Know the truth for your water.
Spring is upon us and summer is drawing near, which means warmer temperatures and increased water consumption. It’s also a great season to inspire thoughts of home improvements – including what’s on tap to keep you hydrated and providing your house with better working water. Before you make decisions, understand these top misconceptions of water treatment – so you can choose wisely and healthfully, your water options.
Top ten misconceptions debunked:
10. Off-the-shelf water filters remove all of my water quality concerns including bacteria.
False. Most filters are carbon based and designed to remove odors and improve the taste. For example, it doesn’t remove chlorine, filters just mask it. Plus, water filters filter. They don’t purify. If you read the fine print on a Brita box it says, “This Brita Water Filter is not intended to purify water.” And a variety of other filters use a disclaimer as such, “If your water is microbiologically unsafe do not use this filter.” Microbiologically means there is bacteria, cysts, mold, or some organism growing in the water. Hence, that water filter will not remove any of this. Try again.
9. Bottled water is a safe solution.
False. The environmental impact of bottled water has escalated to over 60 million plastic bottles being thrown into the garbage can each day in the United States alone. And, it takes plastic bottles at least 450 years to decompose. Not only are plastic water bottles unsafe for the environment, there are three health-damaging types of chemicals commonly found in these plastic bottles: Bisphenol A (BPA), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Phthalates. Plastic water bottles can leech these chemicals. The fact also is that many bottled water companies we think provide water from natural springs or glaciers or whatever the label may boast actually get their water from the same public water system that runs through the kitchen tap.
Read more on bottled water – https://gordonbroswater.com/blog/is-bottled-water-really-better-than-tap/
8. Boiling water is a safe solution.
False. Properly boiled water will reduce some contaminates, like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. However, other contaminants, like lead and nitrites, will actually increase in concentration through the boiling process.
7. Chlorine or Chloramine is enough.
False. Chlorine and chloramine remain the primary disinfectants in the majority of municipalities in the United States because of their effectiveness and low cost. The downside to the use of these disinfectants is the resulting cocktail of by-products (DBPs) that form when they added to the water supply. DBPs are associated with multiple cancers and liver and kidney problems. In addition, when a municipality switches over to a chloramine-based system, it can be far more corrosive than chlorine-treated water. In turn, this may affect your household pipes as well.
Learn more about chlorine and chloramine – https://gordonbroswater.com/blog/chloramine-the-second-disinfectant/
6. Water softeners are the answer to whole home water problems.
False. Hard water contains a high mineral count which can cause soap scum in the tub, soapy build up on dishes and glasses, scale build up in pipes and appliances, itchy, irritated skin, dull, dry hair, and scratchy clothes. The best way to treat hard water is with a water softener. However, there are many other water problems that require additional treatments, such as bad smells, bad tastes, rust stains, and acid corrosion, to list a few.
5. Softening, filtering, and purifying: It’s all the same.
False. Softening is the best way to treat that hard working-water in your home. This is the water for cooking, bathing, doing dishes, and other household chores. Water softeners eradicate iron and dissolved rock in your water. Filters can be likened to running water through a screen or something more easily identifiable, a coffee filter. The desired coffee comes out and into your mug, yet the unwanted particulate remains in the filter itself. Water filters will remove particulate visible to the naked eye as well as absorb bad odors and tastes. Purifying steps beyond filtering water in that it virtually removes up to 99.9% of all contaminants. This is the process that only leaves H2O molecules behind. There is a definite difference.
4. Removing dissolved solids from water will deprive the body of healthy nutrients.
False. When we have dissolved solids in our water, ranging from calcium to magnesium to silver and so forth, we can’t know their purity. The potency of the elements in your water supply are also in question because they may be by-products due to factors like aging plumbing, chemical treatments, as well as frequency of water usage in the individual home. Plus, other natural contaminants make it through. More notable, many of these elements are in an inorganic form that cannot be digested the same way we get nutrients from foods.
3. Softened water leaves a film on your skin because something has been added to your water.
False. When you bathe or wash in water that is not softened, your raw working-water, your skin naturally absorbs anything that comes across it. Skin is very porous and hard water gets absorbed preventing the natural oils from coming to the surface. Skin will have a hard time breathing. Therefore, it may become dry and irritated. When you soften your water, in reality, there may be a small amount of salt added. But the amount is so miniscule that you will not feel, taste, or experience it in any way. In fact, your skin will be more smooth, soft, and silky because you won’t have that hard water build up covering your pores. That may be what you’re feeling!
2. Installing water treatment systems is not cost effective.
False. If you install a water softening system that operates off your usage you will notice very little change to your water utility bill. In fact, you may experience a savings from the improved water efficiency. This includes longer quality of life for your appliances. Plus, you can save by using less cleaning products and detergents. And if you normally purchase bottled water, over time, spend less on those bottles and drink the water straight from your tap. Now that’s refreshing,
Understand water treatment savings – https://gordonbroswater.com/blog/the-hidden-savings-just-in-time/
1. My water problems can’t be fixed.
False. Contrary to common belief, no matter your water problem, there is technology out there to diagnose and remedy your specific issue. Let’s face it, anyone who has done their research online, has found a plethora of options out there. You just need to know what is right for your specific needs and not the needs of your neighbors. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but truly, there is a remedy.
The first question you need to ask is – have you had your water tested? With no obligation or cost to you, Gordon Bros. Water is happy to come out and test your water at your convenience. We will give you the best answer on how we can help your unique situation and a FREE estimate to boot. Despite seemingly impossible water quality issues, let Gordon Bros. assess your situation to get the best water on tap. We have expert water analysts who have been part of our team for decades and truly understand the industry as well as individualized water quality concerns. Water treatment does not have to be daunting or scary. We are here to help you take the first step to learn more about your water. We’ve been serving the tri state area since 1945 and we will continue to be here for you, so give us at call today at 800-331-7611 or visit https://gordonbroswater.com to learn more.