Chlorine Removal & Water Hardness Testing

There are many variations in water treatment and every application is different. Before you begin to look at water treatment equipment you should know what needs to be treated. Our Expert Water technicians have created this guide to help you determine what the best solution is for your water treatment needs. As a member of the Water Quality Association we are obligated to give you accurate information. This guide will tell you how to identify the problem and what type of equipment is needed to correct it. While we do stock just about every type of water treatment product available the equipment we have recommended on this page has been through countless hours of field testing and we have found them to be the most efficient, economical, and reliable. In short we have created for you, a step-by-step guide for treating common city water and well water problems.

Common water problems are listed in alphabetical order. If you do not see what you are looking for our Expert Water technicians are standing by and can help you with all of your water treatment needs. Please keep in mind our technicians are not sales people, we just answer your questions and give you the best advice. Please do not hesitate to call!!

Toll Free: 800-959-9855

Or send your questions via email: expertwater@expertwatersolutions.com

Acidic Water (low pH)- pH indicates intensity of a given water in terms of alkalinity or acidity. Acid or alkaline strength is measured on a scale that goes from 0 to 14. The mid point being 7 is the measure of neutral water, neither acid nor alkaline. Acidic water is any water with a pH below 7.0 with the acidity increasing as the numbers get smaller down to 0.

EPA Maximum Contaminant Level- 6.5

Common Indications and Testing- Blue-green stains commonly present themselves in sinks, toilets, and tubs and are more prominent when the pipes are copper. Over time plumbing can develop pin-hole leaks as a result of the acidic water corroding the pipes. Because of the dissolved metal from pipes and fixtures common complaints are that the water has a metallic or bitter taste. A simple swimming pool test can be used to determine pH level. If you would like to mail us a water sample simply call 1-800-959-9855 for instructions and we will be more than happy to test your pH level for free.

Method of Treatment

Whole House- Acidic water can be easily corrected by injecting soda ash into the water with a chemical feed pump. Not recommended for pH below 6.0. Caustic soda can be used for difficult applications. For a low maintenance solution a backwashing acid neutralizer with calcite, corosex, or a combination of both can be used.

Point of Use- Our mineral replacement cartridge can be used to raise the pH of your drinking water.

Chlorine- One of the most widely used disinfecting agents used to ensure safe drinking water is chlorine. It is used extensively by municipalities to disinfect city water supplies. Chlorine is also a strong oxidizing agent and is commonly used in the treatment of contaminants such as iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide.

EPA Maximum Contaminant Level- 4.0 mg/l

Common Indications and Testing- If you pay a water bill it is almost certain that your water is chlorinated. Since chlorine is a gas, it dissipates naturally over time. Because of this fact, a home that is located close to the water treatment facility may have an excessive level of chlorine and a home located farther away from the treatment plant may have substantially less chlorine. Common complaints are a fowl odor and taste. Because chlorine is a gas it is best to test it at the tap to ensure an accurate result. When drawing a sample for testing allow the cold water to run wide open for 4 to 5 minutes and then take a sample.

Method of Treatment

Whole House- Chlorine removal is quite simple with the use of carbon filtration. 1 cubic foot of activated carbon can remove 888,000 mg/l of chlorine.

Point of Use-Reverse osmosis or any of our counter top drinking water systems or under sink drinking water systems will remove chlorine leaving your family with great tasting drinking water.

Hardness- The most prevalent and common water problem is hardness. So prevalent in fact 85% of the United States’ water is so hard it should be softened to be of maximum usefulness. Hardness is mostly due to the presence of calcium and magnesium in the form of calcium and magnesium carbonate, calcium and magnesium bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium sulfate, also calcium and magnesium chloride. No natural water supply is free of hardness. Hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg), parts per million (ppm), or milligrams per liter (mg/l). Because 1 liter of water weighs 1 million milligrams, mg/l and ppm are the same. To convert mg/l and ppm into grains per gallon you simply divide the mg/l or ppm by 17.1

parts per million

(milligrams per liter)

-------------------------- = grains per gallon

17.1

Hardness of most water supplies in this country ranges from 3 to 350 gpg.

How hard is my water?

