Friday, July 31, 2015

Chlorination and Options for Iron Removal

Dear Gerry,

You were referred to us by our neighbors.  They have water more severe than ours but we do get the occasional rotten-egg odors, and we definitely have iron.  Our softener gets most of it, but we are interested in removing the iron before the softener.  I emailed you my tests, what do you recommend?
Stan T.
Arkansas
Hi Stan,
Thanks for emailing.   We have two options that would work well, you could either use a Pro-OX iron filter system with chlorine side tank (which handles the odors) or better yet use a chlorine injection system along with a Pro-OX iron filter and carbon filter system prior to the softener.  The chlorination injection system would also kill iron bacteria as well as oxidize the iron.  

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Iron, Bad Odors and Very Hard Water

Hello Clean Water People,

Our water is really extremely awful.  It is full of iron, smells bad and miserable to shower in.  Soap won’t lather and we think the water must be very hard.   I am sending you a sample, please test it and let me know what we need.  We have 4 persons in the home, although sometimes its just my husband and me.   My husband said he checked the well flow and we have at least 10 gallons per minute he think.

Linda
North Carolina


Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Chlorination to Combat Iron and Iron Bacteria

Hello Mr. Scott,

Thank you for contacting us earlier about setting up chlorination to combat iron and iron bacteria.  Like we talked about, we can recommend using a Precision-24 chlorine injection metering pump, which provides extra strength oxidation for killing bacteria and oxidizing high levels of iron and manganese (which can be linked with sulfur odors).   The pump can be triggered with a water meter and pump control module combination to allow you to treat variable flow rates, and just treat the household use water as opposed to all of the water.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Destroying Hydrogen Sulfide Odors

Hello James,

Thanks for the time to discuss your water test results today, it was nice talking with you.  While the Total Dissolved Solids are quite high you could start with implementing the Chlorine components and then proceed with whole house Reverse Osmosis (RO) down the line.  Regardless the odors will need to be addressed as will protect the RO Membranes if that is chosen to use. 

Monday, July 27, 2015

Water Analysis - TDS and Iron Issues




Hello Brent,

Your water test results have been completed and are attached for review.  Essentially each parameter came up in pretty good shape except for the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and the Iron being right at the staining level.  Suggested limits for TDS are 500 mg/L with a maximum recommendation of 1000 mg/L.  As TDS is a measurement of salts in the water some treatment is recommended for drinking water to reduce this level.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

What is the Best Way To Remove High Amounts of Iron When pH is Low?

Dear sir,
I have a high amount of iron in our well water. We were also told our water is acid, and that is what is why our last iron filter did not work.  Do you have or know of an iron filter that will work well when the water has a low pH?   Our iron is 5.5 mg/L and our pH is 6.2.  There is sometimes a slight odor to the water, mostly from the iron we think.

Sincerely,
Joseph B.
Pennsylvania



Thanks for emailing regarding the issues with low pH and high iron in your well water.

Low pH:  The pH is actually quite important to make note of-  because high iron can’t really be taken out very well with a low pH.  To raise your low pH, a calcite-blend Neutralizer Filter would neutralize the pH and eliminate the corrosive effects of the water.   We can suggest our 5900 series neutralizer which will work well for the size of home, and backwashes automatically with an easy to configure digital interface.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

How to Use Ozone to Kill Coliform Bacteria for Home

Hello Francis,

Thank you for contacting us.  You wrote:


“Need info on a whole house ozonator system. 1 bathroom, 1 kitchen, dishwasher, laundry. Well recently tested positive for coliforms.”
Francis

We can work with you and make a recommendation on a whole-house ozone system, but we do need some more information.  In addition to coliform bacteria, you had reported brown or black stains.  This is likely from iron or manganese, though it could be sediment-related as well.  Have you had your water tested?  In order to make any sort of ozone system recommendation, we always need a water chemistry report to refer to.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Stenner VS Precision Metering Pump

What is the Difference Between Stenner Peristaltic Metering Pumps and Precision Diaphragm Metering Pumps When Used for Chlorination?
Precision Metering Pump
Precision Metering Pump

Stenner Pump
Stenner Pump
Hello – I have a question.  I want to put in a chlorinator pump for our well water. I run a mobile  home park and our well runs about 10 hours a day. What is the difference between Stenner metering Pumps and your Precision-24 metering pumps?

Bill
Mobile Al

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Coliform and E. Coli in Well Water

Can E.coli be removed from well water with chlorination alone?

Ron T

Hello Ron,

Coliform bacteria contamination is a serious problem to deal with, but we can definitely help.  There are a few options available for treating this situation, and the two most common are UV treatment and chemical treatment.  Ideally, to be certain you are achieving proper disinfection, we always recommend using both chlorination and UV sterilization for a double barrier effect.  However, complete sterilization can be achieved with one or the other.  Either way, it is good to proceed with caution and plan accordingly.  I am including some more information on both options below.

