To maximize their retirement and/or entertainment dollars, many US and Canadian citizens select Mexico or a Central American country such as Costa Rica for full time or part time living. In addition to the lower cost of living, many parts of these countries offer heavenly weather, beautiful beaches, breathtaking views and great sport fishing. Left out of most benefit discussions is household water.
Most Mexican and Central American water systems are significantly different from what North Americans are familiar with. First, local regulations and inspections for safety are often lax or missing. Second, most sources deliver low flow, low pressure water to individual facility storage tanks called cisterns that can expose the water to additional contamination. Third, many of the water distribution systems are overtaxed and in need of repair thus causing entrance points for even more contamination. The overall potential for water issues confirmed by laboratory testing are bacteria, viruses, cysts, discoloration, insecticides, pesticides, waste chemicals, hardness, tastes and odors sometimes attributed to extremely high chlorine levels.
What to do? We often get requests for whole home reverse osmosis system from US and Canadian property owners in Mexico and Costa Rica. This is the Ideal solution and we have provided some. However, because of size, cost, power consumption, waste water, installation issues and future service, interest soon wanes. To address all of these problems, we developed the ESF PLUS in the early 2000’s. This compact, wall mounted, easy to install system treats every drop of water in a facility and provides safe, clear, soft feeling water at a fraction of the cost of a whole house reverse osmosis system with no salt or chemical used.
WHAT CAN A WHOLE HOUSE REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM OR DRINKING WATER REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM REALLY DO FOR YOU?
The common requests from prospective equipment purchasers range from “we want a better taste” to “we require total safety” in our water. This is an extremely broad range of expectations. We’ll cover the details, but with preciously few exceptions, the RO units will address both extremes and everything in between.
Our sources of useable water are surface water such as lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. They are subject to runoff of animal waste, fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and a myriad of industrial chemicals from the surrounding watershed. Another source is water from shallow and deep wells. Their contamination, if any, is due to the percolation of acidic rainwater through soil and rocks, poor seals at well heads, and non-local exposure of an aquifer to surface water.
The simplest approach to understanding water chemistry and the impact RO has on it is to break down the water chemistry into families of issues and then compare with the processes performed by a properly designed RO(A) system. Let’s dive in.
FAMILIES OF CONTAMINANTS WITH EXAMPLES. Health-disruptive items are highlighted in red.
- Suspended solids. Nearly total removal by inlet turbidity filter plus 0.001-micron membrane pore size
- General debris. Things that can be seen in water by the naked eye such as sand, silt, oxidized (red water) iron, clay, etc.
- Fine particles are referred to as colloidal such as a form of oxidized iron and tannins.
- Micro and Nano-sized particles such as micro and nano polymers(B) are caused by the physical degradation of discarded plastics. Carcinogenic and found in water, air, bloodstreams, and our food chain.
- Dissolved solids. 96 to 99% removal by inlet carbon filtration and membrane rejection process
- Almost all elements on the Periodic Table plus some key compounds. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, alkalinity, fluoride, arsenic, aluminum, lead, cadmium, chromium, chromium-6, mercury, nitrates, nitrites, and sulfates.
- Forever chemicals PFAS(B). Like micro and nano polymers, these fluoride-based organic compounds released by chemicals such as Teflon, are everywhere in our environment and carcinogenic.
- Organic compounds. 99%+ removal primarily by inlet carbon filtration supplemented by membrane rejection.
- Agricultural chemicals fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides
- Industrial/medical compounds. It is estimated that the list of such chemicals contains over 100,000 items. Most common are Pharmaceuticals, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, benzene, gasoline, vinyl chloride, acetone, MEK,
- 99%+ removal primarily by extremely small membrane porosity supplemented by pre and/or post-UV options if severe.
- Commonly found bacteria coliforms and e-coli. Viruses and cysts.
- Algae, mold, fungus
- Dissolved Gasses. 95% removal of chlorine and chloramines and their byproducts by carbon filtration. Others barely changed.
- Added by treatment. Chlorine, chloramines. Byproducts after disinfecting DBPs, trihalomethane, chloroform
- Oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, methane, radon (C)
- Radioactive materials. 90-96% removal by membrane rejection and porosity. Radium, uranium
Notes:
(A) Design must include at a minimum, pretreatment with 5-micron filtration and quality activated carbon plus a high-rejection polyamide membrane. If treated water is stored in an atmospheric tank, UV or ozone post tank is essential.
(B) Extremely harmful and seldom tested for. If the water source is from other than a deep well, assume present.
(C) Long-term exposure when in the air is deadly. Must be tested for on-site.
The World needs Fluoride and that’s why it is here as one of the most prevalent 15 minerals. In nature it exists primarily as hard, slowly dissolving calcium fluoride (CaF2). As low pH rain water passes through the ground causing it to dissolve the water hardness and fluoride concentration both increase in ground water (well water). Likewise, rain runoff across exposed calcium fluoride adds hardness and fluoride to surface water (rivers, lakes, streams). In most of the world the net amount in water of naturally occurring fluoride is in the 0.3 mg/l range. The notable exceptions are parts of Russia and India where because of the high concentrations of calcium fluoride, water contains beyond 10 mg/l.
