Glossary of Terms and water compounds
MICROBIOLOGY
The government of British Columbia states that microbiological testing is the highest priority. This is especially the case for homeowners with a well or a private drinking water source.
Total Coliforms
These include bacteria found in soil, surface water, and the intestinal tracts of animals. Finding total coliforms in a well may not mean that the water is unsafe to drink, but does indicate that the well may require improved sanitation or physical upgrades. Alternatively, the well may be subject to surface contamination.
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
E.coli originates in the intestinal tracts of animals. The presence of E. coli in your well water may mean fecal matter has entered the well. Fecal organisms cause stomach and intestinal illnesses, including diarrhea and nausea, and may even lead to death. Babies, children, elderly or people with immune deficiencies or other illnesses may be affected more severely.
The government of British Columbia states that microbiological testing is the highest priority. This is especially the case for homeowners with a well or a private drinking water source.
Total Coliforms
These include bacteria found in soil, surface water, and the intestinal tracts of animals. Finding total coliforms in a well may not mean that the water is unsafe to drink, but does indicate that the well may require improved sanitation or physical upgrades. Alternatively, the well may be subject to surface contamination.
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
E.coli originates in the intestinal tracts of animals. The presence of E. coli in your well water may mean fecal matter has entered the well. Fecal organisms cause stomach and intestinal illnesses, including diarrhea and nausea, and may even lead to death. Babies, children, elderly or people with immune deficiencies or other illnesses may be affected more severely.
METALS
Since well water comes from underground, different metals in the soil and rock can leach into the water. Some metals, such as arsenic can have serious and long-term health effects if they are found in high concentrations. Other metals such as lead and copper can also leach out of pipes and soldered joints. For some, but not all metals, you may notice taste, odor, or staining of fixtures.
Arsenic
Arsenic is one of the more dangerous water contaminants because it is both odourless and tasteless, becoming more toxic over time. A naturally occurring mineral element, arsenic is primarily found in conjunction with sulfur and heavy metals. Consumption of food and water are the major sources of arsenic exposure. Exposure can come from industrial sources as well. An arsenic test is common for people using a private water source. This is because wells are more susceptible to pollutants from weathering and surface arsenic-related pollutants are easily distributed by rain and snow weathering the ground.
Copper
Even though copper poisoning from water is rare, it does happen. People who drink from well water are at a higher risk for copper poisoning because their water isn’t as regulated as a public system. Copper contamination usually occurs from corrosion in the water delivery system. Copper piping and fittings are widely used in household plumbing. The longer water has stood idle in the pipes, the more copper it is likely to have absorbed. Newer homes with copper pipes are more likely to have this problem because these pipes haven’t developed a coating to help insulate the water passing through. Short-term exposure to high levels of copper can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure and severe cases of copper poisoning can cause anemia and disrupt liver and kidney functions.
Iron
Iron in water can cause real damage throughout your home – appliances begin to wear down over time, and limescale buildup and mineral deposits slow down their efficiency, requiring more energy to run. One of the most obvious signs that you may have dissolved iron in your water is its “hardness.” Besides the way hard water can leave your skin feeling – rough and scaly – and the way it may taste – slightly metallic – you might also notice rust-colored stains on fixtures and in sinks, or scale buildup in plumbing.
Look for these signs around your home that can indicate iron in your water:
While you can spot treat iron in your water chemically, the most common and effective way to address this problem is with a water softener or filtration system.
Softeners and filters work by removing dissolved solids, like iron, calcium, and magnesium, that make water “hard.” This process varies between filters and softeners, but typically uses a resin bed that traps harder minerals and trades them out for another, softer substance, usually sodium. What’s left is cleaner, better-tasting water that works harder around your home.
Lead
Lead is a neurotoxin, a carcinogen, and a heavy metal that bioaccumulates in the body. Children and pregnant mothers are the most vulnerable since even extremely low levels of exposure are toxic and very difficult to eliminate. Lead gets into the water most commonly from the corrosion of plumbing parts. In general, homes built before 1986 are more likely to have plumbing components containing lead, though that doesn’t exclude newer construction since federal regulations governing acceptable lead levels have fluctuated over the years. As well, it was common for older houses to use paint with lead inside it. Levels of lead in drinking water and tap systems can often pass unnoticed, as it is virtually undetectable to the senses. If you suspect your water is contaminated with lead, start using bottled water for drinking and cooking.
