There are many communities in the United States that, unfortunately, do not disinfect their water. As a result there has been an unfortunate increase in the amount of human viruses, which may expose the population to increased health risks such as gastrointestinal viruses.
One such study in Wisconsin found that a norovirus, found in tap water, was up to 63% responsible for causing illnesses in children less than 5 years of age. The likely source was attributed to wastewater leakage from sewers, which then traveled through the soil and flowed into the groundwater. There was also evidence of viruses in the soil flowing into the cracked water pipes of homes.
The Marshall Clinic Research Foundation and the University of California, Davis conducted the work and published their findings on June 1st, 2012 in a peer reviewed journal known as the Environmental Health Perspectives. The lead author of the study in Wisconsin was Mark A. Borchardt, a microbiologist who works for the US agricultural Research Service in Marshfield. Nationally it was indicated that there are 20 million people being served by 95,600 drinking systems that do not disinfect their water. In addition the EPA reported that an estimated 57 million people drink treated groundwater that does not meet federal goals of reducing viruses by almost 100%. Last year, Botrchardt testified before a legislative committee indicating that the benefits of disinfecting the water outweigh the cost. The viruses most frequently detected in water were of the following types: adenoviruses, enteroviruses and noroviruses, all which would definitely have an impact on the population’s health and even lost man hours at work.
A good water treatment company can provide solutions to keep your water safe and your family healthy. Residential water filters use the latest technology to ensure that dangerous viruses and chemicals are being removed from the water that you and your family consume. A water treatment company can provide you with the best and most economical Reverse Osmosis system. Contact you local residential water servicing company today so they can help you and your family have a healthier, safer water supply for all of your consumption needs.
Preventative testing is important in avoiding problems in all situations. Doctors run tests to make sure our bodies are healthy. Auto repair shops run tests to see how a car is functioning. Scientists and officials test our water to ensure it is without contaminants. But what happens when results show that water has contaminants? How is the water treated? These are similar questions asked by a New England town after their water was found to have contamination in a study recently finished by the U.S. Geological Survey. According to environmentalheadlines.com, potentially harmful levels of naturally occurring arsenic, uranium, radium, radon and manganese have been found in some bedrock groundwater that supplies drinking water wells in New England.
Groundwater in this situation may be supplying the water wells, but what happens to communities where groundwater supplies taps as well? Testing may be done by officials rather than the residents, but treatment is still important, and residents should be aware that there are other options. While the presence of contaminants, such as arsenic, in some groundwater was already known, this new study identifies several that hadn’t been previously identified. This new report also provides information on the type of bedrock geologic formations where high concentrations are most likely to be found, which will help identify areas most at risk of contamination. The study, part of an ongoing national effort by the USGS to systematically assess the quality of the Nation’s most important aquifers, is the most comprehensive study of the quality of New England’s bedrock groundwater to date.
Public water supplies are treated to ensure that water reaching the tap of households meets federal requirements, although breaches do happen and supplies can be contaminated, especially if there are unknown contaminants like those in this study. In this specific article, This study helps focus attention on where and what the risk factors are such that citizens who depend on private wells can get their water tested to ensure peace of mind. But we want to make sure that all residents have safe drinking water, whether from a well or the tap. Our water filters provide your home with safe drinking water because the reverse osmosis system effectively reduces harmful contaminants – even the unidentified ones.
For well owners or residents using tap water, contamination means health effects of some sort. Depending on concentrations and the period of time someone consumes the water, among the potential health issues associated with drinking water containing these contaminants at levels above human health benchmarks include various types of cancer; reproductive and developmental problems; kidney and blood diseases; diabetes; and a weakened immune system. Don’t let contamination rule your life. Come see us for home drinking water systems that will protect your tap, just as testing is supposed to. Being prepared and using additional caution is a responsible solution for a serious problem.
