Identifying and knowing how to avoid the most common drinking water contaminants in your tap water is important as a homeowner. We have worked with thousands of people to help them improve their drinking water quality and protect their family from consuming contaminants in the water that they have or potentially could face down the road.
Your drinking water is of the utmost importance. But, when was the last time you sat down and read your entire water quality report? The last time you truly educated yourself and your family on the water in your home and in your area? Do you have concerns?
The point of this blog is not to create any panic. Instead, we want to create awareness of drinking water quality and help educate homeowners on common water contaminants that could pose a risk. Awareness ignites change and change in this case is for the better. High quality drinking water is always better than the alternatives and outcomes.
What are we hearing in the news?
Homeowners right now may hear about water contaminants like arsenic, nitrates, lead, PFAs, fluoride and even pharmaceuticals in public drinking water, as well as nitrates and bacteria in private wells. We know that state and federal laws like the Safe Drinking Water Act are meant to help protect our drinking water. But, there are still situations where contaminants show up. Laws do not guarantee that standards are followed or enforced, or that public water treatment never fails.
How are contaminants categorized?
Drinking water contaminants are often broken down by the following categories: primary, secondary and emerging.
Primary water contaminants include (but are not limited to):
Microorganisms like coliform bacteria (i.e. E.coli), cryptosporidium, giardia, legionella, and enteric viruses which can be treated with chlorination and UV treatment.
Inorganic compounds like arsenic, chromium, copper, chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, lead, mercury, nitrates, and nitrites, treated well with a reverse osmosis drinking water system. It is important to point out that inorganic compounds which could pose a health risk can be difficult to identify – they are often colorless, odorless and tasteless. Homes with private wells MUST have their water tested annually. And, residents on a public system should check their water quality report annually as well.
Organic compounds like agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals which are commonly treated with activated carbon and reverse osmosis.
Secondary water contaminants include (but are not limited to):
Aluminum, iron, manganese, sulfur, calcium, magnesium – treated with water softeners and other water treatment systems right in your home.
Emerging water contaminants include (but are not limited to):
Manganese, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, PFAs and PFOAs
What do we do for now?
In the United States, we are fortunate to have decent drinking water in many areas. However, many could also use some improvement. Many of the drinking water contaminants listed above do not occur all at once or maybe even ever. But, they do pose potential health risks. Some can cause widespread and serious illnesses. Others can cause cancer or other serious illness with prolonged exposure.
Whether your contaminants are happening due to failed water treatment, or from human and animal waste into groundwater sources, increasing water treatment right in your home can help eliminate the health and quality risks right away. Experts say that microorganisms and chemical compounds in the environment can and will for the immediate future, contaminate drinking water supplies. Infants, children, the elderly, and immune-compromised people are particularly susceptible to serious health effects from contaminants in drinking water.
Contact one of our experts to discuss your concerns, your goals and your water needs. Whether you’re looking for a RO system or even a water softener, we can guarantee that our products will reduce the risk (or the presence) of common water contaminants and improve the overall quality of your drinking water. We can test your water and work WITH you to determine which of our eco-friendly and innovative drinking water products is right for you. Invest in your own drinking water now, before any other unknown exposure occurs or before any public health issue arises.
National Groundwater Awareness Week 2021 is from March 7-13 and is all about being a voice for groundwater. Communities around the nation need to speak up for this precious resource. There is no better time than today to learn and share the important role that groundwater plays in our lives! This year, it is the hope of advocates to share tips for groundwater safety, groundwater protection and increasing access across the country.
Advocacy Starts with Educating People
How exactly can we educate the people in our lives about groundwater and the role it plays? How do we teach others about the importance of proper groundwater management? And, how can we remind our neighbors that it is critical to test the water frequently in private water systems and wells? It starts with YOU!
When you learn about the role of groundwater, its significance and the dangers and risks of it disappearing, you can share what you know with others and be a role model in your daily habits. You can be a voice for groundwater itself and that is the theme of National Groundwater Awareness Week 2021!
The Roles of Groundwater in Our Daily Lives
The National Groundwater Association has compiled some great facts and figures that make it easier to picture just how important groundwater is in our daily lives. Here are some that may surprise you:
In addition, the EPA points out that ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day … that’s a lot of water wasted down the drain!
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the U.S. uses 82.3 billion gallons per day of fresh groundwater. And, it’s used for lots of different purposes, like irrigation, agricultural operations, manufacturing, mining, thermoelectric power, and more.