In the lower concentrations, fluoride in soil and water is classified as a micro-nutrient that contributes to plant growth and, in humans, healthier, cavity-free teeth and stronger bones. As WWII ramped up, it is rumored that dentists could accurately predict draftees from certain cities because of excellent teeth— one being Green Bay, WI. Fluoride from plants and water gravitates toward calcium in humans thus its ultimate effect on teeth and bones.
If fluoride concentrations are too high, plants and humans accumulate it. Humans absorb 80% of fluoride ingested and 50% of that migrates to teeth and bones with the balance eliminated through urine. Plants simply store it and tea leaves probably store more than any other edible plants.
Most fluoride is used in industrial processes and waste from the processes is converted to Hexaflurosilicic acid (F6H2Si) that dissociates in water to 6F– + SiO2 + 4H+. This acid is the primary additive used by municipalities along with sodium fluorosilicate or sodium fluoride to increase drinking water natural fluoride to approximately 1 mg/l based on the dental profession’s recommendations for healthy teeth. This added fluoride is welcomed by many and passionately opposed by others. The opposing group spends huge amounts to have the fluoride removed from their water. The current options for reduction are:
BONE CHAR.
This method is currently the most popular. Forget “removal” that is not going to happen “reduction” to some extent will. In addition to the issue of the level of reduction are capacity (how many gallons will it treat) and effective flow rate. As its name implies, bone char is nothing more than ground cattle bones heated to 900o F in a low/no oxygen atmosphere within a rotating kiln. The resulting product is a fine, black particle consisting of approximately 70% hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] and the balance somewhat activated carbon (C). The reduction of fluoride is a combination of adsorption of fluoride by the hydroxyapatite, adsorption by the activated carbon and partial ion exchange with available OH ions.
Each cubic foot weighs 40 pounds and has the following characteristics –
- Literature is scant on this. We began using material from an east coast suppler in 2006. Their stated capacity was 0.005 pounds of fluoride removal per pound of bone char. This converts to 23,950 gallons per cubic foot based on 1 mg/l challenge. 100 days for a family of 4. We participated in a WQA test of the same material in 2009 and results were 11,900 gallons. 50 days for a family of 4. A recent in-house test on a sample from a national sample had a yield of 1517 gallons or about 2 weeks for a family of 4.
- Percent Removal. On average, fluoride removal was 67% thus leaving 33% or 1/3 of the fluoride in the water.
- Flow rate. The reactions taking place between the media and the fluoride take a long take a long time. To obtain even the modest results requires a flow rate of approximately 1.5 GPM per cubic foot of media. Higher flow rates cause the percentage of fluoride left in the treated water to increase significantly.
- Water Chemistry. Chlorine in the water to a bone char system will occupy some of the available sites which reduces capacity as will chloride. Effectiveness favors a pH in the 6-7 range and unfortunately cities are elevating their water pH to the 8+ level to prevent corrosion in their distribution system.
Recommendation for Bone Char Systems: AVOID.
ACTIVATED ALUMINA
The use of this material predates bone char for fluoride. It is a factory processed form of Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) and normally appears as small white/light tan spheres 16-30 US mesh in size. For unexplained reasons, the USEPA classifies Activated Alumina as Best Available Technology (BAT) for fluoride and arsenic from water.
The material as originally processed contains sodium oxide (Na2O) which converts to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) when first wetted. The resulting high pH reduces the capacity for Fluoride to nearly zero. Treatment of the material with hydrochloric (HCl) or sulfuric (H2SO4) acid before use is imperative. Some, but not all, providers of activated alumina offer material that has been acid washed for immediate use—beware.
Effective system flow is 2 GPM/cu. ft. of media in tanks(s) and removal of fluoride is approximately 65% at this flow rate. Capacity for fluoride is estimated at 1.5% or 6 lbs. fluoride per 40 pounds (1 cu.ft. ) of activated alumina. This is roughly 25x the capacity of bone char. However, properly prepared activated alumina can cost 20x that of bone char.
Water chemistry. Here is where the efficacy of activated alumina falls apart. The capacity for fluoride drops precipitously by 50% or more when feed water pH is 8.2 and bicarbonate alkalinity (essentially hardness) exceeds 50 PPM (3 grains). This eliminates effectiveness on 85% of municipal water supplies.
Recommendation for Activated Alumina Systems: AVOID.
ION EXCHANGE
As a weakly charged anion (negatively charged ion), fluoride can be reduced by approximately 50% by employing a system similar to a water softener where the softening resin has been replaced with typically a Type 2 strong base anion resin. Such systems are regenerated with sodium chloride (NaCl) and usually have a capacity of 12,000 grains for ALL anions in the water exclusive of silica and carbon dioxide when 5 pounds of salt per cubic ft. of resin. The removal of all anions is concerning. First, this could lead to a corrosive water as carbonate, bicarbonate and hydroxyl ions are removed. Second, there is always a chance of taste and odor issues when anion resins are used and in addition a very briny water could be created. Third and of primary importance, these resins are not fluoride selective and thus if not regenerated accurately and timely, they can dump extremely high, toxic levels of fluoride into the facility water stream.
