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.
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.
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.
We have all felt the convenience of bottled water at one time or another. But as a result, we are now feeling the crisis of plastic waste devastating our environment. This convenience has turned into a massive waste which is destroying our planet’s ecosystems. Plastic water bottles are overflowing landfills, polluting the streams, rivers and oceans, altering the environment in which we live. Over 60 million plastic bottles wind up in landfills or dumps across the country every single day, making an alarming 86% of all produced plastic bottles never recycled. One plastic water bottle takes 700 to 1,000 years to biologically degrade, earning it the status of true toxic waste.
This type of waste is rapidly growing as millions of health-conscious Americans are consuming more and more bottled water and enjoying its convenience. A recent article from The Northern Iowan states that every 27 hours, Americans consume enough bottled water to circle the globe, and in a week’s time the bottles will stretch more than halfway to the moon. While we encourage people to drink plenty of water, we also suggest that it be done the right way – with a water filter and reusable cup or bottle rather than plastic bottles. “Bottled water consumers justify their purchases by claiming that bottled water tastes better than water from the tap. In an effort to prove that tap is just as good, a series of blind taste tests were done at Stanford University in California. Participants tasted three different kinds of water: tap water, bottled water and filtered tap water. Filtered tap water was the most popular, with 50 percent of voters preferring it over the other choices.”
According to one environmental website, “investing in a home water-purification system and reusable water bottles are excellent alternative solutions to stop the plastic water bottle crisis. The amount of money and of Earth’s natural resources saved by using these eco-friendly alternatives makes it worth the effort. Many health-conscious families already own a drinking water system in their home. Our company’s products are eco-friendly; our reverse osmosis systems actually wastes up to 90% less water than traditional reverse osmosis systems and will still reduce harmful contaminants from the tap. It is convenient, great-tasting, easy, and cost-effective. What more could you ask for during our plastic water bottle crisis? To read more from this article, click here.
Are you looking for a drinking water system or water softener system in Southern California? We have many SoCal locations and can provide water softeners in Bakersfield all the way down to San Diego. Give us a call today!
Water infrastructure is nothing like a fine wine; it does not get better with age. Among the current issues taking place in our country today, older water infrastructure is not at the top of the list – but maybe it should be. Safe drinking water is a precious commodity. It should not be taken for granted. But, with the state of the water systems compromising our drinking water and what it’ll take to fix (or even improve) it, we recommend a <a title="drinking water system" href="http://www.raynewatercp.com/residential/#dw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">drinking water system</a> such as our <a title="reverse osmosis" href="http://www.raynewatercp.com/residential/#dw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reverse osmosis</a> to keep your water safe until the issue rises to the top.
According to an online article from mercurynews.com,
each year, 850 billion gallons of wastewater enters the U.S. public drinking water supply because of aging or inadequate water systems. That’s equivalent to 13.6 trillion eight-ounce glasses. The EPA says U.S. water systems need $500 billion in maintenance and new capital investment by 2020.” Some of this water is contaminated and will make its way out of the tap. Programs such as the Aging Water Infrastructure research program promotes research and development for promising new technologies and techniques that increase the effectiveness and lower the cost of our wastewater collection systems.
CNN published news last year stating that there are an average of 700 water main breaks nationwide each year. They warn that this is the latest sign of an aging water delivery infrastructure that results in property loss, inconvenience, and threats to public health. “Anytime you’re breaking the seal of the system that brings water into your homes and apartments, you’re risking contamination from bacteria and viruses,” said Eric Goldstein of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Our reverse osmosis systems filter drinking water by effectively reducing harmful contaminants and turning tap water into convenient, fresh, clean water at your own separate faucet. The everyday water we drink should be pure and safe. You deserve to have faith in your drinking water. But, when aging water systems compromise drinking water and your faith in the infrastructure falters, we can reinstate your faith back to your tap water. The expenses are immense to fix these municipal systems. It may not be possible for our government to improve the infrastructure as completely or as promptly as we need. So without waiting for this to happen and potentially consuming harmful toxins and contaminants, look into one of our reverse osmosis drinking water filters so that you can feel good about the water you drink.
How many times have you picked out a piece of clothing from the clothing store that was labeled “one size fits all”, only to get it home and it’s too small or too big? Thankfully, this probably doesn’t happen to you too often, and you are usually able to return the item with only a minimal amount of hassle and frustration. The same is NOT true for that new water softener you want to buy, however.
You may think that all water softeners are created equal, right? After all, you know that you have hard water coming into your home and you just need something to remove those excess minerals that make the water “hard”, before they get to your appliances, plumbing, and everything else the water touches. It turns out that although a water softener is an easy solution to your hard water problem, you might want some help picking one out.
