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.
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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.
Groundwater - The Changing Well
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 4/24/2018 to
Well Water Quality
"Each water test is a snapshot of one day in a year. What about the other 364?"
The drilling of a well is a welcomed act for many people as it provides the necessity of water for their home or cottage. In Canada we are fortunate to have an abundance of groundwater that can provide a reliable, year round source of water for many municipalities and rural owners. The need for properly installed water treatment devices is no longer one of perceived need but one of necessity to ensure the safety of water for the consumer. Groundwater is variable and subject to seasonal, environmental and human fluctuations.
Country Living - Health Unit Water Testing
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 9/1/2017 to
Water Testing & Sampling
"A Health Unit Water Test is not a statement of the overall drinking water quality."
Bacterial water contamination is a serious issue that has ramifications for human health. The importance of a Health Unit water test cannot be understated as it can identify potential for illness due to bacteria present in water. When submitting a water sample to a Public Health Unit in the province of Ontario, do you know what is being tested for? Do you assume that the safety of the water is being tested for and the results are a good determination of overall drinking water quality?
Does a good test result put your mind at ease that the water is safe for consumption?
Total Dissolved Solids - What You Don't See
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 7/18/2017 to
Health Unit Water Testing
"Out of sight, invisible and dissolved in water, TDS what you cannot see."
If a glass of water is held up and it is colourless, crystal clear and has no odour would you think there is much wrong with the water? Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are completely dissolved in a water supply and generally invisible to the human eye. They are not associated with a bacterial test and are not tested for at the Public Health Unit when you submit a water sample. At certain level’s they pose a risk and are not a recommended drinking water source according to the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Sometimes what you do not see can be a risk.
The Water Elephant - A Public Challenge
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 7/13/2017 to
Thoughts on Water
Change occurs when the public works together to achieve a goal.
What you flush is out of sight and mind for most people. The impact of what goes down the drain is an elephant in the room in dire need of attention. Every water source large, small, municipal or rural has come in contact with some level of contaminant. The argument can be made that there is no "pure" water source left in the province, country or planet anywhere human interaction has taken place.
Toilets are Flushed in Ontario almost 25 Billion Times a Year.
Toilets are Flushed in Ontario almost 25 Billion Times a Year.
Water Testing - Home Buyer's Beware
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 12/8/2016 to
Real Estate Considerations
"When
buying a home water in the country, water should be one of the most
critical considerations."
Buyers will often trust the seller or realtor when a water sample is submitted to the local health unit. In some cases, the buyer will simply receive the test results through their lawyer. The goal of this publication is to raise awareness for the possibility of tampering with a water sample and the potential for illness to occur. When it comes to water, safety is of paramount concern and too often buyers purchase a home with a good water sample and never consider to test the water again. Unfortunately, the consequences can lead to illness and sometimes be costly.
Consider a third party to test the water in a real estate transaction.
Risks to Water Quality - UV Systems
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 6/9/2016 to
UV System Education
“Too often home
owners trust the water implicitly when a Residential UV System is
installed.”
When you purchased a UV System it was to protect the water in your home, cottage or business from bacteria present in water. It is likely that no one informed you of the risk associated with Power Outages or Proper Maintenance and the assumption is made that if the power light is on, the system is working properly and treating the water. This is not always the case.
There are many risks for water cross contamination in a home.
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