Private Wells and Water Testing
Regular water testing for those residents with private wells is so important. A properly functioning and well-maintained household-supply well will provide you with many years of quality service. When you have your well routinely inspected and tested, you will ensure that it is operating as it should. This can also prolong its life and protect your health by discovering any potential water quality problems that could present a health risk.
Habits and Routines to Protect Our Groundwater – Everyone Can Do Something!
Here are some helpful tips from the National Groundwater Association that describe things we ALL can do to help preserve groundwater Every bit counts!
Use native plants when you landscape that won’t need much water or fertilizer.
Use fewer chemicals in your home and yard. When you do, proper disposal is a must.
Manage waste properly when it comes to toxic substances.
Turn off the water when brushing or shaving.
Repair any leaks or drips inside your home and outside fixtures.
Water your lawn during the coolest times of day.
Take quicker showers. Have a household competition to see who can shower quickest!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Use natural alternatives to cleaning products.
Be a role model, get informed, share, advocate and keep promoting these habits!
If you have any questions or concerns about water quality or need assistance with water testing, call our water treatment professionals today. We can work together to promote safe, clean drinking water and better habits to preserve our groundwater!
Homes across the country have hard water, making residential water softeners one of the more popular investments because they can save you a lot of time, money and energy.
But, with so many brands and types of water softeners on the market, how will you ever decide? What is the best one for your home? Should you choose availability over research? Should you choose low cost over high efficiency? Are they all going to remove the same amount of hard water minerals? Are big box store water softeners just as good as those from a water treatment company?
These are all fair questions. But, we think doing some research (okay, we did some for you) will help sway your decision!
What is a water softener?
A water softener is a system that uses an ion exchange process to remove hard minerals like magnesium and calcium that are found in water. This type of water treatment process can be used in both residential and industrial or commercial settings.
Advantages of Big Box Store Water Softeners
While there are some advantages to buying a water softener from a big box store near you or online, there is certainly the need to weigh the pros and cons. The benefits of buying from a professional water treatment company could outweigh the benefits of a big box store, but we wanted to list some of them nonetheless.
Easy access to the products in the store or online.
You can get the salt delivered or at the same store.
You may find some sales on the products or for a one-time price.
DIY installation savings if you are up for the task.
Disadvantages of Big Box Store Water Softeners
Okay, we also wanted to share some of the disadvantages of buying from one of your local stores. Many consumers and consumer experts have thought about why this may not be the way to go and some of their advice and experiences are as follows:
You get what you pay for. Finding a low price system may give you low quality results. Meant to be low-priced in a mass market, big box store water softeners are basic, inefficient at times, non-customizable and you may not get the quality, longevity, functionality, or service and maintenance that you had hoped for.
Low-quality materials and parts. The softener resin or system itself may not be made well, or last.
You made a financial investment and you want the most out of it. However, this is not always the case in this situation as it may not be a professional-grade softener. You may get 5+ years from a box store water softener but 15-20+ with a professional-grade one.
Not the right size, fit or functionality for your specific household demands, especially when you DIY install it or maintain it. If a professional does not install it or explain it, it could make for a frustrating experience.
Service not included.
Your water won’t be tested by a professional prior to making a purchase, so you may not know what you even need.
Your Next Steps
If you want to choose a water softener that will be more efficient, effective and a better overall investment, then you’ve come to the right place. We offer a variety of options that we can discuss once we evaluate your home’s water quality and household water demands. Also, our products are available for lease or purchase.
You’ll always get more than what you pay for with our products! When you find yourself face-to-face with water softener maintenance, installation or emergency repairs, you can call us and our technicians will be there to help. You’ll have the quality, efficiency and the support you need – professional-grade water softening systems with professional support.
Our products are innovative and on the cutting edge of technology. We are committed to our customers and our products and we cannot wait to share them with you, too!
Most consumers have heard of water treatment, reverse osmosis or water softeners, but not many people are familiar with deionized water. Just what exactly are the benefits? Who should consider it? How does it work? These questions are asked by many of our existing and potential clients, so we wanted to share some information with you all.
What is deionized water?
Without getting too scientific to the point that we are not understood by those without water expertise, deionized water is water that has had all ions removed. (This does not include oxygen and hydrogen – when they form a covalent bond to make water, they are no longer completely ionized.) Many businesses can really benefit from this type of water.
Why deionized water delivery for businesses?
When you invest in industrial or commercial DI systems, you are able to purify the water by removing the mineral ions and replacing them with hydrogen ions (which is additional water). There are several advantages, including improved performance.
It is often compared to commercial water softening, but is a more thorough solution in many cases. Deionization strips out the unwanted minerals and therefore improves the heat-carrying ability of the water. It also prevents sodium buildup and scale, extending the life of commercial water-using applications.