It feels like every time you watch the news, you see stories about water contamination and water supply issues. With the increasing concern over air pollution,climate change, and its negative impact on our water supply, these stories are likely to continue to flood our news feeds. And if you live in California, you have to contend with both water contamination and water shortages.
In cities such as Bakersfield, CA, shrinking groundwater and freshwater supplies—combined with the proliferation of human activities that contaminate the remaining water—are a cause for serious concern.
How Contaminated is Bakersfield’s Water?
As of now, the clean drinking water in Bakersfield, CA is considered safe for consumption. The 2020 California Water Quality Report found that the levels of contaminants in the water system were at safe levels. This report analyzed water from the main sources of Bakersfield drinking water, including:
Water obtained from the Kern County Water Agency
Filtered and treated water from the Kern River
68 active wells with groundwater supply
The report notes that the recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are for the general population. Some people may be impacted by lower levels of contaminants than deemed safe by the EPA.
What are Contaminants in Drinking Water?
The EPA defines contaminants in water as anything other than water molecules. At times, this can lead to confusion because not all contaminants are harmful to humans, nor are all contaminants regulated by the EPA.
Some of the categories of contaminants that are evaluated in drinking water include:
Biological – These are living organisms present in water. There are several types of microbes that may be in your water, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other microscopic contaminants. Some are harmless, while others can make you very ill if consumed.
Chemical – The chemical contaminants in tap water can be either organic or inorganic. Human activities often cause chemical contaminants to enter the water system. Chemicals such as nitrogen, bleach, pesticides, salts, metals, and toxins produced by medications and drugs are commonly found in drinking water.
Physical – Physical contaminants are generally less harmful than the others found in our drinking water because they are organic materials. Soil, sediment, and other organic matter are common physical properties found in tap water.
Radiological – Chemical elements that have an unbalanced or unstable chemical makeup are radiological contaminants. The unstable properties of these elements can cause them to emit radiation. Uranium, plutonium, and cesium are sometimes found in contaminated drinking water.
Before you vow never to drink the water from your tap again, it’s important to note that cities monitor and regulate the drinking water flowing to the homes of their constituents. Let’s look more closely at what is and isn’t regulated and how the levels considered safe might impact you.
Is It Safe to Drink the Tap Water in Bakersfield?
In general, officials in California say that it’s safe to drink the tap water in Bakersfield, CA. However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) sets stricter standards for drinking water than the federal government. In their guidance for clean drinkingwater, the EWG notes several concerns with the federal standards for legal limits of contaminants in drinking water, including:
Lack of updating – The government standards haven’t been updated in 20 years. A significant amount of research has been done in this time and we now know more about how certain contaminants in our water system can harm people.
Focus on the general population – The federal standards also only account for the “general population.” This means that vulnerable groups such as infants and children may be at greater risk of developmental problems because of harmful contaminants in the water.
Potential for corruption – The EWG notes that the federal government and its officials can be swayed by financial contributions or compromises with corporations that contribute to groundwater pollution. Thus, your health may not always be the top priority when determining acceptable levels of contaminants in your drinking water.
Therefore, while the drinking water in Bakersfield is deemed safe to drink, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have some concerns.
Bakersfield Water Contaminant Levels
Studies of Bakersfield water contamination by the EWG have uncovered some potentially problematic findings. These findings can be divided into two categories: contaminants with and without legal limits in drinking water.
Water Contaminants with Legal Limits
The following potentially harmful contaminants were found in the tap water in Bakersfield. While they were all below the legal limit, their presence is still alarming to many:
Arsenic – The national average level of arsenic in tap water is 0.647 ppb. In Bakersfield, the levels were significantly higher at 2.51 ppb. The legal limit is 10 ppb.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) – Bakersfield’s water also has significantly higher levels of HAA5s than the state and national averages. Bakersfield water contains 26.9 ppb. The legal limit is 60 ppb.
Nitrate – Nitrates have also been linked to increased cancer risk. Nationally, drinking water averages about 0.923 ppb of nitrates. In Bakersfield, this number increases to 2.03 ppb. The national legal limit is 10 ppb.
