Solving problems

Water hardness is derived from calcium and magnesium minerals that have been dissolved into water beneath the earth’s surface. These minerals are found in limestone deposits and are the primary source of hard water. When the minerals dissolve, they become electrically charged particles called ions.

The amount of hardness in any given water is dependant upon the amount of calcium and magnesium minerals present and the length of time the water stays in contact with them. The degree of hardness varies greatly from region to region and should therefore be checked and quantified by proper water testing. The degree of hardness is measured in Grains per Gallon (gpg). In order to protect plumbing, fixtures, clothing, etc., the hardness level should generally be adjusted to less than 3.0 gpg.

Solution

Water softeners  – Hard water can be a costly problem in the modern home, causing heating systems to be inefficient and shortening the life span of water using appliances such as, dishwashers, washing machines, electric showers etc. The modern solution to hard water is a water softener. What is a water softener? Basically an automatic water softener consists of two separate tanks, one forms a completely closed vessel containing the softening medium (resin), the second containing the cleaning solution, brine (super saturated salt solution). This is easily plumbed into the water main and provided with a low demand electrical supply. The unit removes calcium and magnesium and therefore the “hardness” in the water substitutes into the water, a sodium, which is non-scale forming. Every now and then the unit recharges or regenerates it-self using salt. Such softened water is spectacular in that it is softer than naturally soft water and represents an entirely different quality to previous hard water.

Benefits

• No scale formation on water heating units, boilers and electrical elements.
• No clogging of showerheads.
• No “deposits or water marks” on sinks, baths or toilets.
• Skin and hair will feel softer and clothing will feel softer, fresher and lighter.
• Detergent costs will be lower due to easier formation of lather.
• No scum forming on hot drinks such as tea/coffee and they will be more flavoursome.

 
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Iron and manganese compounds are very common in rocks and soil. These compounds are easily leached into the water supply after coming into contact with ground water, particularly acidic water.

Iron and manganese are well known for depositing red, orange and/or black stains on plumbing fixtures, laundry, and anything the water touches. These water constituents are measured by quality water testing and quantified in Parts per Million (ppm) or milligrams per Litre (mg/l). Serious damage to the entire water system may result if these compounds exceed the maximum contamination limit. The limit for iron is 0.2mg/l and for manganese, 0.05mg/l

Solution

IRON FILTERS
Even at extremely low levels (above 0.2mg/ltr) iron can cause severe problems, staining and colouring virtually everything that it comes into contact with. It may also cause corrosion to steel boilers and pipe work leading to leaks and expensive repair. Iron can be removed effectively from water by several means. The solution to the problem depends entirely on the levels of iron present in the source/supply. To determine the best solution to the problem a water analysis is required. Chemical filters can be used to oxidise the water, or an aeration tank can be placed on site. This will oxidise the water naturally. This can then be removed using a birm filter. This filter backwashes automatically and does not require chemicals. Chemical Iron filters are normally effective up to 5mg/ltr. For levels above 5mg/ltr contact us directly by email or phone.

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This constituent is very easily identified by the awful “rotten egg” smell it releases. Hydrogen sulphide gas can permeate an entire home or building with its rank odour.

In addition, it is extremely corrosive and can attack piping, tanks, water heater elements and any metallic surfaces it contacts. Since it is present as a gas in water, it usually must be tested the source since it will dissipate quickly when released from the water system. Virtually any level of this gas can be offensive and destructive and often varies in concentration throughout the period of a year based on numerous factors including the amount of rainfall and even barometric pressure. Amounts as minute as 0.05mg/l can be detected by many individuals and cause property damage over a period of time.

Solution

ACTIVATED CARBON FILTERS
The activated carbon filter is designed to deal with objectionable tastes, odours, colour and chlorine. Activated carbon has an almost unlimited ability to absorb chlorophenols, general chlorine compounds and free chlorine. It also has the characteristics of removing other organic tastes from water. This absorption ability is due to chemical make up and to its extremely large surface area, approx. 700sq/mtrs per gramme. Water is purified and polished when it passes through the carbon.

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These problems can be caused by any number of sources. A “rotten egg” odour is typically caused by the presence of hydrogen sulphide gas.

There can be various other objectionable tastes and odours in water caused by the presence of underground organic chemicals, naturally occurring decomposition like humic matter, etc. Problems of this nature are often difficult to trace to a specific source. Of course, any water with a “chemical” smell should be tested for the presence of industrial chemical, herbicides or industrial waste due to potential health consequences. Normally, however, a simple carbon filter can deal with most “general” tastes and odours.

