Water in Rural Subdivisions
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 8/23/2021 to
Thoughts on Water
"Areas with >40 septic systems per square mile are areas at high risk of groundwater contamination"
Rural communities across the country consist of residences in close proximity to each other, commonly known as a “hamlet”. These “hamlet’s” often do not have municipal water and sewer services.
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Nitrates in Drinking Water
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 6/20/2021 to
Thoughts on Water
"Nitrate is an invisible, colourless & tasteless water contaminant that goes undetected unless specifically sampled for."
Nitrates are compounds that occur naturally within the earth but are found in elevated levels in agricultural communities and rural towns. While they do not present any taste or odor, drinking elevated levels of nitrates can cause illness in both humans and in livestock.
Well Water Quality
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 6/19/2021 to
Well Water Quality
"Ground water can become contaminated by many of the same pollutants that contaminate surface water."
A drilled well is a mainstay for many Canadians, with 30 percent of residents, or nine million residents, within Canada obtaining their water from a ground water source. Approximately 15 percent of this water is within rural areas and some parts of the country rely on ground water exclusively.
A water sample should be taken for comparison against the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.
What is Hard Water?
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 12/20/2020 to
Water Testing & Sampling
"If you notice white calcification, you very likely have hard water."
Hard water is generally found in areas that are composed of limestone. Calcium and magnesium are absorbed into the water as it comes in contact with the limestone. The level of absorption varies by region. Hardness in water is found in both deep drilled and shore wells, it can also be present in rivers and lakes with spring fed water sources.
Removing hardness from water will save money and reduce the amount of cleaning products used.
How to Remove Lead from Water
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 12/19/2020 to
Well Water Quality
"Lead is a toxic heavy metal, for many years it was widely used in a variety of products."
Lead is toxic and can be harmful to human health, even in small amounts. It can pose a significant public health risk if ingested or dissolved in drinking water. Scientists agree there is no level of lead that is considered safe, and Health Canada recommends reducing levels as much as possible.
To check for lead in water, it is important to know the source of your water.
Best Residential UV Systems of 2020
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 11/19/2020 to
UV System Education
"Will the UV system I choose have the necessary output to deal with a high level of e.Coli or coliform bacteria?"
Choosing an ultra violet disinfection system to treat your water can be a challenging and complicated purchase as there are many different models on the market. How do you know what system to trust with your water quality? What system is right for a small cottage, average or large home?
Consult a water treatment professional if you are unsure about the proper application of any UV System.
Well Water Experiences
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 8/31/2020 to
Well Water Quality
"Water safety is important, and the best way to ensure that safety is a full scale water test conducted by a professional."
Three recent experiences have highlighted the need for improved water testing and awareness of potential contaminants in rural areas of the country. The absence of odour, colour, or bacterial contamination does not indicate that water is safe and in accordance with the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.
Properly test a dug, shore or drilled well before purchasing a property or installing any equipment.
Selecting Water Treatment
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 8/21/2020 to
All Posts
"Commonly, the standard belief is that any installed system will remove “everything” from the water."
How do you know where to go for proper advice when you are looking for water treatment equipment? There is no single place for credible information about the multitude of treatment devices on the market today, spelled out in simple everyday terms.
Water treatment equipment is routinely purchased and installed by homeowners without proper testing or comprehension.
Certified Real Estate Water Testing
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 8/15/2020 to
Real Estate Considerations
"For most people, purchasing a home in the country is one of the most important transactions they make."
In the interest of water safety for the purchaser, a properly conducted bacteriological water sample is a good practice and is in the best interests for all parties involved in the real estate transaction. Adherence to the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines should be required as part of water sampling for any rural real estate purchase.
Sampling conducted during a real estate transaction can be taken by the seller, buyer or a third party.
What is Hiding in Your Water?
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 6/8/2020 to
Thoughts on Water
"The reality is that it is not possible to know all contaminants in a water source at any given time."
Looking at a glass of water, you may assume it’s safe, pure and free from harmful substances. However, new studies and publications are identifying water contamination in rural and urban water supplies at an alarming rate. These findings have been found throughout Canada as more study and testing is conducted.
Consider contaminants which have been identified in water sources across the country.
Enteric Viruses in Water
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 3/24/2020 to
Well Water Quality
"There are more than 200 recognized enteric viruses of which approximately 140 variations are currently known to infect humans."
Health Canada recently published Enteric Viruses in Drinking Water, a review of the health risks associated with these viruses. This document indicates viruses are present to some degree in all sources of Canadian drinking water and the human illnesses associated with enteric viruses are diverse.
Enteric viruses have been detected in surface water and groundwater sources.
UV Education Quartz Sleeves
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 1/29/2020 to
UV System Education
"Water quality can have an impact on your UV Quartz Sleeve and result in it becoming fouled with dirt, scaling, stains or scratches."
An often overlooked or unknown component of a UV system is the quartz sleeve / dome. It’s purpose is to act as a protective shield, preventing water from coming in contact with the electrically charged UV lamp. Quartz sleeves are located within the stainless steel chamber that that is part of most residential and commercial UV systems.
Many people are not aware of the protective quartz sleeve in their UV system, which is critical for water disinfection.