U.S. Department of Interior and Water Quality Association standards:

less than 1.0 soft

1 to 3.5 gpg slightly hard

3.5 to 7 gpg moderately hard

7 to 10.5 gpg hard

10.5 and above extremely hard

Common Indications and Testing- Some of the most common tell tale signs of hardness are scale build up on faucets and fixtures, spots and streaks on dishes and glassware, dry skin and dry, brittle, unmanageable hair. Hardness is the source of many other problems as well. When hardness is present in water it combines with soap to form an insoluble material called curd or more commonly known as soap scum making it difficult to create suds and requiring that more soaps and cleansers be used. When washing cloths with hard water soap curd clings to fabrics dulling colors and making fibers brittle, shortening the life of your cloths. This can be seen every time you clean the lint trap of your dryer. Studies have shown it costs 30% more to heat hard water than it costs to heat soft water. A water hardness testing kit can be found at most swimming pool and home stores. If you are on city water simply call your water company and ask how hard your water is. If you would like to mail us a water sample simply call 1-800-959-9855 for instructions and we will be more than happy to test your hardness level for free.

Method of Treatment

Whole House- Countless research studies have shown A quality cation exchange water softener using sodium or potassium as a regenerate is the only economical way to truly soften water for your entire home.

What Size Water Softener is right for my family?

Companies claiming to soften water without sodium or potassium using magnets and other such miracle products do not really soften water. Simply ask them, how hard will my water be after it is treated with your product? If they can not tell you zero then it does not work! Many of these companies will try and tell you it does not remove the hardness but changes it so it does not create scale. Ask yourself, If there are minerals in my water, and when the water dries it evaporates, where do the minerals go? That’s right they are left behind in the form of scale build up. It all seems like common sense to us. What do you think?

Hydrogen Sulfide-Commonly called “sulfur water”. Water containing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) typically has an offensive rotten egg smell. Hydrogen sulfide is a gas and in high concentrations is flammable and poisonous. It is corrosive to most metals and can tarnish silver instantly. High concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in drinking water have been known to cause nausea and illness. In most cases H₂S is found in amounts of 10mg/l or less. Occasionally it can be found in concentrations of 50 to 75 mg/l, however this is extremely rare. Because H₂S is a gas and dissipates naturally, it is much more common in well water than in surface water.

Common Indications and Testing-Due to its offensive rotten egg smell there is never any doubt when hydrogen sulfide is present. The rotten egg odor can present itself in concentrations as low as 0.5 mg/l. H₂S can also cause a taste that is just as foul as its odor. From prolonged exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas, painted surfaces can become discolored similar to that of smoke damage. Since hydrogen sulfide is a gas it needs to be tested in the field (at the well).

Methods of Hydrogen Sulfide Water Treatment

Whole House-Pyrolox hydrogen sulfide filters are the most versatile filters on the market. Aside from sulfur water treatment, they also treat a wide range of other contaminants commonly found in water such as iron and manganese. Pyrolox systems are a very durable, chemical and maintenance free system with a long service life. It is very important your pyrolox is the correct size for your application to ensure it backwashes properly for a prolonged service life. To properly size your pyrolox unit you will need to follow the instructions under item #6 on our FAQ’s page. For difficult applications pyrolox can be used in conjunction with chlorination by a chemical feed pump.

For water with only low quantities of hydrogen sulfide simple chlorination with a chemical feed pump is typically sufficient. A ratio of 2 mg/l of chlorine per 1 mg/l of hydrogen sulfide is our suggested starting dosage.

For lower flow rates with multiple contaminants such as iron and manganese a manganese greensand filter is perfect. Regenerated with potassium permanganate a manganese greensand filter can be used over a wide pH range.

Iron- Iron commonly occurs in ground water in two main forms. The first, ferrous iron, more commonly called clear water iron and the second, ferric iron or red water iron. When iron is present in the soluble ferrous form, water drawn appears clear, hence the name clear water iron. After exposure oxygen enters the water as carbon dioxide escapes the water then turns cloudy, the oxygen oxidizes the ferrous iron turning it into the non-soluble ferric iron. When present in the ferric form the oxidation has already occurred and water drawn will appear orange or red and cloudy hence the name red water iron.