Since well water comes from underground, different metals in the soil and rock can leach into the water. Some metals, such as arsenic can have serious and long-term health effects if they are found in high concentrations. Other metals such as lead and copper can also leach out of pipes and soldered joints. For some, but not all metals, you may notice taste, odor, or staining of fixtures.
Arsenic
Arsenic is one of the more dangerous water contaminants because it is both odourless and tasteless, becoming more toxic over time. A naturally occurring mineral element, arsenic is primarily found in conjunction with sulfur and heavy metals. Consumption of food and water are the major sources of arsenic exposure. Exposure can come from industrial sources as well. An arsenic test is common for people using a private water source. This is because wells are more susceptible to pollutants from weathering and surface arsenic-related pollutants are easily distributed by rain and snow weathering the ground.
Copper
Even though copper poisoning from water is rare, it does happen. People who drink from well water are at a higher risk for copper poisoning because their water isn’t as regulated as a public system. Copper contamination usually occurs from corrosion in the water delivery system. Copper piping and fittings are widely used in household plumbing. The longer water has stood idle in the pipes, the more copper it is likely to have absorbed. Newer homes with copper pipes are more likely to have this problem because these pipes haven’t developed a coating to help insulate the water passing through. Short-term exposure to high levels of copper can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure and severe cases of copper poisoning can cause anemia and disrupt liver and kidney functions.
Iron
Iron in water can cause real damage throughout your home – appliances begin to wear down over time, and limescale buildup and mineral deposits slow down their efficiency, requiring more energy to run. One of the most obvious signs that you may have dissolved iron in your water is its “hardness.” Besides the way hard water can leave your skin feeling – rough and scaly – and the way it may taste – slightly metallic – you might also notice rust-colored stains on fixtures and in sinks, or scale buildup in plumbing.
Look for these signs around your home that can indicate iron in your water:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Dull hair
- Worn, scratchy clothes
- Limescale or other buildup around drains, faucets, and fixtures
- Water that takes time, and a lot of soap, to lather
- Rust-colored stains in sinks and tubs
While you can spot treat iron in your water chemically, the most common and effective way to address this problem is with a water softener or filtration system.
Softeners and filters work by removing dissolved solids, like iron, calcium, and magnesium, that make water “hard.” This process varies between filters and softeners, but typically uses a resin bed that traps harder minerals and trades them out for another, softer substance, usually sodium. What’s left is cleaner, better-tasting water that works harder around your home.
Lead
Lead is a neurotoxin, a carcinogen, and a heavy metal that bioaccumulates in the body. Children and pregnant mothers are the most vulnerable since even extremely low levels of exposure are toxic and very difficult to eliminate. Lead gets into the water most commonly from the corrosion of plumbing parts. In general, homes built before 1986 are more likely to have plumbing components containing lead, though that doesn’t exclude newer construction since federal regulations governing acceptable lead levels have fluctuated over the years. As well, it was common for older houses to use paint with lead inside it. Levels of lead in drinking water and tap systems can often pass unnoticed, as it is virtually undetectable to the senses. If you suspect your water is contaminated with lead, start using bottled water for drinking and cooking.
CHEMISTRY AND COMMON PARAMETERS
These are the most common parameters included with our packages - generally, these are for the physical characteristics of the water.
Alkalinity
Total Alkalinity is the measurement of the water’s ability to resist a change in pH. Measuring alkalinity is important for determining ability to neutralize acids. Also known as the water’s capacity to resist changes in pH that could make water more acidic.
Chlorine
Chlorine has been used to disinfect water for almost a century because of its incredible ability to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. In water, chlorine reacts to form hypochlorous acid and hypochlorites and could be potentially harmful if consumed.
Conductivity
Impurities in the water can affect the water’s ability to conduct electricity. Pure, distilled water is a poor conductor of electricity. When salts and other inorganic chemicals dissolve in water, they break into tiny, electrically charged particles called ions. Ions increase the water’s ability to conduct electricity. Common ions in water that conduct electrical current well include sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium.