Deciding Where to Purchase a UV Lamp
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 12/30/2019 to
UV System Education
"A proper replacement UV lamp for your system should have manufacturer’s logos on the packaging and be sold by a company who can assist you with installation instructions, returns or any other questions you may have."
As the popularity of UV systems have increased, there has been an influx of “knock off” or non manufacturer replacement UV lamps (bulbs) on the market, which can compromise the output of the system and consequently water safety. A good retailer of replacement UV lamps should clearly state supporting information on their website which reflects the manufacturer’s information properly.
Do not take a chance with a UV lamp that could compromise the water safety in your home, business or cottage.
Water Education - Pitcher Filters
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 12/16/2019 to
Thoughts on Water
"It is a common assumption that the pitcher filter is a “catch all drinking water system which removes everything from water"
Before you use any filtration system, ensure that it is applicable for the water source you are putting into the reservoir. Many people use these devices on water that it was never designated for and are then disappointed in the results or are left with a sense of water quality that is generally incorrect.
As more contaminants are identified, the quality of drinking water should be a priority for every individual.
Emerging Drinking Water Risks
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 10/25/2019 to
Water Testing & Sampling
"There are far too many contaminants to effectively regulate, test and provide 100% safe drinking water from every tap."
As there is an increase in conducted research, new findings are becoming apparent regarding the potential for new or emerging contaminants in water posing risk to human health. No one really knows what actually lies in our drinking water, and no single test exists to test for every possible contaminant.
It is impossible to know exactly what is in a water source at any given time.
Real Estate Water Sampling
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 8/13/2019 to
Real Estate Considerations
"Third party, certified water testing should be required in real estate transactions conducted by an accredited individual who is not associated with the buyer, seller or real estate agent."
In the province of Ontario, there is currently no requirement for who takes the water sample for the real estate transaction, only that it must be tested by an accredited laboratory. How do you know that the sample was taken properly and from the right location?
There is no guarantee that water in your real estate transaction is secure and conducted in an ethical manner.
Jet Pumps Risks & Solutions
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 8/1/2019 to
Well Water Quality
"Often people who live in rural areas are completely unaware that water in their well has the potential to be at an extremely low level and that their water pump is subject to possible damage."
A jet pump has the potential to start a fire under the right conditions.
Country Water Education
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 7/1/2019 to
Thoughts on Water
"Water is a “universal solvent” meaning it picks up just about anything it comes into contact with."
In the country, you are responsible for your own water.
Groundwater Education
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 3/12/2019 to
Well Water Quality
" Drilled wells have the potential to have surface water contamination."
A drilled well is subject to influences from the incoming water table and surface water from runoff, septic systems and agricultural contamination. This article is a general summary of what can be in well water and provides information on contaminants, well practices and water testing.
Water Perceptions
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 3/11/2019 to
Thoughts on Water
"You cannot judge the quality by the taste, smell or colour alone."
I believe that this is the way that many people want to see their water.
Water - Neutral Disinterest
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 12/14/2018 to
Thoughts on Water
"Drinking water should be a personal choice based on water education."
The general public has developed a neutral disinterest to the multitude of water warnings and often dismiss them as “not in my backyard”. Water is called the "universal solvent" because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid. It is important to every living thing on earth and wherever water goes, it takes along chemicals, minerals, and nutrients it has encountered along the way.
Do you know what is possible to be in your drinking water supply?.
UV - A Time for Change
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 10/15/2018 to
UV System Education
"The risk of bacterial contamination is just as great for one family as it is for a daycare center full of toddlers."
Sales of ultra violet disinfection systems should be by licensed dealers / retailers who educate the consumer and properly apply the equipment to incoming water quality, flow and system requirements. Almost 20 years of field experience has shown me that 8 out of every 10 UV systems are installed incorrectly, do not have the proper incoming water quality and have no monitoring or shutoff devices.
The time has come for change in the industry to ensure the safety of consumer’s drinking water.
Rainwater Systems - Old Ways Reinvented
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 10/5/2018 to
All Posts
"Rainwater collection and advancements in treatment technologies provide a safe water source for wide variety of uses."
Rainwater is a valuable source of water and a great way to conserve water in your home or cottage.
Blue Green Algae - Lake Kagawong
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 9/25/2018 to
All Posts
Public Health Sudbury & Districts have indicated that Lake Kagawong on Manitoulin Island has tested positive for blue-green algae. The health unit says samples taken by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on September 17th 2018 have tested positive for the species of bacteria that can produce toxins.
Blue Green Algae have the potential to cause serious illness. Do not drink, bath or cook with the water.
Treating Water with a Floor Cleaner?
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 6/20/2018 to
Thoughts on Water
"What is part of a standard water test at a public health unit?"
Over the years I have experienced many interesting situations with water quality and testing. This example is most definitely at the top of the list and raises serious concerns about water safety. As part of routine water testing, I showed up to take a sample for bacterial analysis. After running the tap for a couple of minutes, there was a distinct chemical smell which did not diminish as the tap ran.
Before you drink your next glass of water, consider the water source and make an educated choice.
Water Treatment & Water Quality in Canada #treatingwaterseriously
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