Offer Alarm Icon
  Health and Wellness Special
 - Up to $300 OFF on Whole House Water Solutions* | OR |
 - 3 Ways Rayne Water Sets You FREE!
, 2 Months of FREE Service, FREE In-Home Water Test & System Check, No Contracts. No Commitments. Contract-FREE Always. |
 -  Get The Promo - 
Expires in  
raynewater
GET A QUOTEGET A QUOTE Contact Us

Archive for the ‘Reverse Osmosis’ Category

Levels of Nitrates in Drinking Water Cause Concern

Posted by Ken Christopher

drinking water system like reverse osmosis or a water filter with LINX technology to filter your water. Here in California, drinking water is not perfect. Even within the state, there are areas where tested water has shown dangerous levels of contaminants. As explained in one recent article from CBS 47, even the Valley has some unsafe drinking water. U.C. Davis researchers tested water in California and found that the Tulare Lake Basin and Salinas Valley have unsafe levels of nitrate in drinking water. The California legislature asked U.C. Davis to test California’s drinking water to see if nitrate contamination from agriculture is a problem in the state and the study confirmed that it is. The water is unsafe and can cause health problems. Agriculture is responsible for about 90% of the nitrate contaminating drinking water. According to the EPA, nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units which combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. The greatest use of nitrates is as a fertilizer. Once taken into the body, nitrates are converted to nitrites. High nitrate levels in water can cause methemoglobinemia or blue baby syndrome, a condition found especially in infants less than six months. Methemoglobin does not carry oxygen efficiently. This results in a reduced oxygen supply to vital tissues such as the brain. Methemoglobin in infant blood cannot change back to hemoglobin, which normally occurs in adults. Severe methemoglobinemia can result in brain damage and death. Pregnant women, adults with reduced stomach acidity, and people deficient in the enzyme that changes methemoglobin back to normal hemoglobin are all susceptible to nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia. In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA to determine the level of contaminants in drinking water at which no adverse health effects are likely to occur. These non-enforceable health goals, based solely on possible health risks and exposure over a lifetime with an adequate margin of safety, are called maximum contaminant level goals (MCLG). Contaminants are any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substances or matter in water. But the cost of the possible solutions is staggering, and is not an immediate possibility. Some are nearly impossible, like cleaning an entire basin, which could cost up to 30 million dollars a year. A more affordable and direct solution is to contact us for information on our drinking water systems which will reduce these contaminants and filter drinking water right at your kitchen sink. Our water treatment systems are the most affordable solutions and will benefit anyone in the affected areas as well as other consumers who want to take the necessary precautions for safe drinking water at home or place of business. We also offer a reverse osmosis system, water coolers, and many other drinking water filters to meet anyone’s needs. Contact us and remove concern and contaminants from your tap.

They Couldn’t Taste it, but Tests Show Uranium in Drinking Water

Posted by Ken Christopher 
            Some contaminants are regulated and some are not. Most are unrecognizable to the average consumer, however. This makes drinking water contaminants hard to identify unless tests are done regularly, and monitoring is done correctly. Residents of Coyle, Oklahoma have recently been told that their drinking water is not safe due to a high level of uranium. Health officials said the water in the town of Coyle contains too much of the radioactive metal. While it may not be much over the limitations, the Coyle officials sent out a notice to residents Friday from the DEQ stating that with it was a problem, there was no immediate health risks from drinking the water. The notice said that drinking water with high uranium levels over time could create an increased risk of cancer or kidney problems. These residents could not tell for themselves that it was there.

Uranium is a radioactive element found in nature. It can be present in soil, air, water, rocks, plants and food. Uranium breaks down (decays) very slowly into other elements including radium and radon gas. According to the EPA’s website, areas where uranium is present in rocks or soil, a drinking-water well can become contaminated with uranium. This can occur when the uranium in the surrounding rock or soil dissolves into the well water. Although western states are better known for having higher than average background levels of uranium in drinking water, uranium contamination of drinking water also can occur in eastern states as well. Likewise, uranium has some health effects associated with high levels of contaminants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets the upper limit for uranium in community public wells at 30 micrograms per liter (µg/L), effective in December, 2003. Intakes of uranium exceeding EPA standards can lead to increased cancer risk, liver damage, or both. Long term chronic intakes of uranium isotopes in food, water, or air can lead to internal irradiation and/or chemical toxicity. Reverse osmosis is a treatment that uses a semi-permeable membrane to capture any uranium in the water. The device uses water pressure as a force against the membrane, and only clean water is able to pass through, which leaves the uranium behind. Plastic bottles end up in landfills and harm the environment. They are also a very costly solution in comparison to drinking water systems with advanced technology. We offer reverse osmosis systems that effectively reduce harmful contaminants, turning tap water into convenient, fresh, clean water at your own separate faucet. Here in the Camp Pendleton area, you can find that our services expand to many housing areas nearby. Reverse osmosis is by far the best solution – saving you money, time, and effort. You can feel good about the water from your faucet. When you can’t see or taste contaminants, a drinking water system can eliminate your worries and keep you healthy.

Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Chlorine?

Posted by Ken Christopher

Chlorine is an essential germ-killing ingredient in pool water, but in tap water? That’s another story. Chlorine in your water supply can be worrisome and potentially dangerous. So how do you address this?  Can you use reverse osmosis?

Good news: you can, though you can also use a number of other similar systems.

A reverse osmosis water filtration system can significantly reduce chlorine and other potential pollutants in your drinking water. Below, you’ll find a description of how this water conditioning system improves the appearance and taste of your water, as well as some alternative systems that might yield even better results.

How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

If you learned about osmosis in high school science class, it might be time for a refresher. Simply put, osmosis is a process in which highly concentrated particles move across a membrane into a less concentrated area, usually balancing both sides of the membrane to have the same concentration. 

Imagine you’re at a crowded party and hardly have space to move on the dance floor. You and your friends move into the bar area instead where you can catch your breath and move around more freely—that’s sort of like osmosis. 

Does osmosis remove chlorine? Definitely not. That’s a job for reverse osmosis.

Reverse osmosis, as the name suggests, is a water treatment process that encompasses the reversal of the dispersing process explained above. Instead of balancing both sides of the membrane, you’ll be leaving all the particles on one side to create a pure solution on the other—in this case, pushing the uncontaminated water particles through the membrane but leaving the contaminated particles, like chlorine, behind while improving the water quality .

How Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Chlorine?

Reverse osmosis water systems may be equipped with a number of carbon filters and membranes to feed water through in order to filter out certain contaminants. 

Household water generally passes through all these stages as part of the reverse osmosis filtering process:1

As  untreated water is pushed through the system, the water molecules pass through but nearly all of the chlorine particles are caught in the reverse osmosis membrane and never make it to your kitchen faucet. That means that the water that does come out of the sink has a negligible concentration of chlorine, if any at all.

Reverse Osmosis Systems starting at only /mo. Try before you buy!

What Else Does Reverse Osmosis Remove?

According to the International Water Association, reverse osmosis removes “more than 90-99.99% of all the contaminants including minerals from the drinking water supply.”2 Some examples of harmful contaminants that reverse osmosis systems remove include:3

With all these harmful contaminants being removed, is reverse osmosis water alkaline ? The short answer is no. Alkaline water refers to the pH level of water where reverse osmosis is dealing with contaminant removal and filtering of the water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the pore size of reverse osmosis filtration systems is as small as 0.0001 microns.3 With a reverse osmosis system in place, there’s a very low chance of the above-referenced particles making it into your water.

How Does Chlorine Affect Osmosis? 

Reverse osmosis membranes used to be ineffective at controlling the chlorine removal due to a semi permeable membrane and thus contaminant levels would rise. They would break down when exposed to this chemical water sanitizer. 

However, enhanced polymer selection has led to the development of new reverse osmosis membranes that don’t appear to degrade as much as their predecessors. These membranes, coupled with reverse osmosis filtration systems’ use of activated charcoal filters, allow them to remove chlorine from a household’s water supply more effectively.4

How Else Can I Remove Chlorine from My Water Supply?

Reverse osmosis is an effective filtration system for a number of contaminants, but it also uses a high quantity of water in the process—much higher than other systems that can be equally effective.

If you’re looking to explore your options further, consider these alternatives to reverse osmosis:5

Keep Chlorine and Other Contaminants Out of Your Water with Rayne Water

A Reverse Osmosis System is an effective way to prevent a chlorinated water supply . Additionally it can help prevent chloride, lead, and other chemical contaminants from the water you drink everyday. This water filtration system can greatly improve the taste, odor, and overall quality of your drinking water, but so can many other alternatives like conditioners and other systems. 

Talk to one of our experts today to decide which system is right for your home. With our custom solutions, you can take control of the water you drink and the health of your household with Rayne Water.

Sources: 

  1. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Drinking Water Treatment: Reverse Osmosis. https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/html/g1490/build/g1490.htm/
  2. The International Water Association. Reverse Osmosis and Removal of Minerals From Drinking Water.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Guide to Drinking Water Treatment Technologies for Household Use.
  4. Nature Partner Journals. Chlorination Disadvantages and Alternative Routes for Biofouling Control in Reverse Osmosis Desalination . https://www.nature.com/articles/s41545-018-0024-8 /
  5. Rayne Water. Removing Chlorine from Drinking Water. ​​ https://www.raynewater.com/blog/removing-chlorine-from-drinking-water/  

Has Your Water Been Disinfected?

Posted by Ken Christopher 
            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.

Bedrock Groundwater Contamination

Posted by Ken Christopher 
            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.

Where there are farms, there may be nitrates.

Posted by Ken Christopher

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!

Drink Up!

Posted by Ken Christopher 
            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.

Before You Drink, Think

Posted by Ken Christopher 
            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.

Do low water levels mean low water quality?

Posted by Ken Christopher

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.

Is what you see what you get?

Posted by Ken Christopher 
            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.