Trihalomethanes – These contaminants form when water is treated with chlorine. In Bakersfield’s water, the level is 36.6 ppb. Nationally, the level is lower at 29.7 ppb. The legal limit for Trihalomethanes is 80 ppb.
Uranium – While Bakersfield’s water has lower Uranium levels than the rest of the state (1.55 pCi/L vs. 2.54 pCi/L), this is still concerning. The legal limit is 20 pCi/L, but the state of California has acknowledged that they need to reduce levels of Uranium in drinking water for the health and safety of all.
While all of these contaminants are below legal limits, those limits haven’t been updated in quite some time. It’s possible they could be set to a lower level upon further review.
Water Contaminants without Legal Limits
There are other contaminants in Bakersfield’s drinking water that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) finds concerning. While these don’t have set legal limits, they are found in an analysis of the tap water in Bakersfield in levels higher than recommended by the EWG:
Bromodichloromethane
Chloroform
Chromium
Dibromoacetic acid
Dichloroacetic acid
Haloacetic acids
Trichloroacetic acid
These contaminants are potential contributors to the development of cancer with regular ingestion and exposure.
How to Ensure Safe Drinking Water in Your Home
If you’re feeling a little panicky about your drinking water, take a deep breath. There are ways you can upgrade the quality of your tap water to keep you and your family safe, including installing a water cleaning and filtration system, such as:
Carbon filters – These inexpensive filters can help reduce the number of contaminants in your water by binding to many organic compounds, such as asbestos, lead, and mercury. They don’t filter out inorganic matters like fluoride, nitrates, and arsenic.
Water softeners – Water softeners primarily remove magnesium and calcium that build up in water pipes. They may also help remove radium from your water. However, they don’t remove the other microcontaminants found in Bakersfield’s water.
Salt-free water systems – Instead of using sodium like a traditional water softener, salt-free water systems remove calcium and magnesium without salt. It doesn’t soften your water in the process.
Reverse osmosis systems – These systems include a carbon filter to help capture organic compounds and have a membrane that catches anything larger than water molecules. This second membrane is what sets reverse osmosis systems apart from carbon filters as it allows the system to eliminate harmful inorganic materials from your tap water.
The best water system for your family depends on the quality of the water where you live.
Bottled Water vs. Tap Water
It might be tempting to stuff your refrigerator with bottled water and avoid tap water altogether. However, this solution is damaging to the environment and not necessarily better for you. A study conducted by the State University of New York at Fredonia found that 93 percent of the bottled water samples they analyzed were contaminated by microplastics.
Furthermore, most of the bottled water purchased in the United States comes from the same groundwater and freshwater bodies as the water that flows through your taps—it’s just put through a different filtration system.
Therefore, unless the tap water is deemed completely unsafe for consumption, your best choice is to invest in a high-quality water solution system for your home.
Rayne Water: A Safe and Environmentally Friendly Water Solution System
The water in Bakersfield, CA contains many of the same contaminants found in other water systems across the country. The government sets acceptable levels of these contaminants that are allowed to be present in drinking water. Although Bakersfield’s water doesn’t exceed the legal levels of any measured contaminants, the presence of these particles is still a potential cause for concern.
Instead of reaching for bottled water that may have contaminants of its own, try investing in a water solution system. At Rayne Water, we’ve been working with homes in California since the 1920s. We have the latest in water filtration systems, water softeners, and more, all designed to keep you and your family safe.
Where there are farms, there may be nitrates. You cannot see them. You cannot taste them. We eat our vegetables because they are healthy, never considering that they may contain nitrates or what we wash them in may contain nitrates as well.