What types of businesses typically benefit from deionized water?
We have a variety of clients that use our specialized (and customized) systems because high purity water is necessary for their businesses to perform optimally. We even offer fast and efficient deionized water delivery because we know how important this service is to your business and how important your business is to your clients. Our clients have these types of businesses, among others:
Plating processes
Water-based coolants
Printers
Lab analysis
Circuit board manufacturing
Car washes
Window washers
Aerospace component manufacturing
Film processing
What kinds of deionized water technologies are available?
We offer a selection – something we are very proud of. From mixed bed DI tank service or dual bed DI tank service to multiple bed and UV sterilization units, we have a wide variety of available technologies that can work individually or be combined. This allows us to customize just what our clients need.
If high purity water is needed at your business, then deionized water delivery may be the thing that can help you to level up and protect your systems and existing components. Fewer repairs, service interruptions or replacements leads to financial savings down the road. Are you ready to look into deionized water delivery? Our experts are ready to help – simply contact us today!
Is your office currently lacking a commercial water cooler for both employees and customers? Providing clean drinking water fresh from the cooler can have some major benefits – from health and wellness to increases in productivity throughout the day. Your work environment just got a whole lot better with a water cooler – everyone will love it!
When we think of office must-haves, we usually think about a coffee maker, a picnic table, good parking spots, a microwave or maybe even a break room. These are cool and all, but we didn’t hear you mention a water cooler and we think more businesses should. Bottled water leads to a lot of toxic plastic waste and can be costly. Not our bottleless water coolers!
Commercial Water Cooler Benefits You and Your Employees Will Love
Health and Wellness
Commercial water coolers offer on demand and unlimited fresh water for everyone when they need it. They also offer a healthier choice for your employees. The option of great-tasting, pure water at their fingertips may be exactly what they want instead of bringing in sugary soft drinks or calorie-rich juices. Another benefit is that our coolers protect against contaminants. Some drinking water contaminants may be harmful if consumed at high levels. This is one of the most important reasons to install a water cooler. Both tap and bottled water have numerous organic and inorganic contaminants in them.
Money Saving
Bottleless water coolers are cost-effective and efficient compared to buying dozens of bottles of water or a bottled water delivery service. You will actually save up to 50% compared to bottled water! It is a great way to get clean, filtered drinking water into the office. Our systems are also hassle-free for you. No lugging or exchanging big, heavy water bottles, and no storing them in the office. You will not have to wait for delivery if you run out, either.
Eco-friendly Products
Our systems have a smaller footprint and are an eco-friendly and efficient investment you’ll be proud of. We take care of the filter changes for you and using our coolers means reducing plastic bottles in landfills.
Employee Productivity
Studies show that employees who stay well-hydrated have better cognitive skills and mental performance throughout their shift. They will also be less fatigued, helping to maintain a better overall wellness, attitude and work ethic. Just a 1% drop in hydration could lead to a 12% drop in productivity!
A Final Word About Commercial Water Coolers
Commercial water coolers are the best solution out there for providing your office with clean, safe drinking water. They’re cost-effective, sure, but even more importantly, they are a special touch that your employees and customers will truly appreciate. It shows you care about them and there is no greater gift. To learn more about our water coolers and other water treatment systems, contact our water quality specialists who will help schedule a water test or decide which product is right for your office.
If you’re building a new home, congratulations! This is a very exciting endeavor filled with important decisions, personalized details, and designs for the future of your family’s safe place.
From planning the layout to selecting those perfect design elements, there are plenty of decisions to make. Now is the perfect time to also consider the quality of your drinking water as you begin to select some of the infrastructure and technical systems details.
As you find some of these complex decisions coming up, we are happy to help you choose a drinking water system that meets the needs and demands of your family and new home.
New Home Water Quality Considerations
We can help test your water to see just what you may need. Do you want to protect your home from unwanted drinking water contaminants? Does this area have hard water so you’re looking to install a home water softener or utilize soft water delivery service?
When it comes to your water quality, these types of decisions are where you need to start, and we can help you from there. Your home is your investment and adding a water treatment system can help add equity and make your new home even more enjoyable.
Common Water Issues You May Face In Your New Home
Why is it important to consider your water quality now? Installing a home water treatment system can help you prevent water problems now and down the road. Here are some common water issues many homeowners face:
Hard water
Arsenic, nitrates or other harmful contaminants
Iron stains
Acidic water
Bacteria or viruses
Pesticides
What Type of Water Source Do You Have?
Another important consideration when it comes to water quality is finding out where your drinking water will come from. Will you have municipal water or a private well? With pros and cons to both, how you manage the quality of your water (and how you test and treat it) will become a decision only you can make.
