Water Filtration Solutions
Middleton residents may require a water softener or some other type of water filtration system to improve water quality. As is the case with many wells in Massachusetts, there are certain common contaminants that find their way into the water supply. Later in this write-up, specific contaminants that are commonly found in Middleton private wells are identified and effective remediation methods are covered. There are tried and true water filtration and water softener systems and methods to remove these contaminants and provide you with excellent water quality.
START WITH WATER TESTING
Prior to even considering a water filtration or water softener system, water testing should be conducted and should include analysis for, at least the parameters in the table below. If you are uncertain as to how to take a proper sample and get it to a lab or what to test for, you should contact a lab or water treatment professional for assistance. For more on water testing, see the link at https://h2ocare.com/water-testing/. Some of the typical items tested for are as follows:
| Coliform bacteria | pH |
| Arsenic | Radon |
| Chloride | Sodium |
| Iron | Sulfate |
| Lead | Conductivity |
| Manganese | Nitrogen-Nitrate |
| Volatile Organic Compounds | Total Dissolved Solids |
In addition to the above, testing for Volatile Organic Compounds including Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) may be important, depending on the historical land use near your home. In the past, this substance was used as a fuel additive in gasoline to reduce airborne emissions. Unfortunately and unintentionally, in some cases, it seeped into the ground from fuel tank leaks contaminating certain wells. This has happened all around the country, however testing and remediation has proven effective.
IRON, MANGANESE, LOW pH, ARSENIC & RADON
Some common issues encountered in Middleton, MA private wells are manganese and iron along with low pH and sometimes the health threats radon and arsenic in water. If the testing results for Radon exceed the current Massachusetts guideline of 10,000 pCi/L in water, the radon must be removed from the water and it is recommended testing the air for Radon as well. It should be noted that New Hampshire requires action if radon is 2,000 pCi/L (pico curries per liter), Maine and Rhode Island are at 4,000 pCi/L. The maximum allowable level of Arsenic in drinking water per the EPA is .01 mg/L (miligrams per liter) or 10 parts per billion. For more information on this see the link at Mass DEP Arsenic Info.
BAD ODORS & TASTES IN YOUR WATER
Sediment & Carbon Filtration
There are various types of bad odors and tastes that you may experience in your water. For more information on bad odors & tastes and how to eliminate them, see link at https://bad-odor-taste-water/.
WATER SOFTENER & OTHER WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS
Water Softener with Sediment Filtration
Water Filtration and Water Softener systems can be installed in Middleton for the removal of any of the contaminants identified above and more . Water softeners are typically installed to remove dissolved iron or manganese in the water through a technology called Ion Exchange, while particulate iron and manganese is removed with sediment filtration. Removing radon from water requires a system where the water is agitated and contained, then properly vented, sending the radon gas outside the home to ambient air (See photo below). Other technologies and systems are used to remove the other contaminants.
Radon in Water Removal System
Arsenic is removed with tanks containing a specific media that “grabs” the arsenic out of the water (see photo below).
Twin Arsenic system with Ozone
H2O Care is an established full service water filtration and testing organization, originally formed in 1989, based in Middleton, MA on route 114 with an additional office in Stow, MA. See our published articles in Water Technology Magazines at http://h2ocare.com/pub. Reach us at [email protected] or 978-777-8330.