First, water softeners come in a variety of sizes. This affects how they will fit in your home or apartment and how much water they can treat at one time. You don’t want to end up buying a system that doesn’t fit properly in the space you have allotted for it, nor do you want one that is too small for the number of people living in your household. There are some that are perfect for those really small spaces, but you might not know about them unless you ask.
Second, water softeners come in many price ranges and you must choose one that perfectly fits your budget, as well as meets your other needs such as family size and space in your home. Some companies even offer the option to rent a water softener if you only need it temporarily, or if you are not ready to purchase one yet but know you need it to combat your hard water.
If you are elderly, physically compromised in any way, or just want to eliminate the need to maintain your system yourself, you might also consider a company that provides exchange tank service. This makes water softening super simple. A trained technician just brings a soft water tank to your home and replaces it every so often (how often depends on how many people are in your home) for a monthly fee. No drain, salt or electricity is required and you don’t have to worry about maintaining the system yourself.
As you can see, there’s much to consider when purchasing a water softener system. If you’re in need of a water softener in Orange County, be sure to give us a call today! Just pay them a visit and one of their professional staff will assist you in determining what makes the most sense for your home.
water filter for your household may be the answer to your indoor air contamination. It is estimated that nearly two thirds of the typical person’s chlorine exposure is from chlorinated shower water.
As your local water treatment company, it may seem odd that we would focus on your indoor air. But when water from the steam and evaporation from your shower could have serious consequences, we know our products are here to help. Some people have allergic reactions to the chemicals found in unfiltered water. Chlorine, a chemical commonly found in city water – and therefore your shower water, can trigger allergic reactions for certain people. Exposure to high levels of chlorine has been linked to many serious conditions, but for some the allergies themselves are serious enough. Furthermore, most people tend to take hot showers. This water is usually hot enough to create steam. When your shower water is steaming, you are creating chlorine gas. That chlorine gas represents a troublesome form of shower water contamination.
Shower water contamination in the form of chlorine gas, according to experts, can be harmful. Research shows that it has been the cause of health problems such as allergies, asthma, and in some cases even cancer. When we are showering in hot water, we are naturally breathing in the steam through our noses and our mouths. As good as the hot water may feel on our body, it could be doing harm in our body. Filtering your shower water will drastically lower your exposure to chlorine shower water contamination. Our water purifiers and water conditioners work efficiently to remove harmful contaminants to keep you safer. So this month, when you care about your indoor air, make sure you contact us and also care about your water.
*Reviewed by Ken Christopher, Senior Vice President at Rayne Dealership Corporation
Scottsdale, Arizona’s drinking water is sourced from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wells. If you’re a Scottsdale resident or you’re considering a move to “The West’s Most Western Town,” you probably have questions about Scottsdale water quality.
In which case, is Scottsdale water safe to drink?
According to the drinking water quality report of the Environmental Working Group—for the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019-March 2019)—the tap water of the city of Scottsdale did comply with “federal health-based drinking water standards.”
This means legally, yes, it is safe to consume the tap water in Scottdale. But there are still contaminants in this potablewater source that you may want to know more about. In this guide, we’ll break down where Scottsdale water comes from, how it’s treated through water filtration, and what contaminants have been detected in the water. And, if you’re interested in exploring a water softener system in Scottsdale, we just what you need.
Let’s dive in.
Scottsdale Water Quality
The Scottsdale water hardness is 22-25 grain per gallon or 432 PPM and comes primarily from surface water (78%), groundwater (10%), and recycled water (12%).
Before the 1980s, the city was “100 percent reliant on groundwater” for itswater supply. Today, the water supply of the city comes primarily from renewable surface water sources and recycled water, ensuring that the water supply will last for generations. This is why people prefer having their own water softener system.
Let’s explore these water sources a little more in-depth:
Surface Water
The main surface water supply for the city is the Colorado River water. This water is moved to the Scottsdale Water Campus’ CAP Water Treatment Plant through the Central Arizona Project canal.
There are three facilities in the CAP Plant that function as follows:
CAP I and II use a “conventional water treatment process” that includes pre-treatment, coagulation/flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
CAP III is treated using ultrafiltration membrane technology and disinfection.
The Verde River and Salt River arealso water sources of the Scottsdale water, which arechanneled to the Chaparral Water Treatment Plant by the Salt River Project. This plant uses granular activated carbon and ultrafiltration membranes to treat the water.
Groundwater
While the city used to rely entirely on groundwater supplies for drinking water, today, only a small portion stems for aquifers below ground. Scottsdale currently has 23 active wells and oversees the operation of several groundwater treatment plants. The ADEQ, EPA, and Maricopa County regulates the treatment of groundwater to ensure that the quality complies and even exceeds the state and federal standards for drinking water.
