Enteric Viruses in Water
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 3/24/2020 to
Water Contaminants
"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.
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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 Contaminants
"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
Water Testing & Sampling
"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.