The first and more common option uses chlorine injection with the use of a metering pump, which provides extra strength oxidation for coliform bacteria, as well as strong odors and high levels of iron and manganese (which can be linked with sulfur odors).   The chlorine would then feed into a contact tank to provide enough time for the solution to react with the bacteria in the water, disinfecting it for good.   You could, as an option, send the water through a carbon filter to then remove the chlorine taste and odor completely.  Because chlorine injection maintains a regular residual of chlorine throughout the pipes of your home, it is the more reliable and safer method.

The second, less reliable though quite popular method is a UV system for your whole house.  Ultraviolet sterilizers work by exposing the cell walls of an organism to intense UV light which disrupts the genetic material and prevents the organism from reproducing.  UV effectively destroys bacteria and viruses but is limited by the clarity of the water. UV only works on water that is clear and has a high UV transmission rate. Unlike chlorine there is no downstream residual disinfection. Pretreatment for iron, sediment and excessive hardness minerals is recommended.
Chlorination:
                          
Precision-24 Chlorinator Package with Solution Tank:     

Precision-24 Chlorinator PackageCan be either 110 volt or 220 volt plug; can be hardwired to a pressure switch to come on with a well pump.  Works with well water flow rates from 1 – 50 Gallons per Minute (GPM)

Output rating:  0.1 – 24 Gallons per Day (GPD).  Pressure rating:  Will inject into lines with up to 110 PSI. 

Click here for more information about the product.



Additional features:  Degassing Valve is built in which makes this great for chlorination use.  System includes Chlorination Pump, 10 Gallon Solution Tank, Injection Check Valve, tubing and installation fittings.  25 & 35 Gallon tanks also available for additional cost. 

Tank, Contact Mixing 80 Gallon, 21” Diameter X 72” Tall                  

Contact Mixing 80 Gallon TankUnlike Well Mate contact tanks rated for 75 PSI max, this tank is rated for 125 PSI.  1-1/2 inch inlet and out at TOP, plus DRAIN at bottom makes installation fast and easy.  These lightweight seamless totally non-corrosive retention tanks are ideal for new and replacement installation where durability is at a premium.

Features:  100% non-metallic polymer materials, impervious to chemical attack.  Choose 1", 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" threaded in-out connections for top.  Drain:  2" slip PVC at bottom.  No drain valve included, but is easy to set up with 2" PVC available from any plumbing supply or home depot store etc.  Easy installation and unmatched durability.

Dimensions:  21” Diameter X 72” Tall

Click here for more information about the product.







Vacuum Breaker, ½” mpt.   

Vacuum BreakerVacuum breaker relief valve Watts 1/2" male 200 PSI maximum.
Required for contact and retention tanks to prevent vacuum in system and avoid imploding vessel.



Click here for more information about the product.







OPTIONAL - Carbon Filter 5700-E 1.5 CF 
Carbon Filter 5700-E

Includes 1.5 cubic feet of carbon filter media; and Digital 5700-E control valve.

All the filter media you need for the system is included. Excellent for use in de-chlorinating water, taking out hydrogen peroxide and removing many tastes and odors.
Much longer life and higher flow rates than carbon filter cartridges. 




Excellent Warranty:  5 Years on Control Valve & 10 years on the media tank.

Click here for more information about the product.


UV Treatment:

Wonderlight UV Sterilizer GN-15: 15 GPM  - NSF Certified

Wonderlight UV Sterilizer


Kill bacteria and viruses without the use of chlorine or other chemicals! 15 gallons per minute maximum flow rate recommended.  Inlet and outlet is 1 inch NPT. Heavy-duty 304 stainless steel UV is suitable for water pressures up to 100 PSI.  Two end caps make it easy to access the lamp for changing from either end; not one end like some UV sterilizers. Convenient external ballast and power supply makes installation easy.

Dimensions: 3 inches diameter x 36 inches length.  Certified by the National Safety Foundation for reliability and performance.


UV lamp is rated for 9,000 hours which is approximately one year of continuous operation.

Click here for more information about the product.



Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Water Test Shows Acidic Water



Hi Lorna,

Thank you for taking the time to discuss your water test results today, this report is also attached for your review.  In regard to this for the most part the water is in pretty good shape, except for the low pH and a level of Iron which is close to the staining level.  As discussed recommendations would be to implement an automatic backwashing Neutralizer to raise the pH to a Neutral level around 7 – 7.5.  Doing so will stop any pin-hole leaks from occurring and also reduce/remove any copper residuals as well. 

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Removing Hydrogen Sulfide (Rotten-Egg Odors) with Peroxide and carbon

Dear CWS,

Our water has a severe rotten-egg odor problem in both the cold and hot water.  It is worse in the summer, although we don’t know why.  A friend suggested we try hydrogen peroxide, can you send me information on this?  Can it remove iron and sulfur odors as well?

Walter T.


Hello Walter,

Thanks for emailing regarding to treating your well water.

