Water filtration can be important In Westford as roughly 40% of properties depend on obtaining water from an on-site, drinking water well. The term “private well” is typically used for a well that provides drinking water for a residence. Private wells are regulated by the local Board of Health. There are various water quality issues you may encounter including hard water, iron, manganese, radon or arsenic. These are all correctable problems with the proper water test & analysis followed by proper equipment specification, installation and maintenance.
WATER TESTING
Water testing should be conducted by an EPA or Massachusetts state certified laboratory. If you are uncertain as to how to take a proper sample and get it to a lab, you should contact a lab or water treatment professional for assistance. Speak to a water treatment professional or state certified lab for information on how often to have your well tested. Some common water quality issues encountered in Westford include:
- Hard water (high calcium & magnesium)
- Manganese
- Iron.
- pH
- Radon (less frequently)
WATER FILTRATION FOR PRIVATE WELLS
In private wells, you may also encounter the health threats radon and arsenic making their way into the 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 the Board of Health recommends 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 (Milligrams per liter) or 10 parts per billion.
Dissolved Iron Staining
EFFECTIVE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS
Water filtration systems can be installed in Westford for the removal of any of the contaminants listed above and more. Water softeners are typically installed to remove dissolved iron, manganese and hard water minerals in the water through a technology called Ion Exchange. Sediment filtration will remove particulate iron or manganese in the water. Arsenic is removed with tanks containing a specific media that “grabs” the arsenic out of the water.
Twin Arsenic system with Ozone
WATER FILTRATION FOR RADON
Removing radon from water requires a system where the water is highly agitated releasing the radon gas from the water and then vented outside of the home. These systems are typically installed in the basement at point of entry. Do NOT use carbon tanks for removing radon from water. The carbon captures the radon and accumulates it, eventually causing a potentially radioactive tank. You do not want this in your house or building.
Radon in Water Filtration
For a link to the Westford, Massachusetts annual water quality report, see https://westfordma.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/1331.