Recycled water
As one of the most advanced and largest water recycling plants in the world, the Scottsdale water recycling facility treats water for residences and businesses , treating water well above federal drinking water regulations. This recycled water is also used for replenishing local groundwater supplies as well as turf irrigation.
Contaminants Detected in Scottsdale Water
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit—founded in 1993—that provides easily accessible information to people interested in learning more about the safety standards involved with food and water, farming and agriculture, personal care products, household products, and more.
EWG’s 2019 tap water database found that Scottsdale’s water supply, while in compliance with federal standards, did contain 17 total contaminants, with seven of these exceeding EWG’s health guidelines.
The EWG guidelines are primarily based on the public health goals established by scientists in the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
There are seven contaminants that exceed EWG guidelines found in the drinking water ofScottsdale. Theseinclude:
Arsenic
Itis a natural mineral that can be found in all drinking water in the U.S. Arsenic was found 871 times above EWG’s health guideline of 0.004 parts per billion or less in Scottsdale. Scottsdale’s arsenic levels are 3.49 parts per billion; the national average is .682 ppb; the legal limit set forth by the EPA is 10 ppb.
According to EWG, the legal limit set forth of this contaminant is “not low enough to protect public health, potentially causing up to 600 cancer cases in 1 million people who drink arsenic-contaminated water for a lifetime.”
Chromium
It is a carcinogen that may be found in water due to natural occurrences or industrial pollution. In Scottsdale, Chromium was found 177 times above EWG’s guidelines, which are .02 ppb or less. The city’s chromium levels are 3.54 ppb; the national average is .492 ppb; plus, EPA has not set anylegal limit of chromium.
Haloacetic acids
These are formed when chlorine fluoride and other disinfectants are mixed into the tap water. In Scottsdale City alone, these acids were found 112 times above EWG’s guidelines which indicate that water should only have .1 ppb or less of haloacetic acids.
Scottsdale’s haloacetic acid levels are 11.2 ppb; the national average is 17.2 ppb, and the legal limit is 60 ppb. Health concerns associated with these acids include cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.
Nitrate
Nitrate is a fertilizer chemical that may contaminate water supplies due to agricultural and urban runoff. Nitrate was found in Scottsdale water supplies at a level 11 times above EWG’s guidelines, which indicate that water should include .14 ppm of nitrate or less.
Scottsdale’s nitrate levels are 1.51 ppm; the national average is .937 ppm; and the legal limit is 10 ppm. Health concerns associated with nitrate in water include an increased risk of cancer and oxygen deprivation in infants.
Nitrate and nitrite
Theseare contaminants that get mixed into the water because of septic tanks, fertilizer runoff, and otherurban runoff. These contaminants were found in Scottsdale water at a level 9.8 times above EWG’s standards (.14 ppm or less).
Nitrate and nitrite levels in Scottsdale’s water supply is 1.37 ppm; the national average is .891 ppm; and the legal limit is 10 ppm. Like nitrate, nitrite can also cause an increased risk of cancer and oxygen deprivation in infants.
Total trihalomethanes
These are types of contaminants that form when chlorine and other disinfectants are mixed in during water treatment. The amount of trihalomethanes found in Scottsdale’s water supplies were 319 times above EWG’s standards of .15 ppb or less.
Scottsdale’s water supply contains 47.8 ppb of these contaminants; the national average is 30.1 ppb, and the legal limit is 80 ppb. Health concerns associated with these contaminants include bladder cancer, skin cancer, and harm to fetal growth and development.
Uranium
This carcinogen was found in Scottsdale water at 3.8 times above EWG’s standards of .43pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or less. Scottsdale’s uranium levels are 1.61pCi/L; the national average is 1.09pCi/L, and the legal limit is 20pCi/L. Health concerns associated with this carcinogen include cancer and harm to the kidney.
Get Safe, Clean Drinking Water with Rayne Water Filters
Is Scottsdale water safe to drink?
Legally, yes, the water coming from the taps in the city of Scottsdale is safe to consume. But not everyone is comfortable sipping on H20 that contains more than half-a-dozen contaminants, from nitrates to uranium.
Luckily, there is a safe, easy way to filter out unwanted contaminants in your tap water.
At-home drinking water filtration systems—like reverse osmosis systems, ion exchange systems,and other drinking water systems—can purify your drinking water so you can rest easy knowing your family isn’t potentially being exposed to dangerous chemicals or carcinogens.
At Rayne Water, veteran, factory-trained techs provide 24/hour service, so once your water filtration system is installed, you can have someone on call to help you address any issues you may run into and answer any questions that might surface.
Rayne Water has been in business since 1928 and services all of California, Arizona, and Nevada. Interested in learning more about Rayne’s top-of-the-line water filtration products? Contact your local Rayne Water office today to drink water with the peace of mind you deserve.
Sources:
CDC. Choosing Home Water Filters & Other Water Treatment Systems
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