A recent article emphasizes responsible fertilizer use and the effects of the nitrogen that escapes. According to the Santa Maria Sun, a new study by UC Davis scientists shows that plants only use half the nitrogen fertilizer that farmers apply. The other half hops a ride on water molecules and percolates down through the soil, eventually making its way into local drinking-water wells—where nitrate contamination can make the water unfit for human consumption. It’s a serious problem that’s getting worse, according to water quality officials. Many local growers (and those around the country) have been spending resources trying to use fertilizers responsibly and reduce the use in general in order to minimize nitrogen.
Today’s farmers often apply the liquid boost along with irrigation water, using drip lines to feed the plants’ root zones. Some even have their own onsite laboratories, relying on plant science to fine-tune fertilizer application. But nitrate pollution of groundwater is so widespread that these voluntary efforts aren’t enough for the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board anymore. Now Central Coast farmers are the first in California to face a host of stringent new requirements designed to stem the flow. This is good news for consumers who may find excess nitrates in their drinking water or foods. For areas high in nitrates due to poor farming practices, drinking water systems are recommended to reduce and remove harmful contaminants (not just nitrates which is a definite bonus) from the tap water or drinking water. In order to reduce water waste and to help conserve water sources, consumers are recommended to find a drinking water system that wastes less water than traditional reverse osmosis systems and will provide a continuous supply of safe drinking water while being eco-friendly.
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, but high levels of nitrates are not. Find a drinking water system for you and continue to eat and drink healthy.
Are you worried about nitrates in your Southern California water supply? We have many SoCal locations and can provide water softeners in San Diego all the way up to San Jose. Give us a call today!
Just because you drink water from your well doesn’t mean that your drinking water should have contamination at the tap. Well-water should be as pure and fresh as possible and we can help. As well-owners in New England are discovering, the need for monitoring their wells is needed more than ever. A recent article from environmentalheadlines.com describes potentially harmful levels of naturally occurring arsenic, uranium, radium, radon and manganese have been found in some bedrock groundwater that supplies drinking water wells in New England, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey study. This supports the need for drinking water systems in homes with wells who do not always know if their water is pure of contaminants.
“While the presence of contaminants, such as arsenic, in some groundwater was already known, this new study identifies several that hadn’t been previously identified. This new report also provides information on the type of bedrock geologic formations where high concentrations are most likely to be found, which will help identify areas most at risk of contamination.” The results highlight the importance of private well owners testing and potentially treating their water. While public water supplies are treated to ensure that water reaching the tap of households meets federal requirements, there are no such requirements for private supplies, which serve more than 2.3 million people in the region.
It is true that “the same geologic forces which gave rise to the spectacular mountains and architecturally significant rock quarries of New England are also responsible, over time, for leaching trace contaminants into the groundwater that can be harmful to human health,” said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. “This study helps focus attention on where and what the risk factors are such that citizens who depend on private wells can get their water tested to ensure peace of mind.” Among the findings, arsenic in untreated samples exceeded federal safety standards for public drinking water at 13 percent of sites – nearly double the national rate. Manganese exceeded its human-health benchmark in more than 7 percent of wells tested. Radon exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed standards in 33 percent of wells.
For those well-owners or any homeowner who wants to provide their family with safe drinking water, we have the best solution for you. Our water filters are eco-friendly, affordable, and very effective at removing harmful contaminants and substances at the tap. Getting water to drink that is safe and natural is as important as the water itself. Contact us today to see how a drinking water system can purify your water.
Some things we should drink in moderation, but when it comes to water, we are encouraged to drink plenty each day. While studies vary on the recommended daily water intake, it is generally accepted that you should drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day. This can vary depending on your size, how active you are, the climate you live in, your health status, and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. About 25 percent of our water intake is from the foods that we eat. You can increase your water intake by eating foods high in water content, such as watermelon, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables. Beverages such as milk and juice are also composed of mostly water, but are not calorie-free like water.
The main reason we need to stay hydrated, according to a recent article from The Safety Report, is water makes up about 60 percent of our body weight. Water is extremely important to a healthy body as it helps to transport nutrients and oxygen into cells, regulate body temperature, detoxify, protect vital organs and help them absorb nutrients and protect and moisturize our joints. Drinking plenty of water can also increase your overall quality of life by helping you to lose weight, have healthier looking skin, be more productive and feel healthier according to the Mayo Clinic.