Fluoride
Fluoride occurs naturally in the environment and in groundwater. At low levels, fluoride helps clean teeth and reduce the chance of dental cavities, but at high concentrations of exposure, it can cause dental fluorosis: yellowing of teeth, pitting and alteration of tooth enamel.
Hardness
Hardness in water is caused by dissolved calcium, magnesium, and mineral ions which makes a significant concentration. Hardness in the water can cause scaling in pipes and water heaters, which can cause energy loss in your home’s water system, such as boilers, cooling systems, plumbing, and heating appliances. This causes excessive soap consumption and scaling.
Nitrate / Nitrites
Usually introduced into groundwater by leaching of chemical fertilizers, animal manure, or groundwater pollution from septic or sewage discharge. Nitrates in water can adversely affect certain populations, like young children and the elderly, and are next to impossible to identify in water without a test. The health concern tied to nitrates is how they can harm infants by reducing the efficiency of oxygen transfer in blood. Nitrates are also commonly used to cure meats, and can often be found in packaged and prepared foods, however these levels are often minimal and generally do not contribute to problems experienced by nitrates in water. The Government of BC recommends well owners to test for Nitrates/Nitrites in their well on an annual basis.
pH
Stands for the “power of hydrogen”. It measures how acidic/basic the water is. A pH of less than 7 indicates acidity, where pH above 7 says its basic, or alkaline. Since pH can be affected by chemicals in the water, pH is an important indicator of water that is chemically changing. Pollution can change a water’s pH, which in turn can harm plants and animals that live in or depend on the water.
Sulfide
Two forms of sulphur are commonly found in drinking water: sulphate and hydrogen sulfide. Sulfate minerals can cause scale to build up in water pipes, similar to other minerals and may be associated with a bitter taste in water that can have a laxative effect on humans and young livestock. Hydrogen Sulfide gas produces a “rotten egg” or “sulphur water” odour and taste in the water. While hydrogen sulfide content and sulfur bacteria in water is not inherently dangerous, few would argue it’s pleasant. Sulfur in your water can also create slime that results in the growth of other bacteria, like iron bacteria, in water. The nuisance associated with hydrogen sulfide includes its corrosiveness to metals such as iron, steel, copper, and brass. It can tarnish silverware and discolor copper and brass utensils. Also, sulfide can cause yellow or black stains on kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
Temperature
Temperature affects the dissolved oxygen levels in water, the rate of photosynthesis, metabolic rates of organisms, etc. Aquatic organisms depend on particular temperature ranges for their health. Each species of organism thrives in a specific temperature range, and many animals use temperature as a signal for when to reproduce and when to migrate. If there is an abnormality in temperature this can disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems with devastating effect. Water temperature also impacts water density; differences in water temperature and density can cause stratification.
Total Dissolved Solids
Total dissolved solids (TDS) exist in water naturally after it filters through bedrock and soil. Although a certain amount in water is normal, problems start when levels of TDS increase beyond what would accumulate naturally. Water is a good solvent and picks up substances easily. Dissolved solids refer to any minerals, salts, metals, cations or anions dissolved in water. Total dissolved solids are comprised of inorganic salts and some small amount of organic matter that dissolve in the water.
Total dissolved solids can appear as discoloration in water, or you may notice these other symptoms:
Turbidity
Turbidity assesses suspended particulate in the water. These particles, or suspended solids, can contain bacteria and viruses. Some particles are large enough and heavy enough to eventually settle to the bottom of a container if the sample is left still. Health risks increase as turbidity rises.
Water Filtration
Most water filters work by passing contaminated water through multiple layers of media, like carbon filters and our unique media filters that trap hydrogen sulfide and other offensive chemicals. Each media layer is targeted toward a particular size or specific particle of dissolved substance, so what remains is water that’s cleaner, better tasting, and easier on your home.
These are the most common parameters included with our packages - generally, these are for the physical characteristics of the water.
Alkalinity
Total Alkalinity is the measurement of the water’s ability to resist a change in pH. Measuring alkalinity is important for determining ability to neutralize acids. Also known as the water’s capacity to resist changes in pH that could make water more acidic.
Chlorine
Chlorine has been used to disinfect water for almost a century because of its incredible ability to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. In water, chlorine reacts to form hypochlorous acid and hypochlorites and could be potentially harmful if consumed.
