Good water is essential to you and your family, your plumbing system, and all of your appliances that use water. Whether your water comes from a private well or a municipal water supply—it is important to test the quality of your water and filter and treat it, if necessary, to ensure you have the water quality you need for your health and your home.

A professional water test identifies your water's:

• Acidity
• Unwanted Minerals and Compound
• Microorganisms
• Hardness

Acidic water can be harmfully corrosive to your entire plumbing system. It can leach metals from pumps, piping, and fixtures. If it is not treated—it can cause leaks in your copper pipes and fixtures. Acidity is measured on a scale of 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral. Water that is less than 7 is acidic. Blue green stains often indicate acidic water.

Unwanted Minerals and Compound

A number of minerals and a compound will cause water problems when they are found in excessive amounts.

One of the most common water treatment problems found in well water is iron. Iron can be found in three different forms:

Ferrous Iron (Dissolved)—Although not visible, this is the most common type of iron. When oxygen is mixed with ferrous iron it stains sinks, toilets, and laundry especially when bleach is added.

Ferric Iron (Suspended)—Ferric iron or brown water iron is oxidized and forms particles. Often these particles can be seen once water settles such as in a glass. Sometimes particles are too small to be seen and can be difficult to remove.

Iron Bacteria—This is a general term for iron that can leave a slimy growth or buildup in toilet tanks and sometimes clog filters, softeners, and pipes. This bacteria is not harmful but can be a nuisance.

Manganese—Brown or black stains that are found in the dishwasher are usually caused by high levels of manganese. Manganese that is dissolved in water can stain when the level is above .05mg/l. Because the dishwasher heats, agitates, and mixes the water with air—it is the perfect location to see the results of high levels of manganese. Also, manganese can stain clothes in the washing machine. Adding bleach makes the staining worse.

Nitrate—This is a naturally occurring compound that is formed in the soil when nitrogen and oxygen are combined. Small amounts of nitrate are normal but excess amounts will pollute groundwater. The presence of excess nitrate in the soil is usually found in rural and agricultural areas. Common sources of nitrate include fertilizers, livestock waste, and septic systems.

Filter systems are available that resolve all of the water problems discussed above.

Microorganisms

E. coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, algae, and mold are microorganisms that can contaminate your water. UV disinfection is a simple, safe, and effective solution that destroys a minimum of 99.99% of harmful microorganisms. A high-powered ultraviolet (UV) light called a UV-C light is used to disinfect the water. The UV-C rays penetrate the microorganisms and destroy their ability to reproduce which effectively renders them harmless. UV water treatment does not change the taste, color, or odor of water.

Hardness

Hard water is caused by calcium and magnesium in ground and surface water. If either or both of these minerals are present in high concentrations in your drinking water—your water is considered hard. Calcium and magnesium come from sedimentary rock such as limestone that dissolves into our water. Hard water results in difficulty making lather or suds for washing and a build-up of minerals on faucets and other fixtures. Sodium or potassium can be added to soften your water.

Solutions

The good news is there are many effective, user-friendly, affordable water filtration and treatment solutions to unfavorable aspects of your water. These customized solution systems are manufactured to use water efficiently. They conserve your water supply and, if you are on a well, preserve the components of your well. Having your water professionally tested and analyzed is the first step toward ensuring quality water for your family and your home.

Mike Appleton is President of Appleton Campbell, a local, family owned plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical installation and service repair business. Appleton Campbell has been providing customers throughout the Greater Piedmont Region and Northern Virginia with honesty, integrity, and experience since 1976. You can reach Appleton Campbell at 540.347.0765 or at appletoncampbell.com.