Water in California

How many weeks has it been? Oh, we’re talking six MONTHS now?  Yes, that’s how long LA’s water has had that strange musty taste and smell. They projected that it would be over in a matter of weeks, but we’re stretching on to half a year already.

Water authorities claim that the purely-aesthetic problem with the water is the result of a particularly large and persistent algae bloom in the east branch of the State Water Project. The algae bloom produces 2-methylisoborneal, which proliferates even more quickly as the weather warms. They have been applying copper sulfate to control the algae growth and have attempted reducing the amount of water pulled from the affected areas.

Unfortunately, 2-methylisoborneal has a very noticeable smell and taste, and many people have been able to detect the compound even in the municipality treated water. People with sensitive taste and smell can detect the substance in water levels as low as 5 parts-per-trillion, but LA’s water has experienced concentrations as high as 20 parts-per-trillion.

While officials affirm that there is no health risk at all, many folks simply don’t like the idea of drinking algae and the chemicals used to kill its growth, much less enjoy the smell and taste. Fortunately, you do have options! Something as a salt-free water conditioner can improve the taste and smell of your water. Or, if you prefer a drinking water system, a reverse osmosis system or water cooler can deliver great tasting drinking water at the touch of a button. Not only will these systems take care of the -hopefully – temporary problem of the algae bloom, but they will also continue to take care of the smells and tastes of chlorine.

Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Colorado have been in the national news a lot with water problems resulting from gas and oil companies using a drilling process called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Did you know we here in California are also using, and have been using, fracking for a long time, too? While industry leaders claim that the fracking process used in California is a totally different ballgame than what’s been seen in Pennsylvania and the Rocky Mountain states because of the different geology, what is most concerning is how little oversight there is in California.

Just last week, the Sacramento Bee ran an article showing just how hush-hush the whole process is. While a bill was proposed last year that would require drilling companies to disclose what they put into the ground, nothing has been passed. Likewise, there are still no rules being drawn up on the extraction method. California regulators claim that the existing environmental laws protect the drinking water, but they also admit that they have very little information about the scale or practice of fracking within the state. So, how do they really know that the water is being protected? In most cases, the communities have been left to their own devices to figure out how to handle any questions or problems that arise.

It’s a touchy battle here in our state. California is the fourth-largest oil producing state in the nation, with the largest oil shale formation in the continental U.S. In fact, 64% of our nation’s deep-rock oil deposits are right here. In an attempt to boost the state’s lagging economy, the government has eased rules for oil drilling in California and is expediting permits. In spite of their best attempts to find a balance, many questions remain:  Where is the fracking taking place; How often is fracking used; What are the risks associated with the way fracking is being performed? It is highly disturbing when regulators have very few answers and blame “limited data” and “no reporting requirements”. The energy industry balks at answering those questions, arguing that full disclosure would compromise valuable trade secrets and give their competition an unfair advantage. How does that help us feel safe as we pour another glass of water? Is “I don’t know” really a viable answer when it comes to your drinking water?

We agree, we have a tough call to make. None of us like the high prices of petroleum products and having to import so much, but we also don’t want to join the “fire water” states either. In the mean time, we’d like to help you find options to ensure that the water your family uses is safe and healthy. There are many options from whole house water treatment to under the counter drinking water systems to office water coolers. A free, basic water test can reveal much about your water and what type of system you need to have peace of mind.

Can you imagine hearing anything worse than “It’s Much, Much, Much Worse Than We Thought” – particularly when it’s the government saying that about your drinking water. That little statement implies that things are wrong – and have been wrong – but they are really bad to be acknowledged in such a way. Perhaps you already saw the article I’m referring to on MSNBC.com earlier this week?

The article starts out quite benignly, “Nitrate contamination in groundwater from fertilizer and animal manure is severe and getting worse” – yeah, lots of things are getting worse, it’s a fact of life. But, then they quote a resident of San Jerardo, CA who said her skin had become red and itchy, her eyes burned, her hair started falling out, lots of her neighbors became sick, — and “people were dying, and we didn’t know who was going to be next” – it was nitrates in the water. Yes, I would agree that things are worse than they thought!