A search for a fluoride selective resin yielded one manufacturer located in India. Overall capacity information contained numerous chemistry and flow rate caveats. The main problem is Aluminum Chloride is required for regeneration and its cost and availability is unknown.
Recommendation for Ion Exchange Systems: USE EXTREME CAUTION
REVERSE OSMOSIS
Drinking Water
A properly designed under counter system will produce approximately 1 gallon of treated water every half hour at a water use efficiency of 50% when operated at 65 PSI. Reduction of fluoride is 90-97% which means the remaining fluoride will be below detection levels or essentially zero on water tests. A basic battery operated total dissolved solids (TDS) meter should be included to monitor the effectiveness of the membrane. The system should also have a PERMEATE PUMP to eliminate TDS Creep which is an operational phenomenon of small RO systems that lowers water quality (increases fluoride in treated water).
Whole House
Although there is no reliable (Government agency, university study, etc.) study indicating fluoride uptake by humans other than by oral ingestion, there are those who wish to have it removed from their entire home. A reverse osmosis system designed and constructed to treat all water within a home will reduce fluoride as well as or better than an under counter system.
Recommendation for Whole House R.O. systems: Expensive but highly effective
Thank you for helping us better identify the whole house water treatment systems that may best suit your needs. Based on your input we have determined that a combination of the DRO-100HE Plus & the Aquafer are the whole house water treatment systems that are perfect for you. Below is two quick videos explaining the benefits of using the DRO-100HE Plus & The Aquafer.
A member of our team will contact you shortly.
If you would like to speak with a member of our team now you can contact us at (760) 734-5787.
New line of custom-built water treatment products
Wellness enthusiasts and water purists rejoice! Dime Water Inc. is proud to announce our new line of custom-built water treatment products in the wellness industry, which we call WFP (Water for Purists). Since our inception, we evolved with the thought that innovative ideas regarding our drinking water are most welcome, thus, we are always researching and experimenting with products that we believe can bring significant changes to a household’s drinking water quality.
Water for Purists is an idea born considering our human nature and the ever-growing need to know what it is in our water. People are becoming more and more informed and aware of water’s properties as a result of numerous scientific studies and publications. Many authors have contributed to elevate the awareness of the public as to how can water quality be improved, and many people have started taking action and considering various water treatment units for their homes and businesses.
We at Dime Water Inc. have a passion for water. Inspired by renowned scientists from all over the world such as Dr. Batmanghelidj, Wm. D. Holloway, Herb Joiner-Bey, Masaru Emoto, Viktor Schauberger, Dr. reverse osmosis Becker, Bruce Taino, just to name a few of those who contributed to elevate awareness of the mysteries of water, we have developed a new product line, actually series of products that we refer to as WFP (Water For Purists) units.
Dianne Kuypers, President of Dime Water Inc.
5 Series with Incredible Efficiency
These custom-built units are designed to treat a single point of use or the entire house, depending on what our clients request. The series developed by our talented, skillful and experienced team includes:
- WFP-1 Series: Filters
- WFP-2 Series: Oxygenation
- WFP-3 Series: Vortexing
- WFP-4 Series: Frequency Addition
- WFP-5 Series: Ozonation AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process)
WFP-1 Series: Filters
This series includes single and dual counter top cartridge filters. The units we provide are portable, adaptable to faucet spouts and allow selection of treated/untreated water through a diverter valve. They are specially designed to keep under control:
- alkalinity
- chloramines
- chlorine
- electrolytes
- fluoride
- heavy metals
- TDS
- volatile organics
WFP-2 Series: Oxygenation
These custom-built units restore the oxygen level in your drinking water to a level of your choosing. The units can also be added to existing reverse osmosis units or incorporated into other Dime Water Inc. products. Our custom-built systems use 80% pure oxygen. Another advantage is that the presence of oxygen in drinking water assists protective coating formation on the inside of metal water transport pipes.
WFP-3 Series: Vortexing
The WFP-3 Series are available for whole house systems, drinking water-only units but can also be incorporated in Maxicure™, Aquafer™, Aquafer Plus™ and ESF™ units. The vortex phenomenon, which these units are able to recreate, is able to bring back vital life into your water. The Aquafer offers treated water for less than $1 a day.
WFP-4 Series: Frequency Addition
We have designed custom units that impart the frequency of 62-68 cycles per second, which is believed to be a healthy body’s natural intracellular frequency. Users can also adjust the frequency from 8-20,000 cycles per seconds for drinking water-only or for all water in their home.
WFP-5 Series: Ozonation AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process)
Dime Water Inc. has designed and manufactured the WFP-5 Series for drinking water and whole house applications. Combined with UV light treatment, ozone is known to be extremely effective in removing bacteria and organics from the water, leaving your water free from any organic contaminants of concern.
We manufacture all items so you can be assured of excellent value in pricing, quality and durability. If anyone is interested in a process not displayed in our series, we can always be contacted with requests.
Michael Colburn, Vice President and Chief Engineer at Dime Water Inc.
Prices for our custom-built WFP units are all available upon request. Contact us at 760.734.5787 for more information about our products!
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