Sizing & How Does a Water Softener Work?
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 8/28/2022 to
Well Water Quality
"It is important to know the hardness level of the water before selecting a water softener"
Hardness is commonly known as lime, hard water is composed of calcium and magnesium and leaves scaling white deposits.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.