Conductivity
Impurities in the water can affect the water’s ability to conduct electricity. Pure, distilled water is a poor conductor of electricity. When salts and other inorganic chemicals dissolve in water, they break into tiny, electrically charged particles called ions. Ions increase the water’s ability to conduct electricity. Common ions in water that conduct electrical current well include sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium.
Fluoride
Fluoride occurs naturally in the environment and in groundwater. At low levels, fluoride helps clean teeth and reduce the chance of dental cavities, but at high concentrations of exposure, it can cause dental fluorosis: yellowing of teeth, pitting and alteration of tooth enamel.
Hardness
Hardness in water is caused by dissolved calcium, magnesium, and mineral ions which makes a significant concentration. Hardness in the water can cause scaling in pipes and water heaters, which can cause energy loss in your home’s water system, such as boilers, cooling systems, plumbing, and heating appliances. This causes excessive soap consumption and scaling.
Nitrate / Nitrites
Usually introduced into groundwater by leaching of chemical fertilizers, animal manure, or groundwater pollution from septic or sewage discharge. Nitrates in water can adversely affect certain populations, like young children and the elderly, and are next to impossible to identify in water without a test. The health concern tied to nitrates is how they can harm infants by reducing the efficiency of oxygen transfer in blood. Nitrates are also commonly used to cure meats, and can often be found in packaged and prepared foods, however these levels are often minimal and generally do not contribute to problems experienced by nitrates in water. The Government of BC recommends well owners to test for Nitrates/Nitrites in their well on an annual basis.
pH
Stands for the “power of hydrogen”. It measures how acidic/basic the water is. A pH of less than 7 indicates acidity, where pH above 7 says its basic, or alkaline. Since pH can be affected by chemicals in the water, pH is an important indicator of water that is chemically changing. Pollution can change a water’s pH, which in turn can harm plants and animals that live in or depend on the water.
Sulfide
Two forms of sulphur are commonly found in drinking water: sulphate and hydrogen sulfide. Sulfate minerals can cause scale to build up in water pipes, similar to other minerals and may be associated with a bitter taste in water that can have a laxative effect on humans and young livestock. Hydrogen Sulfide gas produces a “rotten egg” or “sulphur water” odour and taste in the water. While hydrogen sulfide content and sulfur bacteria in water is not inherently dangerous, few would argue it’s pleasant. Sulfur in your water can also create slime that results in the growth of other bacteria, like iron bacteria, in water. The nuisance associated with hydrogen sulfide includes its corrosiveness to metals such as iron, steel, copper, and brass. It can tarnish silverware and discolor copper and brass utensils. Also, sulfide can cause yellow or black stains on kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
Temperature
Temperature affects the dissolved oxygen levels in water, the rate of photosynthesis, metabolic rates of organisms, etc. Aquatic organisms depend on particular temperature ranges for their health. Each species of organism thrives in a specific temperature range, and many animals use temperature as a signal for when to reproduce and when to migrate. If there is an abnormality in temperature this can disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems with devastating effect. Water temperature also impacts water density; differences in water temperature and density can cause stratification.
Total Dissolved Solids
Total dissolved solids (TDS) exist in water naturally after it filters through bedrock and soil. Although a certain amount in water is normal, problems start when levels of TDS increase beyond what would accumulate naturally. Water is a good solvent and picks up substances easily. Dissolved solids refer to any minerals, salts, metals, cations or anions dissolved in water. Total dissolved solids are comprised of inorganic salts and some small amount of organic matter that dissolve in the water.
Total dissolved solids can appear as discoloration in water, or you may notice these other symptoms:
- Cloudy, turbid appearance
- Salty, bitter, or metallic taste
- Corroded pipes or fixtures
- Shorter appliance lifespan
Turbidity
Turbidity assesses suspended particulate in the water. These particles, or suspended solids, can contain bacteria and viruses. Some particles are large enough and heavy enough to eventually settle to the bottom of a container if the sample is left still. Health risks increase as turbidity rises.
Water Filtration
Most water filters work by passing contaminated water through multiple layers of media, like carbon filters and our unique media filters that trap hydrogen sulfide and other offensive chemicals. Each media layer is targeted toward a particular size or specific particle of dissolved substance, so what remains is water that’s cleaner, better tasting, and easier on your home.
