Problem Water

In many areas, chlorine must be added to water supplies in order to ensure its quality and safety. Although chlorine is necessary when storing or delivering water to your home, chlorinated water used in the home often presents problems such as:

• bad smelling water
• poor tasting water
• dry skin and hair
• faded clothing
• damage to plastic and water parts in water-using appliances and toilets

Many people are also concerned about the possible effects of inhaling chlorine fumes while showering.

Chlorination is probably the best and most cost-efficient way to disinfect water and keep supply safe. In the case of private wells, chlorine is generally added to the water right at the well or at the point where the water enters the home. When water is municipally supplied, chlorine is added to the water at the water treatment plant. And since the water supply could be contaminated as it travels from the treatment plant, the chlorine must remain in the water supply until it reaches your home. But once the water is in your home, the chlorine is no longer necessary. At this point, it is safe, and often preferred, to have chlorine-free water throughout the home.

Water is hard when…

Calcium, Manganese, Lead, Nickel, Iron (fe), Magnesium and collected small amounts of other elements constitute hard compounds in water make it “Hard Water.” These compounds are generally naturally occurring but can be a result of ground water migration and transfer as well.  The amount which determines “hard water” is generally accepted to be in a “range of hardness.”  The combination of the hard compounds and types also has a bearing on the effects and solutions to remediation. The sensitivity or quality of the water is determined by the effects.

Water Hardness can be easily tested and the results are very recognizable.

Over 1(one) grain to 31/2 (three and one half) grains per gallon = slightly hard.
Over 4 (four) grains to 7 (seven) grains per gallon= moderately hard.
Above 7 (seven) grains per gallon = hard.
Above 10 (ten) grains per gallon = Very hard.
* Note: 17.1 (seventeen & one tenth) parts per million of hard compounds translates to 1 grain per gallon of hardness.

Even slightly hard water is still “Hard.” It can have the same results as “Very Hard” water; just not in as short a time span. In the event Hard Water is present at the Point of Use (POU) it can be from other sources such as old pipes or tanks that may be storing water. This transfer of water is usually the weak link in any water quality determination. The Point of Entry (POE) is usually the best place to test water to discern the quality of the supply

Hard Water Facts

The compounds which cause hardness in water have wide ranging impacts on household fixtures, equipment and tasks, such as, cleaning, laundry, dishwashing and various other activities. Dishes, glasses, clothes and people can suffer the effects of hard water. It can significantly reduce the life of appliances, it will degrade the finish on metal and glass surfaces, it will reduce the integrity of materials and can reduce resistance of and actually increase the effects of irritable skin syndromes on people. Other compounds in water that are generally accepted to “treat” water can also be hard.

Researchers at New Mexico State University studied the effects of water quality performance on gas and electric water heaters. This one year study measures the energy consumption of six gas and electric heaters in use for five to fifteen years. Half of each group used untreated water exclusively. The other half used only softened water exclusively.  The results and conclusions of the study showed that the heaters with no softening of the water consumed considerably more energy than those that used soft water.
The researchers removed and weighed the sediment and scale accumulated over the cycles of the heaters. The weighted differences were significant and as scale is a poor conductor of heat it reduced the effectiveness and efficiency dramatically.

Another study conducted at Ohio State University showed that the use of softened water lessened the time required to do certain tasks related to cleaning and everyday duties. It saved on time, materials and solutions in calculable amounts. The saving of time and energy is the by product of these results and can also be added to a significant reduction over prolonged periods.

These attributes or side affects are basically in all water.
The sensitivity or quality of the water is determined by the effects the water.  Most all manufacturers of soaps, cleaners and household chemicals use extraordinary amounts of compounds to “counteract” the effects of generally hard water and other water particles. This is why they cost as much as they do. A general “baseline” of water is used to rate the effectiveness of any given cleanser. Shampoo and facial soaps are also designed to be used in poor quality water. Most of the claims are to actually counter the effects OF Poor Water Quality.
When soft water is used it is wise to check and reduce the phosphate levels in dishwashing detergents. If the heated cycle is used it may actually “etch” glass surfaces permanently.  The savings associated with soap use, chemicals and even the time saved all can be directly factored into the savings a softener can provide.

Kinetico has a variety of ways for you to remove chlorine from your water: