Water, Water Everywhere, but Not a Drop to Drink

There’s nothing like a tall cool glass of iced water on a warm summer’s day. Think about how much water you use in a regular day. You use it for coffee in the morning, showers, watering the grass, bathing the pets, washing dishes or clothes, cooking, and yes, drinking. And that’s only a short list of uses! Have you ever stopped to wonder if your water is as safe as you think it is?

Homeowners that have well water systems are definitely more concerned about water quality issues than those with city water. Unfortunately, with the busy lifestyle most people lead, many well owners tend to get a little relaxed about testing after a while. It’s important to know what signs to look for when your water quality isn’t as good as it should be. Here are some common signs to look for:

• If your water tastes metallic or “rusty”, it could be a sign that the iron level is too high. Iron, and sometimes manganese, will change the taste of your water in addition to staining your clothing and/or pipes.
• If your pipes aren’t draining as well it could be that the calcium or magnesium levels are too high. This is also considered “hard water”. While it’s not harmful to humans, hard water can cause a buildup of deposits along the wall of your pipes to the point that they may need replaced.
• If your water tastes bad and is giving off a “rotten egg” odor, then chances are the sulfur level is too high.

These signs are easy to notice, but there are other issues with well water that aren’t as easily detected. They include:

• High Nitrogen levels. This is a result of plants absorbing the nitrogen in the air and directing it to its roots. Other factors include fertilizers, animal urine, landfills, and sewers. Children under six months of age are especially susceptible to the damaging effects of Nitrogen.
• High Silica levels. While not harmful to humans, this is another cause of pipe corrosion.

The best way to fight these harmfully high levels is to incorporate a water softening device on your plumbing system. The water softener removes or reduces the amount to an acceptable and safe level. It’s extremely important to have your water softener, and your water quality, tested by a professional at least once a year.

Fox Thermal Instruments has been in the flow meter business since 1994. They offer the highest quality air flow meters, gas flow meters, and flow & level switches. Their designs are the best and most advanced in the thermal mass flow measurement industry.