me about how bad our water sources are becoming. The article titled Managing Plastic Microparticles In Water by Joseph Cotruvo, Ph.D. who is a public health consultant formerly with the EPA. The plastic issue is bad enough but what was a total surprise is that the government permits 7,000,000 asbestos fibers longer than 10 microns in each liter of drinking water. The overall consensus is that more studies are needed to determine the health effects of ingesting these fibers from water contamination. We elect not to be part of that study and avoid the issue altogether by continuing to drink and cook with RO water and hope you do also.

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

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

How can I identify a harmful algal bloom?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What happens if you have accidental contact with toxic algae?

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

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

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

Can my family go fishing?

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

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

Can my family go camping?

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

How widespread is the problem?

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

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

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

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

Why do toxic algal blooms form?

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

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

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

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

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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

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From a biological standpoint, lab water has many distinct properties that are critical for the proliferation of life. This transparent fluid is the major constituent of the fluids of living things. As a chemical compound, a water molecule contains 1 oxygen and 2 hydrogen atoms that are connected by covalent bonds. Lab water has many uses in our world, from drinking, washing, transportation, recreation, food processing, to industrial applications, chemical uses, and as a scientific standard.

We often take water quality for granted in daily life and our work, and we also might not be aware of the different grades of water, the appropriate water grade applications or the cost to obtain the desired grade. Laboratories need reagent grade water (RGW) for experiments and animal water in order to reduce the risk of scientific variability, or to prevent bacterial disease.

Common Water Contaminants and How to Measure Them

Water is known as the universal solvent because more substances dissolve in it to varying degrees than in any other solvent. Depending on what the water will be used for, it requires a certain purity. Water quality is dependent on the combination of water treatment systems and technologies employed to effectively remove contaminants to levels required for critical applications. Thus, purified water is mechanically filtered or processed in order to remove impurities and make it suitable for use. The impurities that may need to be removed are:

• bacteria
• endotoxins and nucleases
• gases
• inorganic ions
• organic compounds
• particulates

Tap water contains many substances that, if left untreated, may react or catalyze reactions in undesired ways. It is important to know: the conductivity of the water, the organic content of the water and the presence or absence of endotoxins. These are the most important things to consider along with storing dangerous goods correctly, as far as laboratory water is concerned. Conductivity is the tendency of water that contains ions to conduct electricity, and is measured in Siemen(S), microsiemens/centimeter or microohms/cm. This measurement is used to measure feed water and lower quantities of treated water.

In order to obtain pure water for a laboratory, it takes and incredibly sophisticated lab to test it to the level that lab technicians want for their water.

What Does Lab Water Grade Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Reagent grade water (RGW) is water that is suitable for use in a specified procedure, as it does not interfere with the accuracy, precision and specificity of the procedure. Water specifications have been described by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D1193, ASTM D5196, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 3696 and CLSI ® (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (formerly NCCLS) C3-A4.

There are national specifications for a variety of different grades of water and depending on what the laboratory is doing, whether it is a clinical application, an industrial application, or manufacturing, they know which one of those grades of water they need. Typically, people say they want an “X” amount of water per day or per 8-hour shift and give a grade number: I, II, III or IV.

Different levels of quality are required for a vast range of applications, therefore different grades of water must be purified and utilized to match the required procedures or appliances.

At Dime Water Inc., we are not able to test to the levels that lab technicians want, but we can provide laboratories with custom-built water treatment systems to remove all impurities from the water. If the lab is on a municipal water supply, we can get enough information from that and the treatment processes are such that, regardless of what the water supply is, we can take care of it by knowing more about their water we can do a better job of sizing the equipment for a certain type of contaminant. A package-approach to treating lab water is going to have ultraviolet, mixed bed DI, reverse osmosis, recirculation, and there will be some ozone production on top of it all, for knocking down the organics.

Often, labs select the highest possible grade of water when it really is not necessary, and they are spending money on equipment and on maintenance that far exceeds what they really need. However, they can be just as safe and more in line economically if they used a grade of water that was more compatible to what their process is. If you build a water system for a certain grade of water but later on you need it for a higher grade, it can always be upgraded to a higher level. 2 or 3 components have to be replaced based on water volume and/or time.

After treatment, water should not be stored statically. Water of this grade is circulated through the treatment processes, so there is constantly a circulation taking place.

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

Resources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purified_water
• https://orf.od.nih.gov/PoliciesAndGuidelines/Documents/DTR%20White%20Papers/Laboratory%20Water-Its%20Importance%20and%20Application-March-2013_508.pdf

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

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

What Is the Cause of My Brown Water Problem?