According to care2.com, “Researchers estimate that half of the world’s population is chronically dehydrated. And in America, that level is even higher at 75 percent of the population.” This may seem like a high number but most people are not getting enough water in their daily diets. There are major health reasons for drinking water. Your blood is over 80 percent water and needs water to make healthy new blood cells. Your bones are over 50 percent water and, you guessed it, need water to make healthy new bone cells. Drinking more water actually helps lessen pain in your body by getting your lymphatic system moving. The lymphatic system is a network of nodes, tubes, vessels, and fluid that move waste out of your tissues. It requires water to function properly. Water helps to eliminate wastes and toxins from your body through the lymphatic system, kidneys, and intestines. Water lubricates your joints and helps reduce joint pain and protect against wear and tear.
Water filters are a great tool in ensuring that your water is pure and safe. Reverse osmosis systems will filter out harmful contaminants and let water do the job it was made to do – to help maintain a healthy body. Come see us today and let a water filter guide your healthy lifestyle from now on.
With extreme temperatures, outdoor activities, and drought-like conditions all around the country, many of us are drinking more water than normal. We reach for a plastic bottle or fill up our own bottles from the tap. But before you drink, you may want to think… about the choice you’re making that is. Plastic water bottles are not an eco-friendly choice for staying hydrated and tap water may not be either as one recent report from WSAV-3 News. Your best bet is a <a title="reverse osmosis" href="http://www.raynewatercp.com/residential/#dw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reverse osmosis</a> <a title="water filter" href="http://www.raynewatercp.com/residential/#dw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">water filter</a>.
Although even then Environmental Working Group admits that the US has some of the safest drinking water in the world, it is still far from being pure and completely safe. Statistics can be scary sometimes. For example, The Environmental Protection Agency only tests annually for about 90 chemicals (including arsenic, lead and copper). In 2009, about 28 percent of all water treatment systems in the US had at least one significant violation. Many contaminants that aren’t regulated (such as antibiotics and depression meds) end up in our taps too. Plus, hydraulic fracturing–or fracking (a process used to extract natural gas and oil from deep within the earth)–can leach chemicals like methanol and formaldehyde into the groundwater.
Most consumers look to bottled water as the alternative form of safe drinking water. But beyond just the hassle of buying and lugging them around, they are not cost-effective and are very bad for the environment. Between 2004 and 2009, US consumption of bottled water increased by 24 percent. Bottled water sales have more than quadrupled in the last 20 years. But according to the Environmental Working Group, The federal government does not mandate that bottled water be any safer than tap water – the chemical pollution standards are nearly identical (EWG 2008). In fact, bottled water is less regulated than tap water. Plus, plastic water bottles are the fastest growing form of municipal solid waste in the United States. Each year more than 4 billion pounds of PET plastic bottles end up in landfills or as roadside litter.
For consumers, the best choice based on the research and these factors mentioned above would be a drinking water system. We recommend our reverse osmosis system which effectively reduces contaminants, is affordable, and eco-friendly. You tap water will be cleaner and safer than before, and you can drink up without the worry.
There are many variables in drinking water quality. Although the United States has some of the best drinking water in the world, our nation continually deals with contamination and water quality. We see this happening in the news, in publications, and even in politics. But one of the lesser known variables is the weather and temperature – specifically droughts. Droughts, according to a recent article from care2.com, can have four major impacts on drinking water and the aquatic or human life it comes into contact with. Likewise, past droughts exposed vulnerabilities in the state’s public water supply, highlighting a need for water use planning and management.
