BYRON DUERKSEN, ACI, CMI, MCI
CERTIFIED MASTER INSPECTOR AND THERMOGRAPHER
707.245.7545 (cell) or 707.355.9067 (office) 
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HOME WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

Although it is an opinion many will argue with, particularly the municipal water treatment operators, the fact is universally we have a safe drinking water problem.  We all know that tap water probably is not the best water to drink.  Some suppliers of tap water have water that is superior to others yet none produce pure water free of all contaminants.   Many of us drink bottled water with good reason though some plastics may come into question.  Some have spring water delivered.  There are filter gadgets to attach to the kitchen faucet.  But did you know you actually absorb what is in the water through your skin when you bathe?

I just inspected a four year old custom house with all the high end appliances, granite counter tops, magnificent floor tile and custom cabinetry.  There were a few small issues--nothing major.  Then we filled the large bathtub in order to test the jets.  The aroma was unpleasant and that's polite.

Whether the house you are buying is new and fancy or a vintage cottage with all the charm you could imagine, you may have possible health issues facing you if you do not have your water tested.

In a modern society, water is one of the things in life we often take for granted. When we turn on the tap, we expect water that is clean, safe and suitable for all household tasks. But in recent years, there has been a growing concern about contamination of our water supplies. We hear unsettling news accounts that make us question the safety of our water.

 
Identifying Water Quality Problems

No water is 100 percent pure. It contains contaminants from natural and man-made sources, such as minerals, gases, bacteria, metals and chemicals. Many of these contaminants are harmless. However, some impurities can adversely affect your health. Others damage equipment, stain laundry and fixtures and emit odors.

The first step in eliminating exposure to water-borne contaminants is to assess your situation. If your water comes from a public or municipal system, it is regularly tested for contaminants regulated by federal and state standards, such as microbial pathogens, radioactive elements and certain toxic chemicals. These are the contaminants that affect the safety of water and may cause health problems. Since public and municipal systems are regulated, a home water treatment system is seldom needed for health protection. Water quality problems such as hardness, corrosivity, foaming, staining or bad tastes, smell or color are undesirable. However, these factors do not necessarily make the water unhealthful.

If your water supply is a private well, you are personally responsible for testing and treating the water to avoid health risks. One of your major concerns should be microbial pathogens (bacteria, virus and parasites) in the water supply. This is especially important if your well is near a septic tank, or an area subject to animal wastes or nitrates. For further information, request a copy of Water Quality Problems - Health and Household and Testing for Water Quality from your Cooperative Extension Service agent.

If you are concerned about or dissatisfied with the quality of your water, have it tested by a state-certified laboratory. The analysis will identify the contaminants that are present and the extent of the problem. Determining which contaminants are present is essential in selecting a treatment system. Many types of water treatment systems are available. Each type of system is designed to treat specific water quality problems. No single water treatment system will treat all problems and all systems have limits.

Water Treatment Systems

Methods used to improve the quality of water are referred to as treatment or conditioning. What is the difference? Water treatment refers to systems that reduce harmful contaminants in the water, dealing with health and safety of the water. High levels of coliform, nitrates, arsenic, lead and pesticides are examples of harmful contaminants that must be treated before water is safe to drink.

Water conditioning refers to water problems that effect water taste, color, odor, hardness and corrosivity rather than health and safety. The presence of high levels of magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese and silt are common contaminants that require water conditioning. It is not uncommon to use both treatment and conditioning methods to improve water quality.

Here is a list of possible treatment and conditioning methods:

Mechanical or Sedimentation Filtration

Activated Carbon Filtration

Oxidation Filtration

Neutralizing Filtration

Reverse Osmosis or Membrane Filtration

Distillation

Ultra-violet Treatment

Water Softener or Cation Exchange

Chlorination Disinfection

For more information on your water treatment needs, call Housecheck Inspections.