Solution

ACTIVATED CARBON FILTERS
The activated carbon filter is designed to deal with objectionable tastes, odours, colour and chlorine. Activated carbon has an almost unlimited ability to absorb chlorophenols, general chlorine compounds and free chlorine. It also has the characteristics of removing other organic tastes from water. This absorption ability is due to chemical make up and to its extremely large surface area, approx. 700sq/mtrs per gramme. Water is purified and polished when it passes through the carbon.

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The presence of these living organisms in a water supply for human/animal consumption and use can be VERY DANGEROUS! This group of organisms originate from human and animal wastes.

They can enter a water system through cracks in well casings, improper well construction or directly from areas of waste like sewage leach beds and septic systems. The possible presence of such dangerous organisms is why every water system should be tested on a regular basis by the local health authority. Should such organisms be found, the source of such contamination must be determined and corrections made. Local health authorities should always be consulted for proper testing and correction methods.

Solution

ULTRA VIOLET DISINFECTION
It has been established over many years that the simplest way to disinfect water is to expose it to sunlight. The ultra violet wavelengths 200 – 290 nanometres (nm) penetrate cell membranes to disrupt the DNA molecules, preventing cell replication with a maximum effectiveness around 260 nm, depending on the organism. Which means the UV destroys the reproductive mechanism of the microbe and thus prevents it from reproducing. The microbe is considered dead and the risk of disease has been eliminated. There are no microorganisms known to be resistant to UV, which, unlike chlorination, is highly effective against bacteria, viruses, moulds and yeasts. In practice, bacteria and viruses are the cause of the major waterborne pathogenic diseases. Of these, enteric viruses, hepatitis virus and Legionella pneumophila have been shown to survive for considerable periods in the presence of chlorine, but are readily eliminated by UV treatment. Similarly, chlorine forms trihalomethanes in surface water whereas UV treatment does not produce toxic by-products.

Although widely used for disinfection, chlorine has several major disadvantages:

• Chlorine reacts with natural organic materials found in water to produce strong unpleasant tastes and objectionable odour.
• Chlorine also is known to produce by-products; some of these by-products such as chloroforms are now regulated contaminants in drinking water because of their carcinogenic properties.
• Chlorine is also a chemical therefore it is an unnatural process.

Benefits of UV disinfection:

• Immediate process (no storage tank required).
• Beneficial minerals are not removed in the process.
• Economical disinfection process compared to other technologies.
• It is a natural process that disinfects without chemicals.
• There are no tastes or odours.
• There are no moving parts to be replaced (only arc tube to be replaced annually).
• No harmful by-products produced in the process of disinfection.
• Audible and visual indicators when UV intensity falls below required disinfection levels.

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These water constituents can sometimes be present in water supplies. Usually occurring in rural and private water supplies, nitrates are of most concern due to the possibility SERIOUS HEALTH EFFECTS, especially for young children.

Nitrates can enter a water system from such possible sources as manure, fertilisers and some types of waste. A condition known as “Blue Baby Syndrome” can occur in young children as a result of the intake of nitrates. Local health authorities should always be consulted for proper testing and correction methods. Chlorides and sulphates can also enter a water supply from various sources but, in low concentrations, are not generally serious health concerns.

Solution

NITRATE FILTERS
A simple and efficient way to deal with the reduction of nitrates in a water supply can be accomplished with an Aqua Treatment fully automatic Nitrate system. Operating in the same manner as a conventional water softener, it uses the ion exchange process and only requires standard softener salt for regeneration.

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The ultimate in water filtration delivering crystal clear, pure refreshing water on tap. Using a five stage water filtration system the reverse osmosis unit delivers unrivalled quality in water filtration.

1ST STAGE

WATER FILTER 5 MICRON POLYPROPYLENE FILTER
Removes all particles above 5 micron from the water supply this includes metals and general water sediment.

2ND STAGE

CARBON WATER FILTER
Removes, Herbicides, Pesticides, Trihalomethanes, Chlorine, Organic Chemcals, lead and aluminium.

3RD STAGE

1 MICRON POLYPROPYLENE WATER FILTER
Removes all particles above 1 micron from the water supply this includes any remaining water sediment.

4TH STAGE

MEMBRANE
The membrane creates the finest filtration, the treated water is forced through the membrane and any un-pure water is discarded this is generally around 75 – 80% allowing through just pure filtered ater to enter the pressurised holding tank.

5TH STAGE

IN LINE ACTIVATED CARBON WATER FILTER
The final stage of filtration, Once the faucet is opened the water goes through a final carbon water filter that effectively polishes the water prior to your consumption, creating the purest water that you are ever likely to taste.

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