Water Filtration Solutions
WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS
Water filtration and/or water softener technology will address the most common water quality issues encountered in Gloucester, MA. Some common calls to our office include elevated levels of Manganese, Hard water and Chloramines (a water disinfectant comprised of a mixture of chlorine and ammonia used to disinfect the water supply). Iron, manganese and hardness minerals are naturally occurring. Chloramines are typically used in place of chlorine due to organic materials in surface water supplies that react adversely with chlorine which may form potentially health threatening by-products.
Dissolved Iron Staining
IRON & MANGANESE
Iron and Manganese are naturally occurring minerals commonly found in New England’s water supply. Together, they are commonly referred to as “The Stainers” in the water treatment industry.
Iron shows up in two forms; Dissolved in solution (ferrous form – can’t see) or precipitated (ferric) particulate iron which you can see in the water. Typical symptoms of iron in your water include Red/Brown stains in sinks, tub, dishwasher, laundry and/or Metallic taste. Iron may also show up in the form of Iron bacteria. Although harmless, iron bacteria can form gelatinous growths that my plug pipes or break free in slugs of dirty iron-laden water with unpleasant tastes and odors. The U.S. EPA drinking water regulations set a recommended secondary maximum contaminant level of iron at .3 milligrams per liter. The reason they call it a secondary contaminants is that iron isn’t considered a primary health threat. See the link at Iron in Water Article Water Technology Magazine for more information on Iron in water and related water filtration challenges.
Manganese similarly shows up dissolved in solution or precipitated (particulate) which you can see in the water. Typical symptoms of manganese in your water include brownish-black staining in the dishwasher and other plumbing fixtures. Manganese may also show up in the form of manganese bacteria. Although harmless, manganese bacteria can form gelatinous growths that my plug pipes or break free in slugs of dirty manganese-laden water with unpleasant tastes and odors. The U.S. EPA drinking water regulations set a recommended secondary maximum contaminant level of iron at .05 milligrams per liter. Manganese is also considered a secondary health threat, however at certain high levels, especially in children, can be a health threat. For more information on this topic, see the link at Manganese in Water Article in Water Tech.
Water Softener with Sediment Filtration
FOR IRON & MANGANESE REMOVAL, water filtration systems typically consist of a water softener (ion exchange technology), sediment filtration or a combination of both. Water softeners are will remove iron and manganese found in solution while sediment filtration will remove particulate forms.
PRIVATE WELLS – TEST FOR RADON
RADON is impossible to detect without appropriate laboratory water tests. Radon typically originates in deep wells that tap radon contaminated groundwater. The gas releases into air when water is turned on in your home via showers, faucets, etc. If radon is present in your home’s water, it may also be present in the air and should be tested accordingly. Radon can be a serious health threat. For more information, see the link at: Radon in Water Article.
Radon in Water Removal System
Removal of Radon From Water – Water filtration systems that effectively remove radon from water will include an agitation chamber that churns the water to release the radon gas, and then vents it outside to mix with ambient air. Proper outside venting is critical to a properly designed, safe and effective system.
In summary, if you are a resident of Gloucester,MA or are considering becoming one, encountering manganese, iron or radon in your water is not something that should prevent you from living in a town you’ve decided you would enjoy. Water filtration systems including water softeners, sediment filtration and radon removal systems are proven technologies that work and will provide you with excellent water quality.
