Rainwater Systems - Old Ways Reinvented
Posted by Jeff Wahl on 10/5/2018 to
Thoughts on Water
"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.
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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.
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.