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.
(0) Comments
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.