The worst U.S. drought since 1956 has recently been affecting the taste, smell and appearance of tap water across the country. The first way a drought can impact drinking water is worsening sediment runoff during much-needed rainfall. As the article explains, dry earth does not absorb water as well soil that already contains some moisture. When summer storms cause sudden rainfall, more soils in drought stricken areas wash into rivers and streams than would have in non-drought conditions. This extra sediment causes what we call turbidity problems. High turbidity may not be completely dangerous; however there is a Safe Drinking Water Act standard for turbidity because the condition sets utilities up for other problems, including bacterial growth within the distribution system.
Second, warm surface water and the extra sediment cause algae and bacteria growth. Low water levels and high temperatures lead to breeding grounds for unusual algae or pond-scum. For example, Wisconsin public health officials are concerned that the algae “can produce cyanotoxins that remain in the lake for weeks—long after the algae bloom disperses. These toxins can pose numerous health risks for aquatic–bound life, including humans, if it comes into contact with the skin, or is ingested.” As explained, “Extra bacteria and unusual algae means water utilities and natural resource officials must add extra treatment chemicals to water supplies. Extreme chlorination is one of the complaints of residents in Darien, Connecticut, where discolored water and conflicting advice from authorities is alarming residents.”
Third, as the quantity of water in reservoirs and lakes fall, concentrations of dissolved toxins rise. Nitrates, sulfites and any other soluble chemical dumped into waterways could be drawn into drinking water supplies at a higher ratio than normal, burdening filtration plants. This, too, can compromise the overall quality and put extra pressure on filtration systems.
Lastly, the increased acidity in the water intensifies toxic effects on wildlife. As water levels drop, acidity levels of surface waterways increase. Droughts don’t have to compromise your drinking water in your home, however. As officials work to find solutions for the droughts and extreme temperatures increasing all over the country, home water filters and drinking water systems can reduce harmful contaminants like chemicals, excess chlorine, or bacteria and provide your household with plenty of clean, safe drinking water. If you live in an area that has experienced drought-like conditions, consider a water filter for your home. Don’t let a drought compromise your home’s drinking water quality.
Las Vegas residents are dealing with an unusual drinking water issue lately. According to an article in the Las Vegas Review Journal, residents seem to be confused about whether to toast before drinking their glasses of water, based on the champagne-like image they see. A bubbly and cloudy change is appearing and they want to know why. Officials published an explanation for residents who were naturally concerned about the safety and purity of the drinking water they were seeing from the tap – and hoping that what they see is not what they get.
The water district maintains 76 major wells scattered below the desert that we know as the Las Vegas Valley, and they’re pressed into service especially during the peak season of the summer months. The demand from these aquifer wells, which according to the water district can produce nearly 175 million gallons of water a day, becomes further accelerated during the present mother of all droughts that continues to plague Southern Nevada. This mix with the regular water source is causing quite the visible stir – but will not have any negative effects as far as residents are being told.
The water is affected by what they say is “similar to the effect created when you open a bottle of soda. The thousands of tiny air bubbles that form give the water a slightly white appearance.” Water district literature further explains that “because water pipelines are pressurized, air remains trapped in the water until you open the faucet and release the pressure.” “It’s really nothing more than trapped air in the wells,” added Beth Moore, a spokeswoman for the water district. “The bubbles appear as a result of cold water that rises to a warm surface.”
“While this may impact your water’s appearance, it does not affect water safety and will not harm household plumbing systems. All tap water delivered to our customers meets or surpasses state and federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards,” states the article. While this may be true, contamination could still occur without notice because not all contaminants are tested. Environmental factors also affect tap water status and should be considered before drinking. If you saw bubbly, cloudy drinking water flowing from your tap, would you drink it? Would you serve it to your loved ones? Guests or visitors? Most people are not sure that they would. With a drinking water system, harmful contamination is reduced and water tastes great and looks pure. Don’t be embarrassed by your tap water. When it comes to drinking water, what you see is what you get. Contact a trusted water treatment company for testing, information, products, or anything else pertaining to the condition and safety of your drinking water. With a drinking water filter, you will feel good about your tap water – even when appearances vary.