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

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

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

Aesthetic Effects

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

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

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

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

Cosmetic Effects

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

Technical Effects

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

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

Water Treatment Solutions for These Problems

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

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

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

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

Contact us at 760.734.5787!

Resources:

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

How contaminated water affects your health

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

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

Low Quality Drinking Water Affects Your Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Water Treatment Solutions

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

• activated carbon
• reverse osmosis
• UV technologies
• distillation

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

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

Resources:

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

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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

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Oil Spill Contamination in Montana

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

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

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

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

Facts about Benzene

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

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

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

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

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

Removing Benzene from Water

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

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

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

Resources:

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

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

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

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

Top Causes of Outbreaks in Private Wells

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

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

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

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

Common Sources of Potential Ground Water Contamination

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

The Need for Water Testing

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

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

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

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

Well Water Treatment Options

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

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

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

Resources:

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

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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

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

EPA’s Drinking Water Regulations for the Copper Element

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

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

Does Copper Have Any Health Effects?

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

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

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

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

Copper in Drinking Water

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

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

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

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

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

Antimicrobial Properties of Copper

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

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

Other observations from the research that are noteworthy:

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

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

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

Resources:

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

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Pharmaceutical Leftovers In Our Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Do I Properly Dispose of PPCPs?

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

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

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

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

Resources:

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

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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

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

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

The Effects of High Fluoride Levels In Private Well Water

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

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

Maine Water Data

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

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

Lowering Fluoride Levels in Private Well Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resources:

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

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Toledo Lake Water Contamination

Lake Erie turned fluorescent green and contaminated the drinking water of Toledo, Ohio, affecting more than 400,000 people in the area. The massive algal bloom, which took part in the lake, is caused by the growth of certain kinds of algae in response to changes in chemicals in the water, often from fertilizer components. This led to massive water contamination in Toledo. Algae in water is typically non-toxic and invisible to the human eye, but can become toxic if allowed to accumulate to levels where it is visibly thick.

Blooms are commonly made by cyanobacteria, which form in warm and still bodies of water. Cyanobacteria are also called blue-green algae, after the color of their algal blooms. The algae has released certain chemicals including microcystin, a deadly cyanotoxin too small to be filtered using normal water treatment techniques. People are advised to avoid boiling the water, as it will only increase the concentration of microcystin. The toxin is completely unaffected by heat, and as the water boils away, the toxin remains. Cooking with this water is also forbidden, as it will only make the water more toxic.

In some people, the toxin can create a sensation similar to being drunk. The toxin attacks the liver, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and numbness. Skin contact with contaminated water can cause a rash. The water supplies that were affected by the toxins include those in the following areas:

• ALL of Lucas County
• Bedford Township
• Eastern Swan Creek Township
• Erie Township
• La Salle Township
• Lake Township
• Luna Pier
• Maumee
• Northwood
• Ottawa Hills
• Perrysburg
• Perrysburg Township
• Rossford
• South County Water Customers – Michigan
• Springfield Township
• Sylvania
• Sylvania Township
• Toledo
• Troy Township
• Village of Metamora
• Village of Whitehouse
• Walbridge
• Waterville

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My Thoughts on This Warning

The recent highly publicized unsafe water situation in Ohio caused by a toxin (microcystin) released by a particularly large algae bloom in Lake Erie brought to mind a very effective yet minimally known process for eradicating algae – ultrasonics. I was concerned that the governing agencies would introduce chemicals or a fish species that could assist in algae abatement but with possible unintended consequences. Apparently, the treatment plants are able to neutralize the toxins or they self expired.

If you have an algae problem in a water storage tank, a cooling tower, a pond or pool, give serious thought to an ultrasonic system – no chemicals introduced into the environment and perfectly safe for animal life.

Resources:

• http://www.thewire.com/national/2014/08/city-officials-announce-that-toledos-water-is-unsafe-to-drink/375493/
• https://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/08/02/1318607/-Alert-Do-not-drink-the-water-in-Toledo-Ohio-and-Surrounding-Areas-INC-parts-of-Michigan
• http://abcnews.go.com/US/caused-toledos-water-contamination/story?id=24825275

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

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

What Causes Waterborne Diseases?

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

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

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

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

Types of Infections

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

The most common symptoms for these infections are represented by:

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

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

Socioeconomic Impact

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

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

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

Common Methods of Water Purification

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

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

Home Water Treatments

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

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

Resources:

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

Reverse Osmosis Systems for High TDS Water

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

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

The reverse osmosis system’s advantages:

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

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

What Is Ground Water Quality?

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

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

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

Resources:

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