Common Water Problems and Solutions

The water treatment business speaks its own language, and our clients can sometimes find these terms intimidating. NEWCO's best customer is the informed customer and, to that end, we want you to understand the problems and solutions we're talking about.

If you have any questions regarding the terms and explanations on this page, or you'd like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us!

pH levels are the measurement of acidity or alkalinity of water. The scale ranges from 0-14, with the 7 as neutral. A pH less than 7 is considered acidic. A pH greater than 7 is considered alkaline or basic. Excessive acidity in water (below 7) tends to dissolve piping systems (lead, iron, copper and other metals) leading to staining and possible health related problems. Water with a pH parameter less than 6.8 causes significant corrosion and/or leaching.

Common treatment for acidic water is accomplished by installing a pH Neutralizing filtration system.

Total Dissolved Solids are the sum total of all mineral components dissolved in water. They consist primarily of salts of calcium, magnesium, or sodium (they are usually in the form of chlorides, sulfates or bicarbonates). For household water supplies, especially for drinking, the lower the TDS the better the water quality. Also, an indicator of corrosivity (related to lead levels in the water), can damage plumbing and limit the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.

The reduction of TDS is accomplished through a Reverse Osmosis water system.

Hardness in water is due to the presence of calcium or magnesium compounds (which exist in all natural water supplies). Hard water is responsible for lime scaling in pipes, water heaters, boilers, humidity, systems, etc. This causes inefficiency and may lead to permanent damage. Acting as an insulator, this scale can seriously reduce the efficiency in water heaters. Hardness also increases soap consumption by wasting up to 90% of the soap (depending on the level of hardness). This results in formation of soap curd, which adheres to clothes, dishes, hair and skin. Soap curd causes poor results in laundering and may hold pathogenic organisms.

Reduction of hardness can be achieved by installing a Water Conditioner filtration system.

Iron is a naturally occurring element in soil. From soil it can leach into well water. Iron effects taste and can cause staining (brown, rust) to plumbing fixtures, enamel, kitchenware and clothes. Iron exceeding the maximum contamination level of 0.3 ppm should be removed.

There are a number of filtration systems that can accomplish this.

(Galion Ella and Cremothrix) Iron bacteria live by obtaining energy through the oxidation of ferrous iron to ferric iron and utilize the resulting CO2 to create organic molecules for their existence. Growths of these bacteria result in a gelatinous material, which can clog pipes and cause a foul taste. This material often forms in the tanks of toilets and will produce a "rainbow" slick on the surface.

The removal of iron bacteria can be achieved by sanitizing the well system (possibly a perpetual sanitizing system should be considered).

Manganese is a common mineral found in soil. It can cause black/brown staining, metallic taste and black sediment to form in pipes. When manganese levels exceed the maximum containment level of 0.05 ppm it should be removed.

There are a number of filtration systems that can accomplish this.

Copper is most commonly found in residential water because of the corrosion of copper pipes in the house's plumbing. Modification can be achieved by installing a pH Neutralizing system at point on entry. The neutralizer raises the pH value, therefore eliminating corrosive conditions.

A Reverse Osmosis filtration system or Distillation systems are also useful for removing the copper.

Hydrogen Sulfide is a gas with a foul rotten egg odor that is very corrosive to most metals. In high concentrations it is flammable and poisonous. It may leave a black slimy substance in pipes and appliances.

Reduction of Hydrogen Sulfide in water can be accomplished through oxidation or perpetual sanitation of well water.

High levels of Nitrates usually indicate intrusion of agricultural fertilizers into the water source. This containment should be treated in levels above 10 ppm. Consumption of this contaminant by infants can cause Methemogloinemia (blue baby disease).

A Reverse Osmosis filtration system or Ionic Exchange are both effective ways to remove Nitrates from water.

Tannins come from decaying organic materials (i.e. leaves, vegetation). Its presence can cause taste, odor, and staining.

It can be treated with a Water Conditioning system that contains anion resins and catirons. Other methods such as Chlorination or installing Granulated Activated Carbon can also be used.