The following discusses potential water quality issues or concerns as well as Food Service water filtration options in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
(H2O Care was formerly a division of: Atlas Watersystems, Inc.) 
HOW HARD IS THE CAMBRIDGE WATER SUPPLY?
Water hardness refers to the mineral content of water, commonly calcium and magnesium. Cambridge water is “slightly to moderately hard” and varies slightly throughout the city. Hardness also may vary somewhat by seasons of the year. When using dishwashers, you may notice a slight increase in “spotting or streaking” on glassware, flatware or white residue in kitchenware. On-going hard water can also eventually have a negative impact on your water using appliances with potential premature breakdowns, etc. Additionally, some equipment manufacturers specify water quality parameters in their users manual which could render warranties unenforceable if not adhered to.
According to the Cambridge Water Department, the hardness of the city’s tap water is typically around 40 to 60 parts per million or 3 to 4 grains per gallon. See the chart below for comparison.
TASTE & ODOR ISSUES/ PREMATURE EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWNS ?
SEDIMENT & CARBON WATER FILTRATION MANIFOLD
BAD ODORS & TASTES IN YOUR WATER
While symptoms of water quality issues such as bad odors & taste, staining of bathroom fixtures & laundry, premature equipment breakdowns etc. are indicators of problems, the preferred starting point is to get a water test to identify the minerals or contaminants in the water and at what quantity they exist. This will lead to an effective Food Service water filtration system recommendation and route to providing excellent on-going water quality for drinking, washing, etc. There are various approaches to providing your restaurant with better quality ice, good tasting water, improved beverage taste and improved water quality to feed your dishwashers to avoid streaking on glasses and dinnerware.
Before & After of Sediment & Carbon Filters at Scheduled Service
FOOD SERVICE WATER FILTRATION & WATER SOFTENER SYSTEMS
Various types of water filtration systems are available for the removal of any of the potential causes of symptoms you may be experiencing. Water softeners are typically installed to remove hard water minerals, dissolved iron or manganese from the water through a technology called Ion Exchange. To remove particulate iron or manganese, a properly sized sediment filter is required. Bad tastes & odors, which may be the result of the chloramine added into the MWRA water supply for disinfecting purposes, can be removed with a carbon filtration system. Additionally, to create very pure drinking water, a reverse osmosis system can be installed, which utilizes the same technology used to produce both Aquafina, Dasani and some other bottled waters. There are various sized reverse osmosis systems to match the volume demands required.
Reverse Osmosis Water Purification System
Any water filtration system or water softener recommendation in Cambridge should start with a water test before an informed decision can be made. To determine what type of water testing to have performed and how to take a proper sample, call a water treatment professional or a state certified laboratory. For more on hard water see hard water usgs.
