What’s In Your Water?

by Expert Contributor Rick Bondurant of R.F. Bondurant Plumbing

Water quality is becoming more of a priority for homeowners these days. Most homes either have “city water” or a private well system. We recommend having a water sample taken, to determine the water quality and how to treat it.

You will need to think about whether you want to have a pointof-use system or whole-house treatment. We recommend both, to ensure you're getting the best water quality for your home.

A reverse osmosis (RO) system is perfect for providing your drinking water at the kitchen sink. It requires a separate faucet and the equipment is neatly stored below the sink. The RO system removes just about everything, to provide the purest and cleanest drinking water. It protects against lead, arsenic, pesticides and bacteria, and also removes the fluoride from the water. An RO system typically would not be able to keep up with the water flow for an entire house, so it’s basically used only as a point-of-use solution.

A whole-house water filter system would filter the public water through a bed of granulated activated carbon. This improves the taste of your city water by removing the chlorine or chloramine added to protect water in the distribution system. Also, the system will remove from city water the cloudiness, turbidity, foul taste and odor that the miles of distribution piping and fittings may impart. This system basically provides bottle-quality water at every faucet and showerhead. Having all the water treated can extend the life of appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and hot water tanks from premature failure.

Some homes may need a water softener if it's determined hard water exists. It is recommended that if your water hardness is greater than 7 grains per gallon, then you may want to consider a water softener. Homes in this area often have an average of 10 grains or more. Hard water contains dissolved minerals and metals, which can create ugly stains on sinks, toilets and bathtubs. Mineral deposits known as scale or lime can build up on showerheads, pots, glassware, etc.

Hard water makes soap and laundry detergent less effective, and causes linens and clothing to fade and appear dull. Washing clothes and linens in hard water can also cause premature wear on the fabrics. Minerals in hard water can also have negative effects on your hair and skin.

Most of the human body is made up of water. Quality drinking water is important to our health and well-being. Water is critical to most items we purchase and consume in one way or another. It’s definitely a smart idea to have your home’s water tested to make sure you and your family are getting the best available. NS

Rick Bondurant

CALL NOW 610-566-0288

www.RFBondurant.com

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