With private well water, there is always the possibility of contamination. It is important to test your water regularly. If needed, treat it with an effective and efficient drinking water filter to ensure that your tap water is free of bacteria, chemicals or other environmental contaminants.
Municipal water is also at-risk for contamination at times, so a reverse osmosis system can be the ultimate line of defense for anything a water treatment company may miss.
Your area’s general water quality should also be considered. Is it hard or soft? Are there known contaminants in the annual water quality report? Are you near farms or rural areas where animal waste or pesticides are used?
Working With Our Water Treatment Professionals
These decisions don’t have to be stressful or impossible. You’ll have enough on your plate with all of the other decisions, so working with an expert water professional as you begin your research will be simple and helpful. From the first water tests to the maintenance and repairs, your water quality is something you can count on for years to come in your new home.
Once we identify potential issues and your home’s demands, we can find the perfect product. Give us a call as you begin the process of building – we will be there for you every step of the way.
When it comes to your water quality and the ways you can improve it or soften it, a lot of extensive experience and training is required. If you don’t have a background in installation, maintenance or repairing water treatment systems – or maybe you don’t even know which product to buy – there are professionals available to answer your questions and help you make the right decisions.
Questions to Ask Your Water Professional Before You Buy
Shopping for a drinking water system or home water softener can be daunting with so many makes, models and price points on the market. Not all systems and products are made equal – some have better features and efficiencies that you’ll want to consider prior to making your investment. The easiest way to find the best option is to seek help from our water professionals. Even among our own water treatment products, you’ll find a variety of systems to meet different needs and demands.
These are the main things you’ll want to ask and consider:
Are you certified by WQA as a Certified Water Specialist, Certified Sales Representative, or Certified Installer?
Will the recommended products truly remove harmful or worrisome drinking water contaminants?
Will this system meet my household’s demands?
What type of warranty comes with this product and my investment?
Do you offer maintenance and repairs if I need them?
Is there an installation cost?
Do the water quality issues in my home require whole-house treatment, or will I be okay with a single-tap or other Point-of-Use device?
Is the product eco-friendly or will it cause more harm to the environment?
Will my energy costs skyrocket?
Would I be able to maintain the system myself?
If I have questions, can I call your company for information for free?
Will this product save me money in the long run?
Will you provide free follow-up water testing a few months after installation to ensure that the equipment is doing its job?
Will I know if the product malfunctions or is not working properly?
Are there any secondary effects that may take place?
You Have questions? We Have Answers!
Sure, that is a lot of questions, but that is okay! This is a major investment (not just financial) in improving the overall quality of your water and the lifestyle and health goals you want to reach. Meeting your household needs and demands is what we set out to do each time we make a delivery, appointment, installation or repair.
Our water treatment systems are some of the top products on the market, and you can find the answers to many of these questions right here on our website. For more questions or direction, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Each year, several major health organizations join forces for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week . The goal is to inform citizens and raise awareness on lead poisoning and the health effects associated with childhood exposure to lead. By working together, we can all take action and make a change. From having your child tested to investing in a home drinking water filter, you can make the greatest impact with your own family while sharing this information with others.
Why is childhood lead exposure such a serious issue?
According to the CDC, there are no true safe lead blood levels – and children can be exposed to lead in a number of other ways, too. From lead paint dust inhaled or ingested, to corroded pipes leading to lead in tap water, we need to work hard to ensure we provide a safer environment for our children, should lead be present.
The CDC, EPA, HUD and WHO all explain that childhood exposure to lead (especially the higher levels) can lead to some very serious documented health and developmental issues down the road. These include:
Damage to the brain and nervous system
Slowed growth and development
Learning and behavior problems
Hearing and speech issues
These developmental delays can cause:
Lower IQs
Decreased attention spans
Difficulty in school
What can individual residents do to reduce lead poisoning in children?
There are a number of things you can do to help the cause. The CDC recommends that parents:
Have your baby’s blood levels tested.
Test for and remove lead paint with the help of a professional.
Reverse osmosis systems are proven to reduce lead and other harmful contaminants where your baby or child could be at risk for lead exposure.
At Pacific Coast Water Systems of Fullerton, we offer a safe and effective solution for reducing or eliminating lead exposure. Our home water filters will remove the lead from your tap water, making it pure, safe and worry-free. The benefits of this investment go far beyond a peace of mind.
Interested in learning more? We are ready to help you pick out the best system for your home and your family. This is a cause we truly believe in and we know you will, too. Contact us today!