Funky, tangy, even a bit sour? While that could describe an interesting craft beer, these aren’t the flavors anyone is hoping for in their drinking water. If you’re tasting something slightly foul, as well as noticing yellow tinting to your H20, you’re likely dealing with a particular variation of water contamination.
To put it simply, it’s likely that you have tannins in your home’s water.
Don’t fret, tannin contamination is a common and solvable problem. In this article, we will establish what tannins are, how to test for them, and what kind of filtration options are available to assure your water is clean, clear, and crisp. If you’re looking for a solution for your tannin problem, read on.
What Are Tannins?
Before we can seek a solution to your home’s water contamination issues, it’s important to understand what tannins are and where they come from.
Musty, earthy, and organic, tannins are naturally occurring decomposing materials—think peaty soils and decaying plant matter—that have been dissolved into water.
To get a little more technical, tannins are derived from phenolic (AKA tannic) acids. These acids are found in trees, flowers, and fruits and wind up in the soil, then seep into groundwater through the decomposition process.
You’ve probably encountered tannins outside of your tap water when:
Eating unripe fruit – If you’ve bitten into an apple or pear too early, you may have noticed a tangy, sour taste. You’re tasting the tannins that have been released to protect the fruit from being eaten before its seeds are ready to be spread. Nature uses tannins to make sure plants can reproduce efficiently.
At the bar – If you enjoy a glass of red wine, then you enjoy tannins. The oak barrels where wine is aged contain key tannins that influence the flavor of the wine. As well, beer, coffee, and tea all contain tannins. Some of your favorite beverages are chock full of this unique compound
Admiring flowers – Tannins are responsible for the seasonal changes we witness in flowers and trees. The chemical process that causes leaves to change from green, to orange and red, is the direct result of tannins. You can thank tannins for the fall colors.
As much as you might admire tannins in their natural habitat or in a different sort of beverage, tannins in water are typically bad news for anyone looking to enjoy the simple pleasure of clear glass.
What Tannins Do To Water
After getting familiar with tannins, you may be unsure what this kind of contamination is actually doing to your drinking water. You can think of tannins in your water the way you might think about a steeping teabag. As the tea steeps in the hot water, it becomes stronger and more flavorful. It works just the same for tannins.
Tannin contamination works on a sliding scale, from highly contaminated to barely noticeable levels of tannins in your water supply. Chances are, if you’re tasting tannins, you’re dealing with at least a moderate level of contamination.
Besides the aforementioned taste, the earliest signs of tannin contamination include:
The tint – Is your water looking a little more yellow than you recall? Pure water should be completely clear and transparent, so if you’re dealing with yellow water or brown water, that’s a sign you may have a tannin issue. Test your water supply from multiple sources to assure that it isn’t a plumbing issue before proceeding—your water should look the same when coming out of any faucet, whether that’s from your upstairs bathroom sink or the hose outside.
Stains on fixtures – If you’re noticing a yellowish stain in your tub, sink, or toilet, you’re almost certainly dealing with tannin contamination. Even after a recent cleaning, fixtures can become stained quickly from the organic compound.
Laundry problems – Noticing a yellow discoloration on your recently washed clothing? The washer might not be to blame. Tannins can cause stains on clothes put through the wash cycle.
While tannins may put a damper on your drinking water, they can cause a host of other problems throughout your household. Tannins can make everyday household chores more difficult than they should be.
Health Effects
Natural and organic is good, right? Not all of nature is great for humans—poison ivy, volcanos, mosquitos—but while tannins aren’t inherently harmful to your health, there are possible risks associated with them.
Surface contamination – If you have tannins in your water, that means your water source is being tainted by the soil around it. Frequently an issue with shallow wells or marshy areas, tannin contamination could also indicate the potential for bacteria in your drinking water, which can pose a serious health risk. Bacteria from surface contamination could lead to e.coli, gastroenteritis, and, in the long term, kidney and liver damage.1
Potential for dehydration – When your water is uncharacteristically bitter and earthy, your desire to drink it is most likely going to wane. Nutrition experts recommend men drink 15.5 cups of water per day, and women drink 11.5.2 It’s going to be difficult to hit these numbers and maintain good health when every sip of water is unpleasant.