EPA Maximum Contaminant Level- 0.3 mg/l

Common Indications and Testing-The most common indications that iron is present is rust colored stains. Stains can occur anywhere water is present. From toilets, sinks, and tubs to the driveways, sidewalks, and even the side of the house from the sprinklers. Iron in your water can cause the water to have a metallic smell and taste. Iron bacteria frequently thrive in iron bearing water. Iron bacteria can form reddish brown growths or colonies which can appear slimy or stringy and can clog pipes, appliances and fixtures. You can typically find signs of iron bacteria in the storage tank of the toilet. If iron bacteria are present, pre-treatment may be needed in order to effectively treat the iron. A quick look in the storage tank of the toilet that is used the least can determine whether iron bacteria are present. When checking for iron bacteria look for anything other than the normal sand or sediment on the bottom or sides that feels slippery or slimy inside of the storage tank. To test for iron, a test kit can usually be found at a home store. In most cases you can simply take a sample to a local swimming pool or hot tub store and have a test performed by them. If you would like to mail us a water sample simply call 1-800-959-9855 for instructions and we will be more than happy to test your iron level for free.

Method of Treatment

You should know 3 things before choosing your iron treatment system.

1) Water test results (most important iron and pH levels)

2) Is there the presence of iron bacteria (as described above)

3) What your maximum potential flow rate is (as described under item 6 on our FAQ’s page)

Once you have the information listed above you should give us a call at 1- 800-959-9855 to be certain you are getting the correct equipment.

Whole House-Pyrolox iron filters are the most versatile iron filters on the market. They also treat a wide range of other contaminants commonly found in water containing iron. Pyrolox systems are a very durable, chemical and maintenance free system with a long service life. It is very important your pyrolox is the correct size for your application to ensure it backwashes properly for a prolonged service life.

For lower flow rates without the presence of hydrogen sulfide our birm filters are the perfect solution. Birm is also an effective manganese filter however it is best to have a pH of 8.0 to 9.0.

For lower flow rates with the presence of hydrogen sulfide a manganese greensand filter is the proper application. Regenerated with potassium permanganate a manganese greensand filter can be used over a wide pH range.

Manganese-Manganese is frequently found in iron-bearing waters. While not uncommon it is more rare than iron. Occurring in the same forms as iron, manganese can chemically be considered a close relative of iron. Elemental manganese metal is grey with tinges of pink. It is a brittle metal however somewhat harder than iron. As a chemically active element, manganese is found in many compounds. As pure metal, manganese is not found in nature. Manganese is found most frequently as a manganous ion and tends to be more soluble in acidic water. Mostly manganese is introduced to water through the dissolvability of manganese bicarbonate. In this case water drawn would be clear. After exposure, oxygen enters the water and carbon dioxide escapes converting the manganese to a black insoluble substance. Another less common form of manganese known as black water is the suspended insoluble manganic hydroxide. When present in this form, water drawn would be dark in color or have suspended black particles hence the name black water.

EPA Maximum Contaminant Level-0.05 mg/l

Common Indications and Testing-Even in low concentrations manganese can cause dark brown or black stains on everything it comes in contact with. This can be particularly problematic in laundry. Due to the oxidation of the manganese caused by bleaches and detergents cloths come out stained and ruined. Manganese buildup in pipes can cause black sediment and turbidity in tap water. Manganese bacteria can also be present in manganese bearing water causing similar problems as iron bacteria and in some cases pre-treatment may be required to effectively treat the manganese. In order to accurately test for manganese an electronic manganese meter is required and you should consult a local water testing laboratory or if you would like to send us a water sample simply call 1-800-959-9855. We have the advanced testing equipment required and will be more than happy to test your manganese level for free.

Method of Treatment

Because manganese acts like iron in so many ways, iron and manganese treatment is also similar. When choosing a manganese filter you should follow the same guidelines found under iron treatment on this page.

Whole House-Pyrolox manganese filters are the most versatile filters on the market. They also treat a wide range of other contaminants commonly found in water such as iron and hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor). Pyrolox systems are a very durable, chemical and maintenance-free system with a long service life. It is very important your pyrolox is the correct size for your application to ensure it backwashes properly for a prolonged service life.

For lower flow rates without the presence of hydrogen sulfide our birm filters are also an effective manganese filter however it is best to have a pH of 8.0 to 9.0.