Page 2 - Water Wisdom

Granulated activated carbon (GAC) filters are commonly used in domestic drinking water treatment systems to remove contaminants, including per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Here's how GAC filters work against PFAS in domestic drinking water:

Mechanism of Action:

1. Adsorption: The primary mechanism by which GAC filters remove PFAS is adsorption. When water passes through the GAC filter, the porous surface of the carbon attracts and traps the PFAS molecules. This process effectively removes PFAS from the water, reducing their concentration.

Effectiveness:

1. High Removal Efficiency: GAC filters are generally effective at removing a wide range of organic contaminants, including PFAS. Studies have shown that GAC can achieve significant removal rates for various PFAS compounds.

2. Variable Removal Rates: The effectiveness of GAC in removing PFAS can vary depending on factors such as the specific types of PFAS present, the concentration of PFAS in the water, and the contact time between

A water softener system can have noticeable benefits for your hair and skin, leading to softer, shinier hair and more moisturized skin. To understand how this works, let's delve into the effects of hard water and how a water softener can address these issues.

 The Trouble with Hard Water

1. Mineral Buildup: Hard water contains high levels of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. When you shower or bathe with hard water, these minerals can leave behind a residue on your hair and skin.

2. Dryness and Frizziness: The mineral buildup from hard water can strip away the natural oils from your hair and skin. This can result in dry, brittle hair that is prone to frizziness and breakage.

3. Clogged Pores: On your skin, the mineral deposits can clog pores, leading to irritation, dry patches, and even acne.

4. Dull Appearance: Over time, the mineral buildup can cause your hair to appear dull and lifeless, while your skin may look lackluster and feel rough.

The Softening Effect of Water Softeners

The article highlights concerns about the quality of municipal drinking water, stating that chlorine in tap water can increase susceptibility to gallbladder and rectal cancer, skin allergies, asthma, and sinusitis. The New York Times investigation found that American water can cause rashes, skin burns, eroded tooth enamel, and contains toxic chemicals like arsenic, lead, and barium. Additionally, data from the EPA revealed violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act in schools.

It discusses the importance of clean water, given the human body's composition being 70% water. The article then delves into the three main methods of obtaining drinking water at home: tap water, bottled water, and filtered water. It introduces reverse osmosis as a solution, explaining its process of removing contaminants, improving taste, and its applications in various industries.

The piece emphasizes the financial savings of reverse osmosis compared to buying bottled water regularly. It also mentions the importance

Water is essential for life, a fact we're all well aware of. However, what many people might not realize is that the water flowing from our taps, while seemingly clear and innocuous, can harbor hidden dangers. Among these potential threats are chlorine and chloramine—chemicals added to disinfect our municipal water supply. While their purpose is noble, their effects on our health and the environment can be significant and far-reaching.

The Disinfectant Dilemma

Chlorine and chloramine are two common disinfectants used by municipalities to keep our drinking water free from harmful bacteria and pathogens. Chlorine, the more well-known of the two, has been utilized for over a century due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, is also used for its disinfectant properties, often as an alternative to chlorine due to concerns about the byproducts it produces.

The Unseen Risks

While chlorine and chloramine serve a crucial

Analyzing your domestic healthy well water is essential to ensure its safety and quality for drinking, cooking, and other household uses. The frequency of testing and the constituents to test for can depend on various factors, including the location of your well, local regulations, and any specific concerns you may have about your water quality. Here are some general guidelines:

Frequency of Testing:

1. When the Well is First Installed: It's recommended to test your well water when the well is first installed or when you move into a new home with a well. This establishes a baseline for your water quality.

2. Regular Testing:

   - Annually: Many experts recommend testing well water annually for a basic set of parameters, especially if your well is your primary source of drinking water.

   - Every 2-3 Years: If your well has a history of good water quality and no known contamination issues, testing every 2 to 3 years may be sufficient.

   - After Maintenance or Repair: Test your water

The choice between stainless steel and brass fittings for a water system can depend on various factors such as cost, application, water quality, and personal preference. Here are some significant differences to consider:

Stainless Steel Fittings:

1. Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice for long-term durability, especially in harsh environments or with corrosive water.

2. Strength: Stainless steel fittings are more robust than brass, which can benefit high-pressure applications.

3. Temperature Resistance: They generally have good resistance to high and low temperatures, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

4. Hygienic: Stainless steel is easy to clean and doesn't easily harbor bacteria or contaminants, which can be important for specific applications, such as food or medical industries.

5. Longevity: They have a long lifespan and are less likely to degrade over time than brass.

 Brass Fittings vs Stainless