There has been scientific research conducted relating to the possible negative health side-effects of tannins, including possible carcinogenic properties, but as of now, there’s no conclusive evidence.3
Ultimately, the risks associated with tannin-contaminated water, as well as other factors make filtration solutions even more appealing. Finally, what’s best for your health is also the best-tasting solution.
Testing for Tannins
Most frequently, you can assume that your water is contaminated by tannins by the yellow water tint and peculiar taste. Few other water issues produce these effects, though it is possible to confuse tannin contamination with another type of contamination—whether from a different organic compound, heavy metals, or bacteria.
To be certain that you’re dealing with tannins in your water, follow these guidelines:
Buy an at-home testing kit – Several reputable companies offer a simple water test for tannins in your home. These kits vary in price and accuracy—some may range into the many hundreds of dollars and still run the possibility of incorrect results.
Contact a professional tester – When an at-home water test won’t do, or when you want a more reliable reading on the levels of tannins in your water, there are several options for professional testers. Whether they are private certified testers or government employees, a professional tester can bring peace of mind to the treated water process—after all, they do this every day.
It may be superfluous to run subsequent tests after recognizing you have a contamination problem. Often the first step is to dive directly into tannin filter solutions. Though, as we’ve mentioned, tannin contamination can also mean bacterial contamination, so it is recommended that you test for this more serious form of contamination before proceeding to filtration.
It helps to know the exact problem you’re dealing with in order to find the best solution for better water.
Tannin Filtration Options
After establishing the precise contamination problems—whether strictly from tannins or a combination of water adulterants—the path to clean, delicious water leads directly to water filtration.
You’re most likely already familiar with filtration to some degree, perhaps from a pitcher-based water filter, or an attachable filter on your sink. These are considered point-of-use filtration systems, and while efficient for minor filtration needs, if you’re dealing with tannins in your drinking water, you’ll need a point-of-entry filtration option.
Point-of-entry filtration means the filter is attached to the source of the surface water supply, effectively filtering all the water within your home, as opposed to a single faucet. Point-of-entry filtration can vary in size and style but the most common options for a tannin filter system include:
Carbon filtering – The most widely known variation of water treatment . Water passes through activated carbon filters which catch a variety of contaminants as the water flows through. While it may work to lessen the contaminant of your water, this method is one of the least effective in removing organic material from drinking water, therefore it is not our top recommendation.
Water softening systems – A water softener processes water through a chemical process known as “ion exchange.” The minerals and tannins present in contaminated water are extracted and replaced with sodium ions resulting in clean, clear drinking water. Take note that while highly effective at removing tannins, water softening systems are less useful for filtering bacteria.
Reverse osmosis systems – Reverse osmosis (RO) uses a serious amount of pressure to force water through a semi-porous membrane. This membrane traps tannins and other contaminants while letting water molecules through. RO can remove an assortment of contaminants including tannins, making it a great all-around filtration option.
While the circumstances and requirements of filtration are based on your specific needs, rest assured that there are several methods to guarantee clean water in your home. There’s no reason to let tannins spoil the experience of a seriously refreshing glass of water.
Experience Tannin-Free Water With Rayne Water
With all this information about tannins, you might feel excited at the prospect of finally enjoying your drinking water the way it’s supposed to be enjoyed. If you’re ready to start finding the filtration solutions for your future, look no further than Rayne Water.
At Rayne Water, we’ve worked for years to provide unparalleled filtration options for residential and commercial use. Whether you’re dealing with tannin contamination in your home or office or sulfur smell in water, we have the technical expertise, dedicated staff, and filtration systems to fit all your needs.
Visit Rayne Water today and find out about the benefits of truly pure water.
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