Nitrates are odorless, tasteless compounds that form when nitrogen from ammonia mixes with water. The contamination comes from many sources – water treatment plants, septic systems, food processing, landscaping, and other sources, but by large the greatest contributor to the problem comes from agriculture. In fact, 96% of the contamination can be traced to animal waste and crop fertilizer leaching into the groundwater. According to the agricultural regulatory program manager for a California state water agency, “The problem is much, much, much worse than we thought.”  High nitrate levels in drinking water have been linked to thyroid cancer, skin rashes, hair loss, birth defects, and blue baby syndrome.

Obviously California cannot simply cut off agriculture. Fertilization practices can be changed to diminish the amount of nitrates entering the groundwater, and while this is absolutely imperative for the future, the bad news is that the nitrates that are currently in water wells will be there for many years to come. There simply is no overnight fix. The good news is there is something these folks – and folks all over the country – can do if they are concerned with the quality of their well water. A home water filtration system that uses reverse osmosis technology is quite effective at removing nitrates. Of course, not all water filters are created equal, so homeowners must do a bit of research in choosing a reputable water treatment company and selecting a drinking water system that will meet their family’s needs.

According to one website, about 50 million Americans go on a diet in hopes of dropping some pounds each year. Many are not as successful as they want to be. But what if someone told you that you could lose 5% of your body weight when switching to drinking water from fizzy drinks? Would you drink more water? According to a recent article from www.metro.co.uk, this is possible.

The volunteers in the study were divided into three groups; one group switched from calorie-laden beverages to diet soft drinks. The second switched to plain water and the third did not change drinks but received information about healthy choices. The study took place in North Carolina over six months, and “all three lost weight and inches off their waist. But those who switched to calorie-free beverages were twice as likely to lose five per cent, or more, of their body weight than those who were not advised to change drinks.” Furthermore, “‘If this were done on a large scale, it could significantly reduce the increasing public health problem of obesity,’ said Prof Deborah Tate, of the University of North Carolina.”

But drinking more water can also mean an increased risk of higher levels and consumption of harmful contaminants, chemicals, bacteria, minerals, and so on in your tap water if you are living in a problem area. To balance out the equation, you may wish to consider a drinking water system.  With a home drinking water system you can still drink as much water as you need to help lose this extra bodyweight and supplement your diet. It will just reduce the unwanted and potentially harmful contaminants that aren’t a part of your diet. Lose weight with safe drinking water. With a water filter, you have nothing to lose by those few extra pounds.

Climate change is a growing risk for U.S. water supplies, according to a recent article published online from OPB News. The author begins by acknowledging that millions of Californians don’t even know where there water comes from, let alone what is in their tap water. According to the article, “a new statewide poll asking residents about the Sacramento Delta — an immense waterway north and inland of the San Francisco Bay Area — revealed that most people don’t know anything about the Delta and that only 2.3% cited the Delta as a ‘source of water.’”

The delta helps shuttle fresh water to more than 25 million people in the state. It’s also an essential water resource for agriculture in Central and Southern California. To not know this means that many people truly are not aware or informed about their drinking water today. This can be problematic should there be harmful contaminants flowing from the tap. This system supplies two-thirds of California’s drinking water as well as 50% of the state’s agriculture. Many people feel as though where the water comes from isn’t as important as how safe the water actually is. However, most people tend to assume that their water is safe regardless of the lack of information. There is also limited concern about how much water we have available from water supplies to continually and eternally get from the tap. Yet, the article explains that water supplies are sensitive to a lot of different factors, including extreme weather and an evolving climate and this is a growing problem.

“As global temperatures rise, regional changes could have a growing impact on access to clean water.” In California, there is a projected decline in snowpack meaning less fresh water coming down the mountains into the delta during the summer when people need the water the most. This could also be tainted with higher levels of saltwater pushing into the delta. The impact is being felt (or maybe more so in the future) all over the nation, not just here in California. Regardless, something needs to be done. For homeowners, there may be a couple of options to help lessen the demand for water. Water filters and drinking water systems can help those who are concerned about what is in their water. Likewise, water coolers are a great option for those consumers who wish to reduce the amount of water they use to help lower the risk of limited water supplies in the future. With either choice, it is important to find a drinking water system that is affordable, eco-friendly and uses the latest water technology. To read more about how climate change can affect our drinking water, click here.