You are correct, a very effective method to treat this water is by using Peroxide (H2O2) injection to destroy/oxidize the level of Sulfur.  Once injected we allow for appropriate retention time with the H2O2 so it can work to destroy odors, etc. and then simply filter the oxidized particulate with a Coconut Shell Catalytic Carbon filter. 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Chlorine Removal and Salt Free Conditioning

Dear sir,

I live in Los Angeles and I need to conserve water as we are on water rationing.  I want to remove chlorine but don’t want to waste water or get a water softener.   Can you recommend something to remove chlorine and help with our hard water problem as well?   There is just two of us in the home.

Fred S.
Los Angeles


Dear Fred,

We would recommend the Scale Stopper to treat your problems with water hardness. This system does not produce any waste water, making it ideal for the water rationing that you are currently experiencing.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Two Best Options for Removing Manganese from Well Water

Hello Al,

Thank you for contacting us in regard to treating your well water.  From the form on our website you have reported the following information that you would like assistance with:

“What is best option to remove a very high level of manganese from well water. My research suggests chlorination, followed by a green sand filter. Your site seems to suggest carbon. I am looking for a very low maintenance solution Also does the backwash water used to clean the filter carry clogging material into the drain? If so won't that material accumulate and eventually clog the drain?”

In regard to treating high levels of Manganese we would recommend using chlorination, followed by a Contact Tank, and then finally a backwashing Greensand Iron Filter.  As an option a Carbon filter could be included at the end of the system so as to remove any residual chlorine as well as improving the overall tastes and odors.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Whole House Filter System for Recreational Vehicles

Hello Darren,


Thank you for contacting us through our website.  You wrote:



“I have an RV that i want to install a whole system filter in before or after the pump that will take out the smells as well as, more importantly, the cysts. my pump pushes approx 2.8gallons/min and i dont want to lessen the flow through the pipes making the shower weak. is this even possible? ive seen filters on-line that say they flow approx 2gal/min but does the inlet pressure reduce this? is the flow calculated through a city pressure line? Is it even possible to do this or will anything I put in line reduce the flow to a trickle?”




Aside from the flow in gallons per minute, do you happen to know what your pressure is in PSI?  For cyst removal, we recommend an 1-micron absolute-rated filter.  Odors are different though, your best bet for that probably be an activated carbon filter for improved taste and odor.  So, you could use both filters, one installed after the other.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

What To Do If Your Well Water is Like Soda Pop (Effervescent Water)

Just purchased a new home with a well and when the water was tested it came back as "Soda Water". Not good to drink, the water tastes terrible. Is there a treatment system to get rid of the "Soda" in the well water so that we can use it.

We had the water tested a year ago when we bought the property. I currently live in New Mexico and the house with the water problem is in Colorado. The report is at the house in Colorado so I cannot send you a copy right now but we plan to go there next week and I will get a copy off to you. I can’t remember exactly what it says so I can’t confirm that it is high TDS and alkalinity, but if that is what you have when they tell you that you have soda water then I will take your word.

Mike

Hi Mike,

Really we’d need to see the report to give you much of an estimate on total cost, because depending on whether there’s an issue with the pH or high TDS that could make the cost fluctuate by several thousand dollars.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Best Ways to Remove Iron and Soften Water for Disabled Persons

Hello Anthony,

Thank you for contacting us through our website.  You wrote:
“I am looking for the best system to clean up the iron in a customers well and soften the water. This person is disabled so it needs to be as maintenance free as possible, and no salt”

Have you had your water tested?  If you’re interested, here is a link to a test kit that we offer, that you can use to cover the basic mineral content of your water.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Water Test Results Show Hardness and Iron

Hello Mr. Fernandez,

Your water test results have been completed, please see attached for your records.  Essentially this water has a level of hardness as well as a trace level of iron (0.4 ppm).  This is easily taken care of by a heavy-duty Water Softener along with  shocking your cold and hot plumbing with Peroxide or Clorox to destroy any odor-causing biofilms which might have built up in the household plumbing.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

How to De-odorize Water

Hello Michael,

Thank you for contacting us through our website.  You wrote:
“I have recently purchase a home with a 194ft deep well. The House water, mostly hot water has a rotten egg odor. I had it tested and the iron is 0.3 PPM, no coli-form bacteria, pH 8.1, hardness <200. I want as simple a system as I can get to deodorize the water. Our flow rate is 10 GPM”
Iron and Manganese:  One great way to remove high levels of iron is our backwashing Pro-OX iron filter.  The Pro-OX iron filter is definitely our best system for oxidizing and filtering out manganese and iron. 

How to Keep Iron Bacteria from Growing in Iron Filters

Hello Chris,

Thank you for contacting us through our website.  You wrote:

"Current system is a small GE water softener and a cartridge filter.  We have 2 adults and a 5 year old living at the house.  Cartridge filters have lots of iron bacteria.  Goal is to remove the iron and iron bacteria.  Chlorine free.  Consistent flow rates.  Reduced hardness."

To kill iron bacteria it is best to inject chlorine or ozone ahead of a contact tank and allow the chlorine or ozone to disinfect the water, and a good quality iron filter to remove the oxidized iron and manganese.   As a final stage, a carbon filter can be used to remove any residual chlorine.