Do you have Questions or Concerns about your water?
Please reach us at info@iwateralberta.com if you have any question.
Scale deposits
When natural ground water is exposed to Calcium like limestone in the earth, the water may dissolve some of the rock. The concentration and type of minerals dissolved are inorganic and determines the water hardness and composition.
These minerals are typically but not limited to calcium and or magnesium bicarbonates and are referred to as temporary hardness because they will eventually precipitate out of the water as a scale.
It’s always a chore when you have to clean this off of any surface, most believe that you have to just deal with it. But don’t worry, there is an end in sight. Send us an email to find out how.
Chemical smells
Public water suppliers generally chlorinate water to prevent bacterial growth such as E.coli. Typical levels of free chlorine in drinking water are from 2.0 parts per million (ppm) up to levels as high as 5.0 ppm. 1 to 5 ppm is acceptable. The ideal level of free chlorine in a swimming pool is between 2 – 4 ppm.
Adding chlorine to the water through shock chlorination of a well or plumbing system produces a strong bleach (chlorine) odor. In some cases, the added chlorine may interact with organic materials built up in the plumbing system and add odor to the water.
Chlorine is a gas at room temperature, and in water it’s a “volatile solute” meaning its molecules are diffused in the water, and it will escape into the air over time. The amount of time needed varies with air and water temperature, 15 minutes of boiling or about 2-5 hours of sitting open will dissipate the chlorine in tap water.
Other smells
If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, this is hydrogen sulfide gas. If the water smells like oil or asphalt this can be from manganese.
If your water smells like cucumber or sewage this is usually a result of iron and/ or sulfur bacteria.
Hydrogen Sulfide is a gas in water that gives it the infamous Rotten Egg Odor.
Often referred to as sulfur, hydrogen sulfide or H2s is easily detectable at 0.2 parts per million and can be found in concentrations exceeding 10 PPM or more depending on location. H2s is a weak acid when it is dissolved in the water and can be highly corrosive to copper, brass, silver and other metals usually turning them black.
H2s in high concentrations will even penetrate and corrode electrical wiring and equipment and while rare, high concentrations can be flammable and are highly toxic to humans.
Stains
Iron in water is easy to detect in levels as low as 0.3 mg/l. Inorganic Iron is the second most common element in the ground and easily dissolves in water. Iron exceeding 0.3 mg/l may leave behind unsightly red or brownish stains that are difficult to remove from fixtures and appliances.
Small amounts of iron in the water affect its flavor and often add a metallic taste to beverages. Iron can exist in four different forms in water depending upon its overall chemistry and its removal from water is very dependent upon how it exists and in what concentration.
Tannins are formed from the decomposition of natural organic vegetative matter in the soil. Tannins can cause water to have a slight yellowish tint and may cause staining of laundry and fixtures.
Cloudiness and Discoloration from Turbidity
Discoloration of water is another sign of impurities. In most cases, water cloudiness and discoloration is a noticeable issue in bath water and at the taps where water is used for drinking.
To clear up water used for bathing, treating water for the whole house or building is necessary.
If cloudiness or discoloration of water is only an issue for drinking water, then it is best to treat water at the faucet where it is used.
Contaminants that cause cloudiness or discoloration of the water can be reduced by using a turbidity filter which is fitted and installed in a whole home system.
Turbidity refers to the amount of small particles of solid matter suspended in water as measured by the amount of scattering and absorption of light rays caused by the particles.
Though there is a difference between turbidity and air bubbles, in respect to water that is under pressure. To test this fill a glass of water and place it where you can easily look through it, if after 15-30 seconds there are many little bubbles on the side of the glass you know its just air.
If no bubble are visible anywhere on the sides of the glass, then you know it is turbidity.
Corrosion from Rust or Oxidization
The corrosion of pipes and plumbing fixtures can cause a bevy of problems with your water. Corrosion is the gradual decomposition or destruction of a material by oxidation or chemical actions, often due to an electrochemical reaction. Corrosion starts at the surface of a material and moves inward. Corrosion of iron or steel is commonly called rusting. A number of factors will accelerate corrosion, including:
- Acidity (low pH)
- High mineral concentrations
- Stray current electrolysis
- Galvanic corrosion caused by dissimilar metals
- Dissolved oxygen content
- Water temperatures
Bacteria - How to deal with it without Chemicals
UV light irradiates the water and kills everything in it like bacteria doing a similar service as chlorine.
They are common in hotels abroad where local water has a serious disease risk to tourists.
This type of filtration is gaining popularity as we see them in more everyday situations such as your office water cooler, home systems and often in hot tubs.
Our systems incorporate an hour counter so a new element (bulb) can be replaced at safe intervals. These devices consume power to function.