Drinking plenty of water each day can be an almost instantly healthier you. With the New Year into full swing, many of us want to make 2012 a year of healthy lifestyles. Start with drinking plenty of drinking water without harmful contaminants. It is crucial for healthy minds, healthy skin, and healthy bodies. A recent blog from the NY Times discusses a relationship between drinking water and reducing the risk of diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, “Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk.” In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy.

The article explains many important aspects of the claim, where “recently have scientists begun to consider diabetes prevention one of them. The amount of water you drink can play a role in how your body regulates blood sugar, researchers have found.”  The reason for this consideration is because of a hormone in the body called vasopressin which helps regulate water retention. When the body is dehydrated, the levels of vasopressin rise and the kidneys hold on to water. “At the same time, the hormone pushes the liver to produce blood sugar, which over time may strain the ability to produce or respond to insulin.” One of the largest studies to look at the consequences was published last year in Diabetes Care, a publication of the American Diabetes Association.  The research concluded that of those studied, the people who consumed the most water had a 30% lower risk than those who drank the least. While more research may be needed, this is certainly just one more reason why it is important to drink plenty of water and keep your body healthy and hydrated.

But before you drink plenty of water, be sure your water is safe to consume. Tap water in many areas of our country contains harmful chemicals and contaminants that only water filters and reverse osmosis systems can eliminate. Look for a reverse osmosis system or water cooler that will reduce waste water and is eco-friendly. Start drinking your water today with your new water filter and see a brand new healthier you! To read more from this blog, click here.

While concern over chloramine use in drinking water is arising, most municipalities are choosing to move forward with this switch from chlorine due to increased enforcement from the Environmental Protection Agency. A news article from www.tulsaworld.com discusses the concerns and feelings heard by the Tulsa utility panel from its citizens in regards to using chloramines for water purification purposes. These concerns can be heard from citizens all over the country, but in the meantime, chloramine produces substantially lower concentrations of the disinfection byproducts that the EPA regulates in drinking water. “As many cities […] are going toward chloramination, there are as many abandoning it,” said Robert Bowcock, an environmental investigator who works with activist Erin Brockovich. Their main concern expressed to the Tulsa utility board was that “the health risks associated with chloramine disinfection byproducts are much more toxic than with chlorine byproducts. He noted that the EPA is very slow in its research of disinfectant by-products.” Yet, the EPA states that, “the EPA continues to research drinking water disinfectants and expects to periodically evaluate and possibly update the questions and answers about chloramines when new information becomes available.”
“Using chloramine to reduce a cancer-causing agent in the drinking water could be harmful even though the EPA approves of the practice, the city’s Utility board was told Wednesday.” Even state websites show some reason for the concern.  According to the EPA, “the typical purpose of chloramines is to provide longer-lasting water treatment as the water moves through pipes to consumers.”
When concern doesn’t change policy, your own choices can still keep you safe. If you feel unsure about the use of chloramines in treating your home’s drinking water, Pacific Coast Water Systems of Fullerton offers many solutions to give you the peace of mind you deserve when it comes to what your family is drinking in their water. Pacific Coast Water Systems of Fullerton offers water coolers  which can offer hot or cold safe drinking water at the click of a button. With a Rayne water cooler, you can save anywhere between 25-50% on the cost of bottled water and help the environment by reducing the amount of plastic waste as a result of water bottles. Another choice would be a drinking water system like the RaynePure Plus ® Water Purifier which ensures that the water we drink is safe and natural at all times.
There is no concern with a drinking water system when it effectively reduces harmful contaminants in our drinking water which cause concern. No matter what the contaminant, knowing your drinking water is safe will be worth it. Don’t be concerned about your drinking water. To read more from this article, click here.

Make this year’s resolution one that will benefit not only yourself, but your family members and the environment. You will have a bigger impact on the quality of your well-being than you may have ever imagined and will be acting responsibly in the discussion on the conservation of water here in California. But, choosing products for your home which will give you just what you need isn’t always easy. Finding the right product like a home water softener or a drinking water system takes some knowledge on the part of the customer in finding the best products with the most impressive results.