We know … it sounds funny to ask if you have added your water quality report to your current reading list. But, maybe you should.
Water quality reports are sent out to residents and have an abundance of information, sometimes good and sometimes concerning. In either case, it is important to know what is in your water, what your drinking water is being treated for, and what you can do to improve the quality of your water.
There are recommendations on how to read it, when, and most importantly … why. It’s time to add the 2020 City of Fullerton Water Quality Report to your reading list.
What will be in my water quality report?
The EPA requires all community water systems to send a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as an annual drinking water quality report, to all of their customers by July 1st of each year. (Renters should contact their building owner for this report.)
These reports provide residents who get their drinking water from community water systems with some information about their local water quality. Knowing these facts can help you make more informed decisions regarding the water you’re drinking and whether or not you need a home water system like reverse osmosis.
What should I look for?
The required topics will be helpful to focus on. They include things like:
The source of your drinking water
A list of regulated drinking water contaminants and detected levels
Any potential health effects from drinking contaminated water
Contaminant levels in your water compared to those of national standards as well as any violations of regulated levels
Will I be able to understand the table?
If you know what you’re looking at, then you should be able to. You’ll find various tables from CCR to CCR, but they typically include data on things like Maximum Contaminant Level Goals, Maximum Residual Disinfection Level Goals, Maximum Contaminant Levels and Ranges Detected, Violations, Sources of Water, Treatment Techniques and more.
What can I do if I am concerned about local water quality?
This information will help you make informed choices – and these choices will help keep your family safer and healthier. If your water quality report reveals contaminants that may be deemed safe but you’re uncomfortable with them, or if you see high levels of something being treated but you don’t want to rely on external systems, we offer a variety of solutions for your water needs.
Our reverse osmosis systems are eco-friendly and efficient. But, most importantly, they’re super effective at improving drinking water quality by drastically reducing the presence of potentially harmful contaminants. Ready to learn more? Give us a call and our experts will help you make the best choice for your home and your loved ones.
Okay, so we know that National Protect Your Groundwater Day may not have made it onto your calendar, but we think that it’s worth telling you about. And, who knows … maybe you’ll celebrate somehow after all!
Acknowledging such an important day doesn’t mean we throw a party, but we could simply think about the quality of the groundwater around us. And, we can consider all of the ways we impact, consume, improve and protect it.
We all rely on groundwater in some capacity. The quality of our drinking water often relies on the quality of the groundwater around us. As such, we all need to protect our groundwater to help keep it safe and pure.
When is Protect Your Groundwater Day?
National Protect Your Groundwater Day is an annual observance which takes place on the first of September. It was established as a way to highlight the importance of responsible “development, management and use of groundwater.” Pretty important stuff, huh? It’s during this time that well testing and well management is emphasized. Your private well water is often at risk for contaminants. And, without a drinking water system in place to filter your well water, you could be unaware of what is in it.
Can we protect groundwater at home?
There are many things that we can do to protect our groundwater. For example, limiting pollution is a great start. Many surface water bodies are connected to groundwater – how we treat it is crucial! We can also think about how important groundwater quality is for those municipal water systems that draw from and treat it. They are not always 100% effective, but the better the groundwater, the lower the treatment cost. And, the better the water may turn out.
Finally, groundwater is essential for families, farms or businesses on wells. When you have a private well, YOU are in charge of testing and maintaining the system. Groundwater protection helps reduce risks and contaminants in your tap water.
The fundamental keys
According to the experts, here are the two most important things to know about your groundwater:
Keep it safe from contamination.
Reduce groundwater waste by using it wisely.
How can we protect our water?
When it comes to your drinking water, you can protect it with a water filter. There are naturally occurring contaminants in groundwater, but there are also ways that humans can contaminate it too. These include things such as chemical spills, flushing or dumping pharmaceuticals, improper use of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or such, improper storage or disposal of hazardous substances in general, poorly built or maintained septic systems, wells that are placed on poor sites or not maintained … the list goes on.
Reverse osmosis drinking water systems are extremely effective at removing contaminants at the tap. By protecting groundwater and also protecting your home with a water filtration system, you can feel good about the improved quality of drinking water for your family. If you’re interested, we can provide you with even more information and guidance.
Let’s all think about the ways we can improve how we impact the groundwater around us. Consider the list mentioned above and do your part to conserve water, too. Together, we CAN protect our groundwater!
Welcome to Water in California - Your Resource For Drinking Water, Water Softener, and Water Filtration Information in California
Water in California is an educational service provided by Pacific Coast Water Systems to help consumers stay informed about the water they use in their homes. It includes the latest water news and information as well as links to current water events.
