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Water Analysis Guidelines

The following table summarizes typical water problems, their probable cause and possible remedy. Links are provided to The Water Medics product best suited to handle each specific WATER QUALITY FACTOR.

Before purchasing any water purification and filtration equipment, it’s important to have your water thoroughly tested. Just fill out our handy Web Form or call to arrange for your FREE water analysis with one of The Water Medics experts!

 
WATER QUALITY
FACTOR
EFFECT REMEDY SUGGESTED PRODUCT
Hardness (calcium & magnesium) – water in excess of 3 grains is considered hard and should be softened. Scale in pipes and water heaters; causes “soap curd” on fixtures, tile, dishes and laundry, low sudsing characteristics. Removal by ion exchange softener GE Osmonics Cation Resin Water Softener with Logix Timer
Iron/Manganese Causes discolored water; red, brown, orange or black stains on fixtures, appliances and laundry; dark scale in pipes and water heaters. Low level (2 ppm) removal by ion exchange softener when hardness is also present; best removed by oxidizing iron filter; aeration and/or chlorination followed by filtration in some cases. GE Osmonics Greensand Filter
Iron/Manganese/Sulfur Bacteria Same general effects as above plus slimy deposits that form in pumps, pipes, softeners and toilet tanks. Rotten egg odor possible. Low level removal possible by oxidizing iron filter; also removed by chlorination followed by filtration. Full chlorine system or GE Osmonics Greensand Filter or Ultra Iron Air Injection System
Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Foul rotten-egg odor; corrosion to plumbing; tarnishes silver and stains fixtures and laundry; ruins the taste of foods and beverages. Best removed by aeration, scrubbing and filtration; also removed by oxidizing filters or chlorination followed by filtration. GE Osmonics Air Injection System or Oxidizing System
Turbidity Suspended matter in water; examples include mud, clay, silt and sand; can ruin seats, seals and moving parts in appliances. Removal by backwashing sediment filters; extra fine treatment utilizing sediment cartridge elements. GE Osmonics Multi Media Filter
Acid Water (low pH) Corrosive water attacks piping and other metals; red and/or green staining of fixtures and laundry. Best corrected by neutralizing filters or soda ash feeding. Neutralizing Filter
Taste/Odor/Color (organic matter) Makes water unpalatable; can cause staining. Depending on the nature of contaminant, aeration followed by filtration; carbon filtration; chlorination followed by filtration. Carbon Filter
Tannins/Humic Acids Can impart an “iced-tea” color to water; causes light staining; can affect the taste of foods and beverages. Removal by special ion exchange or oxidizing agents and filtration. GE Osmonics Tannin Filter
Coliform Bacteria Can cause serious disease and intestinal disorders. Chlorination and filtration is most widely practiced; iodination, ozonation and ultraviolet treatment are used to a lesser degree. Trojan Ultra Violet Light
Organic Halides (herbicides & pesticides) Can cause serious disease and/or poisoning. Most are readily removed by adsorption with carbon filters; some can also be removed by hydrolysis and oxidation. Recommendation upon discovery
Nitrates/Chlorides/Sulfates Can cause health-related problems if quantities are high. Removal by special ion exchange, deionization process or reverse osmosis. Recommendation upon discovery
Sodium Salts Imparts an alkaline or soda taste to water. Removal by deionization process, reverse osmosis or distillation. Reverse Osmosis unit
 
The suggestions provided above will fix the specified problem, given that WQFs do not exceed industry standard red flag limits in your standard water analysis test. If any of these red flags are exceeded, a full water analysis will be required. This test will cost approximately $120.00.

A combination of units are often required to remedy particular concerns. It is important to note that just because the neighbour next door has SYSTEM XYZ, this does not mean it will fix your problems. The Water Medics will provide an individualized solution to your water needs.

 
   
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