All around the country, hard water is a serious problem — in fact it is the most common water quality problem in the U.S. Many consumers require home water softener systems to help alleviate the scale build up and damage hard water can inflict. What many consumers don’t realize is that a typical water softener discharges 600-2,000 pounds of salt each year (source: Central Arizona Salinity Study). In every home in America, consumers discharge everyday soaps, toxic detergents and harsh scale-reducing chemicals down the drain. A Rayne water softener system can make a huge difference. Find a water softener where you will use up to 80% less soaps, detergents and chemicals. That’s more savings right there! Then, sign up for Exchange Tank Service. This totally takes out the salt discharge concern with softening your water. In the best cases, the salt discharge rate actually nears 0% and water usage is reduced by at least two-thirds. Also, the tanks require no electricity in the home and no drain because a technician simply exchanges the tank when needed. Be sure to look for these water softeners that are eco-friendly that dramatically minimize water and salt discharge.

Looking for a water purifier, water filter, or drinking water system? These, too, can be eco-friendly, responsible products following your resolution’s requirements. First, find a drinking water system that uses significantly less water than a typical Home Depot Reverse Osmosis System. Not all drinking water systems are created equal, so make sure yours is friendly to the water in our state! Start your New Year’s Resolution today and provide your household with safe drinking water. The benefits to both your health and the environment will be visible and you can feel good about sticking with a resolution as so many of us fail to do.

In the grand scheme of things, most studies will show that there are few elements and chemicals that actually belong in our drinking water. Some elements have been studied more than others, but tungsten seems to be getting more buzz lately. According to one news release in 2011, a new national study began looking into tungsten as an element found in drinking water in conjunction with its effects, reactions, and transports. Another informational site states that tungsten has already been found in “at least 6 of the 1,662 National Priority List Sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency.” That sparked interest for the new study.

What is tungsten? The uses of tungsten are alarming when you read the list and consider that it is a possible contaminant in drinking water; “in an effort to limit toxins in the environment, tungsten is replacing lead in fishing weights and in ammunition for hunting and recreational shooting. The military is substituting tungsten in its high kinetic energy penetrators and small arms ammunition, as well as other ammunitions.” It already doesn’t sound like something most citizens want to consume through drinking water. In the news release, they state that “tungsten is a naturally occurring metallic element that in its alloy or solid form is primarily used for incandescent light bulb filaments and X-ray tubes.” Yummy…

The news release also explains that “animal model studies have shown tungsten can be toxic and even carcinogenic,” Datta said. “Because of this, we need to understand tungsten’s biogeochemistry in the environment, about which very little is known.” The study aimed to gather information called biogeochemistry of tungsten reaction and transport in the environment. It also researched how tungsten concentrations change along groundwater flow paths and modify the groundwater makeup. When tungsten is exposed to oxygen, it undergoes a process called oxidation. In the presence of sulfur rich solutions, it forms thiotungstate complexes, which are also toxic.

This may be alarming enough at this point to consider drinking water systems as a responsible home remedy to reduce this and many other harmful contaminants in your drinking water. With water being such an important factor in the health of your family and all residents who receive water from the tap and expect it to be safe for consumption, water treatment is an affordable and effective alternative to rid your drinking water of harmful contaminants. To learn more from this news release, click here.

Last month, Scientific American published an article that gave us pause. Once again, the herbicide Atrazine has hit the news, even though the EPA tells us it’s safe enough in low levels. This so-called “safe” chemical, however, caused women in the study to have irregular menstrual cycles and low estrogen levels, even when consumed in concentrations much lower than the acceptable safe limit. Of course, hormonal irregularities don’t just stop there though. Altered hormone levels lead to all sorts of other complications including delayed puberty, fertility issues, pregnancy loss, low birth weight, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.

That all sounds like a nightmare, especially considering it is an invisible little contaminant in drinking water. According to the article, atrazine is the most widely used herbicide in the United States, and that approximately 75 percent of all U.S. cornfields are treated with the herbicide each year. Other uses include crops, lawns, and golf courses. Just since 2003, more than 150 new studies have been implemented, raising concerns about the possible health effects of atrazine. The European Union has even banned the chemical’s use due to safety concerns. Still, the herbicide’s manufacturer rejects the findings of these studies, and the EPA says it’s okay in small quantities.

Not convinced? Neither are we. That’s why we recommend a drinking water system that will filter impurities out of your tap water. According to the Water Quality Association, an activated carbon filter – such as the filters in a residential reverse osmosis drinking water system – will take care of the problem.